Pro Bono

Leadership. Service. Com

munity.

arent fox llplos angelesnew yorksan franciscowashington, dc

Thank you for your interest in our pro bono efforts.

At Arent Fox, we strive to be smart in your world. To us, this means not only being knowledgeable about an industry or field, but also being cognizant that there are many that are especially vulnerable and need premier legal advice.

Because of this, Arent Fox has actively fostered a community that values pro bono work. This emphasis began with our firm’s founding in 1942, due to our founding partners’ work in support of pro-civil rights laws. Our attorneys continue this institutional legacy today through their work with many organizations, including the DC Affordable Law Firm, Equal Justice Works, and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Their efforts have helped many gain greater access to legal representation.

Thank you again for your interest in our pro bono efforts. We are immensely proud of the pro bono work this firm has done and will continue to do.

Mark M. KatzChairman

A Message from Our Chairman

“At Arent Fox, we strive to be smart in your world.”

Mark M. Katz Chairman

MissionPublic service is a pillar of our firm and fundamental to the practice of law.

AwardsEach year, Arent Fox recognizes Partners, Associates, and legal professionals who perform outstanding contributions to public service.

LeadershipOur strong roots in pro bono work inspire our attorneys to believe in a vision, make things happen, and do what it takes to see it through.

ServiceOur attorneys dedicate their efforts to matters that range from one day issues to long-term arrangements that span years and require hundreds of hours.

CommunityOur commitment to our communities goes well beyond legal work.

Looking ForwardWhat’s next for AFProBono?

06

07

22

23

27

32

Standout Service Knows No Borders

Women Empowering Women

Fighting for a Healthy CHANGE

Fiat Justitia Ruat Cælum

A Bounty Hunter Under Fire

11

13

151719

Features

Contents

7

Looking Back at 2017

Marc L. Fleischaker AwardFor Notable Work by Partners & Counsel

Allan E. Anderson, PartnerJon S. Bouker, PartnerD. Jacques Smith, PartnerJackson David Toof, PartnerRichard J. Webber, Partner

Albert E. Arent Award

For Notable Work by Associates & Staff

Niani Cobb-Phillips, Senior Paralegal Michael F. Dearington, AssociateGabriella Del Gandio, Senior Paralegal Grace Y. Du, AssociateCesar A. Francia, AssociateKirsten A. Hart, AssociateEmily M. Leongini, AssociateAlexandra M. Romero, AssociateKaren Van Essen, AssociateCynthia Weiss, AssociateRachel M. Witriol, AssociateLaura Zell, Associate

Award Winners

250+ Hours

Jon BoukerMarc L. FleischakerCesar A. FranciaJames H. HulmeBernice K. LeberRalph A. Taylor, Jr. Karen Van Essen

150–249 Hours

Alison Lima AndersenTaniel E. AndersonCarolyn M. AustinHunter T. CarterAbigail M. KaganEmily M. LeonginiRichard A. NewmanNancy A. NoonanWarren C. Seay, Jr.Richard J. WebberRachel M. Witriol

50–149 Hours

Ismael Bautista, Jr.Jimeelah BerrymanAlexander S. BirkholdAdam D. BowserMeera ChandramouliRoger O. ChaoWilliam R. CharykLianne E. ChildressJacob M. ChristensenJill CloughNiani Cobb-PhillipsSylvia G. CostelloeMichael F. DearingtonPamela M. DeeseGabriella Del GandioJason DenaburgMark DreuxDavid L. DubrowAndrew J. DykensMohammed T. FarooquiBarnabas T. FeketeM. Douglas FlahautJoshua FowkesBradford C. FreseWesley T. GeeMichele L. GippDavid S. GreenbergClaudia D. HartlebenDouglas E. Hewlett, Jr.Les JacobowitzAman Kakar

