Law360 Names Arnold & Porter 'Pro Bono Firm of 2013'
Arnold & Porter LLP has been recognized by Law360 as one of the "Top 20" pro bono law firms in the country for having "burnished a reputation for fighting for those who can't fight for themselves," as well as for its notable victories for indigent clients during the previous year. Law360 drew special attention to the firm's spearheading recent lawsuits across the country to preserve the constitutional rights of the poor, the mentally ill, and the disenfranchised.
Law360 noted in an August 27 feature story that Arnold & Porter "consistently ranks" among the firms devoting the most hours to pro bono matters each year.
The publication cited the firm's substantial commitment to two significant matters: the pending class action in Colorado against the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which alleges that the maximum security prison has severely mentally ill inmates who are not receiving proper psychiatric and medical treatments in violation of their Eighth Amendment rights, and a closely-watched voting rights lawsuit to overturn Pennsylvania's Voter ID law.
Arnold & Porter's commitment to providing legal service to those who cannot afford an attorney was also highlighted by the work of its Appellate and Supreme Court practice. Law360 noted that the firm has taken on "several major pro bono cases" in the appellate courts recently and in June won a case before the Supreme Court where a majority held that the Indian Child Welfare Act did not preclude the firm's clients from adopting a child of Native American heritage whom they had raised since birth.
Along with these large cases, Law360 wrote that firm lawyers are actively involved in a wide range of other pro bono matters in the transactional and litigation areas—such as those involving unemployment insurance, family law, and landlord-tenant disputes.
Managing Partner Richard M. Alexander said: "In the year that we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the firm's role in the landmark Supreme Court decision in Gideon v. Wainwright, we are especially pleased that Law360 has recognized the firm for its longstanding commitment to providing a broad range of pro bono legal services. Going forward, we intend to honor that legacy by continuing our active involvement in a wide range of pro bono matters in all of our offices."