Susan S. KleimanRichard J. KraininViviana S. LachmundNicholas J. LawsonGerard LevalB. Thorne MaginnisAlex P. ManningDonald B. MitchellDonna MoHenry MorrisMatthew NolanAlexander S. OsterlindKaren E. ReyesAlexandra M. RomeroR. Erica RoqueKelli Scheid SmithBrian D. SchneiderSara T. SchneiderAnkit ShrivastavaD. Jacques SmithHillary M. StempleRandall I. StemplerMichael L. StevensAsra SyedJackson D. ToofBarbara S. WahlCynthia M. WeissRachel E. YountTemitope K. YusufLaura E. Zell

Pro Bono Honor Roll

245 Pro Bono Matters

16,800 Pro Bono Hours

335 Attorneys & ParalegalsMissionLawyers have a special obligation to the administration of justice. Arent Fox believes that community service and pro bono publico work are integral to the practice of law and the firm has made it a priority to give a voice to those who otherwise might not be heard.

Over the years, our attorneys and staff have contributed hundreds of thousands of hours, while ensuring the firm remains at the forefront of the private bar’s effort to address unequal access to legal representation.

FeaturesArent Fox has faced the critical issues and challenges of today head-on, while giving a voice to those who otherwise might not be heard. These are the stories that have transformedlives and communities.

11

Arent Fox recognizes Partner Richard Webber for his long-term work on behalf of the Capital Area Immigrant Rights Coalition. Rick has specialized in representing multiple youth clients on immigration matters to obtain for them Special Juvenile Immigrant Status and permanent residency. These detained children have often already faced the loss of family members, gang violence in their native countries, and victimization during their journey to the US, and then must navigate US law enforcement and legal options. CAIR Coalition has previously honored Rick’s and other Arent Fox attorneys’ work with the Detained Children’s Champion Award for outstanding pro bono service to juvenile detainees. In 2017, Rick (with help from Bradford Frese) acted as a court-appointed guardian ad litem for a child whose parents each sought sole custody, alleging that the other was unfit; and argued in the Board of Veterans Appeals on behalf of a disabled veteran. Cesar Francia played a key role in several pro bono matters in 2017, including representing non-citizens in asylum proceedings and in immigration court through the CAIR Coalition, incorporating a 501(c)(3) that assists Syrian refugees in their educational pursuits, and advocating for marriage equality in Latin America. Cesar also represents Wuilly Arteaga, a young violinist of extraordinary ability from Venezuela, Cesar’s home country, who became a national symbol of resistance in the struggle against Venezuela’s regime when he began performing during the anti-Maduro protests that lasted 130 days this past summer. With Cesar’s help, Wuilly is currently in the US seeking immigration relief. For several years, Cesar has worked alongside LGBTQ rights organizations and attorneys in Latin America to secure same sex marriage in the region. Cesar leverages both his legal practice and language abilities to submit legal arguments on behalf of organizations that support same sex marriage. NBC Latino 20, which honors achievers who strive to make communities and the US a better place while honoring their heritage, featured Cesar’s fight for equality this year. Cesar was also recently appointed to the Human Rights Law Committee of the International Bar Association, as the Latin America Regional Forum Liaison Officer. Karen Van Essen’s commitment to pro bono service ranges from the local to international level. She was part of an effort to strengthen the judicial process in Afghanistan via the Public Private Partnership for Afghanistan and also assisted with a short educational film on the national process and procedures for bench trials. She has also advised on immigration matters in the US, including representing a woman who fled her home country because her husband was violently abusive. The government contested the client’s application and the immigration court held a full hearing where she was granted asylum. Karen also works on cases involving law enforcement and imprisonment. She serves on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Pro Bono Panel where she reviews cases for appeal. In a recent case, she successfully represented an individual who had brought a civil rights case against the police for false arrest and imprisonment. She has also assisted with Arent Fox’s matters on behalf of the Clemency Project to seek federal sentencing reductions for eligible prisoners.

This year, Arent Fox recognizes Partner Richard Webber and Associates Cesar Francia and Karen Van Essen for pro bono work that consistently goes above and beyond with comprehensive, long-term projects and deep dedication.

Standout Service Knows No Borders

HonoreesRick Webber, PartnerCesar Francia, AssociateKaren Van Essen, Associate

13

In 1978, the US Congress passed the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, an amendment to the sex discrimination section of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Before the Act was passed, there were multiple cases decided by the Supreme Court of the United States on pregnancy discrimination, two of which, Geduldig v. Aiello and General Electric v. Gilbert, were especially influential in establishing the Act.

Almost 40 years after the Act was passed, Arent Fox attorney Rachel Witriol and co-counsel from the New York Legal Assistance Group represented a client who was fired from her job at a restaurant in New York while pregnant with her second child. The client worked for seven years at various restaurants for the company and was hired as a server to help a newly opened restaurant. After the restaurant opening, the client informed the manager and franchise owner that she was pregnant, to which the owner responded that her pregnancy was “no problem” because she was still “small.” The owner asked if the client was comfortable working while she was pregnant and she responded yes. However, at least one manager and some co-workers questioned the client’s ability to effectively do her job.

Weeks after notifying the restaurant’s management about her pregnancy, the client was fired, allegedly over a $4.25 tip that was given to her mistakenly and was meant for a different server. After learning about the misunderstanding, the client immediately returned the tip to the correct server. However, when she tried to explain the mix-up to her manager she was told not to return to work. The manager told her to look on the bright side, that being fired was “actually a

good thing” for her because her “belly was getting too big” and she wouldn’t be able to continue working anyway.

The client brought a claim of pregnancy discrimination to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. When the franchise owner found out about the EEOC charge, he gathered his managers together to falsely claim she had taken a to-go order for herself at the end of her shift and neglected to pay. The franchise owner coerced several employees to make false written statements corroborating his lies. The mistaken tip and to-go order stories became the core of the restaurant’s defense, but were mere pretext for discrimination.

Rachel and the team filed a complaint on the client’s behalf in the Eastern District of New York. After two months of negotiations with opposing counsel, Rachel and the team succeeded in reaching a settlement agreement favorable to the client.

40 years after the Pregnancy Discrimination Act was established, the fight against gender discrimination continues in the workplace.

Women Empowering Women

HonoreeRachel Witriol, Associate

Who We HelpedFranciny Diaz

15

Shortly after his inauguration, President Trump reinstated The Mexico City Policy on January 23, 2017, which blocks a non-governmental organization from receiving US federal family planning assistance funding unless the organizations are able to certify they will not

“perform or actively promote abortion as a method of family planning.”

First enacted during the Ronald Reagan Administration, the policy has been rescinded and reinstated by subsequent administrations along party lines. But where other administrations simply reversed the predecessor’s policy, the new administration has expanded the policy to apply to not only NGOs, but any global health organization that receives US funding.

Family planning assistance accounts for $600 million of the more than $8 billion earmarked for bilateral global health assistance. (US law already bans the use of taxpayer dollars to support abortion services.) Supporters of the policy argue that it will help stop abortions, but research has not shown that to be the case. Access to contraception and family planning leads to lower abortion rates and some studies have shown that the policy can actually increase the number of abortions.

The seismic shift in public health policy sent NGOs and health organizations alike scrambling to understand the enhanced policy and make a choice: accept US family planning funds but be restricted in the information shared with clients, or secure alternative sources of funding.

The Center for Health and Gender Equity tapped Arent Fox to help CHANGE and its allies in the global health community prepare for and respond to the reinstatement of the policy. The initial scope of the work involved researching and analyzing the statutory restrictions imposed on NGOs when the policy is in place. CHANGE then asked for additional assistance to understand the parameters of the recently expanded policy and its impact on CHANGE and partner NGOs and to develop response strategies.

To date, Arent Fox has revised its original memo to reflect the expanded policy; researched and summarized the numerous global health program appropriations that will be impacted by the expanded policy; developed a template letter for NGOs to request exemptions from the policy; and provided support to a coalition of NGOs—led by CHANGE—that are developing legal strategies to respond to the expanded policy. In addition, Arent Fox has hosted women from affected countries and convened a conference with CHANGE to further discuss strategies to combat the expanded rule. The team includes Arent Fox Partner Jon Bouker and Associates Emily Leongini, Cynthia Weiss, and Alexandra Romero.

HonoreesJon Bouker, PartnerEmily Leongini, AssociateAlexandra Romero, AssociateCynthia Weiss, Associate

Who We HelpedCHANGE

A radical shift in public health policy forced NGOs and health organizations to make a choice: accept US family planning funds or secure alternative sources of funding.

Fighting for a Healthy CHANGE

17

When a Navy SEAL was convicted of assault in 2015, it came during a time when the military was facing heightened scrutiny. The conviction of Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Keith Barry (SOCS Barry) seemed like a step in the right direction. That assumes, of course, that the process behind SOCS Barry’s conviction was fair and free from, among other things, undue influence or other improper political pressures.

Subsequent to the conviction, a retired senior Navy officer came forward with revelations that call into question the process behind SOCS Barry’s conviction. In May 2017, Rear Admiral Patrick Lorge (Ret.) (RADM Lorge) filed a declaration with the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. RADM Lorge was the Convening Authority at the time of SOCS Barry’s conviction and statutorily charged with reviewing the findings and sentence in the Barry case and making a determination of whether to approve or disapprove the findings and/or sentence.

In his declaration, RADM Lorge recalled substantial political pressures and public scrutiny surrounding the handling of assault cases in the military, as well as related discussions he had with the current Judge Advocate General of the Navy regarding SOCS Barry’s case, all of which led him to approve the findings and sentence in the case despite concerns about the sufficiency of the evidence. In submitting his declaration, RADM Lorge sought to put all of the facts before the Court of Appeals as it decided SOCS Barry’s appeal.

In response to RADM Lorge’s declaration, the Court of Appeals ordered a fact-finding hearing on the issue of whether senior civilian and military leaders exerted

“unlawful command influence” over RADM Lorge during the clemency phase of the appeal. Arent Fox represented RADM Lorge pro bono in connection with that hearing to help ensure a fair and just process.

The hearing occurred in September 2017 in Washington, DC. Following the hearing, the trial judge issued a lengthy finding of fact, in which he stated that RADM Lorge was a “credible witness,” and, based largely on RADM Lorge’s declarations and testimony, concluded that “actual or apparent unlawful command influence tainted the final action in this case.”

Following the hearing, the Court of Appeals ordered briefing on the issues raised during the fact-finding hearing. Oral argument on those issues is expected in March 2018. The Arent Fox team includes D. Jacques Smith, Jackson D. Toof, Michael Dearington, and Laura Zell.

This case is of importance to the public interest, as it is critical to maintain a high degree of confidence that our nation’s military operates in accordance with principles of due process and justice, and that it is insulated from improper political influence or interference. Arent Fox supports RADM Lorge as he seeks to right a wrong and restore confidence in our military justice system.

Let Justice Be Done Though the Heavens Fall: A retired Rear Admiral seeks to right a wrong and restore confidence in our military justice system.

Fiat JustitiaRuat Cælum

HonoreesD. Jacques Smith, PartnerJackson D. Toof, PartnerMichael Dearington, AssociateLaura Zell, Associate

Who We HelpedRADM Lorge

19

Jay Soriano is a fugitive recovery agent, or bounty hunter, with a career spanning 30 years. During a recent case, a convicted felon fled her sentencing hearing and became a plaintiff against Mr. Soriano, who faced the matter with no representation, insurance, or bond coverage. Partner Allan Anderson initially learned about Mr. Soriano after meeting him through a mutual connection and Arent Fox took on the challenge of this unconventional pro bono client.

The fugitive, who became the plaintiff in this matter, bolted after she was convicted of felony theft in the misappropriation of $25,000 from a church member for a real estate scam. Mr. Soriano tracked her down in Palm Springs where she was hiding under an assumed name, and presented her to the Los Angeles County Sheriff for incarceration. The plaintiff, represented by one of the larger plaintiffs firms in Los Angeles, then filed a civil rights lawsuit against the county and bail bondsman, which eventually called for Mr. Soriano’s deposition. Mr. Soriano was deposed without counsel and was subsequently named in the suit for wrist injuries due to the handcuffs, as well as attempted assault.

Mr. Soriano, despite decades of work as a bounty hunter, had no viable assets and no liability coverage on his automobile policy. His employer, the bail bondsman, was also in a strained financial situation and did not bond his business, so he was only able to retain an attorney for limited representation. Accordingly, despite Arent Fox’s attempts, the tender of defense to the employer was rejected. At the time, Mr. Soriano was the sole party without counsel in this case. During his deposition without counsel, Mr. Soriano made prejudicial and irrelevant admissions that would not have been disclosed if he had representation, a situation which his Arent Fox team felt was unjust.

Mr. Soriano’s career hung in the balance in this case – a finding against him in trial would have precluded him from obtaining employment as an official law enforcement officer, which was his ultimate objective. The Arent Fox team, led by Allan and with support from Grace Du, Kirsten Hart, and Niani Cobb-Phillips, settled the case just before trial with a favorable result on behalf of Mr. Soriano.

An unusual client reveals how some of the toughest workers can be the most vulnerable to legal action.

A Bounty Hunter Under Fire

HonoreesAllan Anderson, PartnerGrace Du, AssociateKirsten Hart, AssociateNiani Cobb-Phillips, Senior Paralegal

Who We HelpedJuan “Jay” Soriano

Our PillarsArent Fox’s contributions in legal service to disenfranchised and disadvantaged individuals set us apart. Our attorneys are steadfast in their involvement, regardless of whether it is a one day commitment or a long term matter that spans years and clocks hundreds of hours.

23

Sister Cities of Los Angeles Advisory Board AppointmentPartner Jeffrey R. Makin was appointed to the Advisory Board of Sister Cities of Los Angeles, which is one of the firm’s pro bono clients. SCOLA is a diplomatic platform for the City of Los Angeles that seeks to promote cooperation and direct engagement with its global partners on issues of mutual interest, particularly around business and commerce, tourism, education, and culture.

As the leading diplomatic organization of Los Angeles, SCOLA facilitates and builds important global relationships that support the city and region’s urban agenda.

American Bar Association Standing Committee on the Federal JudiciaryThe president of the American Bar Association appointed Partner Ralph A. Taylor, Jr. to serve as one of 15 members of the ABA Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary. The Committee’s mission is to impartially and independently evaluate, at the request of the White House, the integrity, professional competence, and judicial temperament of all candidates or potential candidates for vacancies on the federal bench (including all district courts, courts of appeals, and the Supreme Court).

The Committee’s work is confidential and is only shared with President Trump when the president formally proposes the candidate for a judicial position. At that time, the Committee will convey its evaluation of that candidate to the Senate Judiciary Committee and the US Department of Justice.

Inner City Law Center Board ServicePartner Terree Bowers has served as a Member of the Board for the Inner City Law Center since 2005. ICLC is a well-known local charity in Los Angeles that provides legal services for low-income tenants, working poor families, immigrants, people who are living with HIV/AIDS or are disabled, and veterans. ICLC is recognized for its expertise in housing issues, veterans’ benefits, and homelessness prevention.

National Hispanic Institute Conference DirectorAssociate Claudia D. Hartleben served as an Educational Director for the National Hispanic Institute’s 2017 Northeast Great Debate. Each Great Debate conference hosts between 150-300 students and discusses complex themes that are important to the growth and leadership supply of the Latino community.

NHI’s goal is for youth to increase their capacity to express thought, respond to intellectual challenge, work in organized endeavors and compete against their top peers. Beyond learning about important community issues, conference participants gain a support network of NHI alumni, including education directors, mentors, and coaches.

LeadershipDC Affordable Law Firm UpdateThe DC Affordable Law Firm has started its third successful year as an Arent Fox tenant.

DCALF is a joint venture organized by Arent Fox, Georgetown Law Center and DLA Piper law firm. Each year, six lawyers are selected from the graduating class to participate in a fellowship program/law firm. Beginning in September, they participate in an intensive three month training program taught by Georgetown professors and legal practitioners with law firms and legal service organizations in the District of Columbia.

Following the training program, they spend a year as lawyers with DCALF. At the end of the year, the young lawyers have a tremendous range of experience and move on to the next phase of their careers. In addition, they receive a Master of Laws in Advocacy degree from Georgetown. DCALF is a tax exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, one of the first law firms that charges fees to receive that designation.

Clients are individuals living or working in the District who make too much money to receive free legal services from organizations such as Legal Aid, but not enough money to afford the fees that lawyers normally charge.

They generally earn 200-400 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, and are charged $75 per hour. “Only five to 10 percent of the parties in DC Superior Court cases are represented by counsel. This number demonstrates the large gap between those who quality for legal aid and those who can afford an attorney,” explained Marc L. Fleischaker.

DCALF has a broad range of practices, but focuses primarily on family law, housing law and immigration law, areas in which individuals would likely be without legal counsel without the help of a law firm like DCALF. The lawyers are in Superior Court on a very regular basis, and get tremendous experience in litigation, counseling, and negotiations. They also represent small businesses in the District working in distressed neighborhoods.

Now in its third year, DCALF has had 18 lawyers and has represented more than 250 clients. The firm has a high rate of success, and is widely respected and appreciated among the Superior Court bench, and in the local legal community. In addition, the DCALF model is being studied throughout the country, with efforts to emulate its structure and success starting in many cities.

Marc Fleischaker served as Executive Director of DCALF in 2017, and is now Chair of the Board of Directors. Other Arent Fox Board Members are Partners Nancy Noonan and Jeff Jordan. More than a dozen additional Arent Fox lawyers serve as mentors for the DCALF lawyers, and help on cases being handled by DCALF.

Service

The New DCALF TeamJulia Ward, Jessica Den Houter, Nadine Williams, Jenadee Nanini, Johanna Schmidt, and Nasser Siadat are pictured with Executive Director Sheldon Krantz. They are joined by supervisory lawyers Richard Kelly, Caroline Fehr, and Kelley Hughes, all of whom have already spent a year with DCALF. Rebecca Willman is a legal assistant and Holly Pannullo is the Administrative Assistant.

25

Pro Bono Partnership with UberArent Fox proudly partners with Uber Technologies, Inc. to support Equal Justice Works. Equal Justice Works is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a just society by mobilizing the next generation of lawyers committed to equal justice. The Equal Justice Works Fellowships programs fund hundreds of public interest attorneys each year to close the justice gap on issues such as foreclosure, community economic development, immigration, civil rights, homelessness, access to healthcare, and domestic violence.

Together, Arent Fox and Uber sponsor Molly Cohen, the firm’s first Equal Justice Works Fellow. Molly works with transgender sex trafficking victims through the Urban Justice Center: Sex Workers Project in New York, NY. Transgender immigrant trafficking survivors in New York endure many forms of discrimination and are particularly unlikely to seek legal aid due to institutional barriers of immigration status and sex work criminalization. Molly’s project seeks to overcome marginalization to provide holistic legal services and pursue justice for transgender immigrant survivors.

The anti-trafficking movement is a meaningful cause to Uber. Since 2015, the company has worked with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, ECPAT-USA, and The McCain Institute to develop resources for all US Uber drivers to help identify and report human trafficking. “Human trafficking often affects the most vulnerable in our communities, and we feel a social responsibility to use our resources to help those victims,” said Mateo Sanchez, Head of Global Legal Operations at Uber. “Arent Fox is grateful for this opportunity to partner with a valued firm client on an important social justice initiative,” Partner Jon Bouker commented. “We hope that our collaboration with Uber will encourage additional pro bono projects between Arent Fox and firm clients in the future.”Numerous Arent Fox attorneys and staff provide critical pro bono assistance to Molly and Equal Justice Works, including Associates Emily Leongini, Matthew Stone, Ismael Bautista, Jr., Michele Gipp, and Nicholas Lawson, and Patent Agent Barnabas Fekete.

Fighting for Housing RightsOn January 18, 2017, Arent Fox launched a new pro bono effort to support the DC Bar’s Landlord Tenant Resource Center. The LTRC provides free legal information to landlords and tenants involved in residential housing disputes, particularly tenants seeking information on their options to challenge eviction.

The DC Superior Court’s landlord and tenant branch – known as “eviction court” – processes 35,000–40,000 cases each year. Since 2014, the number of eviction lawsuits has risen by 10 percent, spurred by an increase in landlords alleging delinquent rent payments of less than $100. Over 99% of tenants sued have no legal representation, rendering them highly susceptible to negative outcomes regardless of the facts and merit of their cases. Every four weeks, a team of three Arent Fox attorneys and one paralegal staff the LTRC, counseling as many pro se litigants as possible, almost all of whom have hearings that day. In total, 27 different Arent Fox attorneys and paralegals contributed time to the LTRC in 2017. Volunteers from our firm have helped more than 270 individuals to date.

Alliance for Marriage in the AmericasAs part of Arent Fox’s continuing pro bono work in favor of marriage equality at home and abroad, Partner Hunter Carter traveled to Panama in 2017 to file an amicus brief on behalf of the New York City Bar before the Panama Supreme Court, which is considering a case to invalidate the prohibition on marriage for same-sex couples.

Working closely with the New York City Bar’s Vance Center for International Justice, Hunter recruited the law firm of Morgan & Morgan, Panama’s most powerful firm, to lead the case for the same-sex couples seeking to register their marriage in England. Hunter is helping coordinate strategy and share expert amicus briefs and other support, gave numerous interviews on radio, television, and newspaper, with the newspaper interview in the largest daily newspaper being featured on the front page.

Through the Vance Center, Hunter leads a regional effort called “Alliance for Marriage in the Americas” or “AMAmericas” to coordinate pro bono lawyers in each of the countries considering marriage equality and to prepare for a case to be brought eventually before the Inter-American Court on Human Rights.

NAACP Legal Defense and Educational FundThis past year, Arent Fox and Partner Darrell Gay have continued their long-standing relationship with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Arent Fox attorneys, including Partner Tope Yusuf and Associates Mohammed Farooqui and Abigail Kagan, worked on several notable matters for the organization, including defending LDF against federal employment discrimination and retaliation claims, advising the organization on separation agreements and wage and hour issues, and developing protocols for hiring best practices. Arent Fox attorneys also advised LDF on complying with new laws and regulations such as New York’s new Paid Family Leave and Benefits Law and drafted custom policies related to telecommuting and other cutting-edge issues.

Arent Fox attorneys were also involved in LDF’s civil rights work. Arent Fox Partners Darrell Gay and James H. Hulme, Associates Douglas E. Hewlett, Jr., Asra Syed, and Justin A. Goldberg, and Law Clerk David Yearwood all contributed to the amicus filing in a high-profile federal civil rights case challenging the pre-trial bail system in Harris County, Texas. In its order granting preliminary injunction, the court cited Arent Fox’s amicus brief to show that African-Americans accounted for a disproportionate percentage of Harris County Jail’s adult inmate population. Additionally, Darrell led an associate team consisting of Doug, Justin, Jake Gilbert, and Alissa Friedman to provide counsel and legal research related to the US Department of Justice’s decision to rescind 25 guidance memos.

27

Lawyers Have HeartArent Fox sponsored the American Heart Association’s 27th Annual Lawyers Have Heart 10K Race and 5K Run/Walk at Georgetown’s Washington Harbour. Lawyers Have Heart is one of the American Heart Association’s largest fundraisers. The Arent Fox team was led by Lianne Childress, Steve Coffin, Michelle Fowle, and Justin Yourko. Arent Fox had 63 participating team members, consisting of attorneys, summer associates, staff, family and friends. Arent Fox is proud to show our support for the American Heart Association.

Learning Today for a Better Tomorrow On October 4, 2017, Arent Fox hosted DC Public Schools and the DC Metropolitan Police Department in a GeoPlunge tournament. Partner Alan G. Fishel, founder of the US geography game GeoPlunge, coordinated the efforts between these two groups for a wonderful community experience of working together to achieve a common goal. The firm hosted approximately 50 children total from two schools – Randle Highlands and Seaton – in addition to 30 police officers. Approximately 170 children from 20 DC public schools participated in the 13th annual fall competition on November 14, 2017. The competition was organized by Arent Fox in collaboration with DC Public Schools and the DC Public School Partnership Project of the Washington Lawyers’ Committee. Several Arent Fox attorneys and staff volunteered for the event.

Costumes for a CauseNominated partners and administrative directors in NY and DC donned Halloween costumes to raise money for good causes this year. The NY office costume party raised over $10,000 to benefit the people of Puerto Rico. The DC office held its own costume party for the first time in 2017 and raised $2,000 for the Legal Aid Society of DC.

Bringing Families TogetherIn 2000, the Alliance for Children’s Rights created and organized the first-ever National Adoption Day. Since then, National Adoption Day has grown to celebrations in over 450 cities in all 50 states. The 18th Annual National Adoption Day took place at the Edmund D. Edelman Children’s Court in Monterey Park, California on Friday, November 17, 2017. As always, it was a joyous event! Two hundred and thirty-eight adoptions were finalized at this year’s National Adoption Day (127 by the Alliance for Children’s Rights and 111 by Public Counsel).

In partnership with the Alliance for Children’s Rights, Arent Fox finalized adoptions for 11 children: Attorney Gary D. Brophy represented Antonio Patterson in his adoptions of Jaden (age 11) and J’Asjah (age 10); Partner Lowell C. Brown represented Jonnie Huskey and his wife Lindsey Reynolds in their adoption of Patrick (age 1); Associate Susan L. Friedman represented Jorge Castellanos and his wife Blanca Lomeli in their adoptions of Crystal (age 12) and Anthony (age 10); Associate Diane B. Roldán represented Joyce Isas in her adoption of Hailey (age 10); and Attorney Tracy J. Luu-Varnes represented Manuel and Victoria Mancha in their adoptions of Jordan (age 14), Kylene (age 12), Jeremy (age 10), and Jullian (age 5).

Community

29

Stanley H. AbramsonWoodbine Brotherhood SynagogueMember – Board of Trustees

Debra Albin-RileyLibrary Foundation of Los AngelesDirector

Anne-Carmene AlmonordPerp for PrepTrustee

Edward S. AtkinsonThe Bridge SchoolBoard of Directors – Secretary

San Francisco Housing Action CoalitionExecutive Committee Member

Linda A. BaumannWashington Drama Societyd/b/a Arena StageMember – Board of Trustees

Michael S. BlassNational Executive Service CorpsDirector – Chairman of the Board

Jon S. BoukerUniversity of the District of Columbia David A. Clark School of LawChair – Board of Directors

DC AppleseedChair – Board of Directors

DC Federal Law Enforcement Nominating CommissionCommissioner

DC Access to Justice CommissionCommissioner

DC Public Library FoundationMember – Board of Directors

Federal City CouncilTrustee

National Women’s History MuseumMember – Board of Directors

Randall A. BraterTravelers Aid International, Inc.Board Member

The Legal Aid Society of the District of ColumbiaBoard Member/Trustee

Lowell C. BrownVenice Family ClinicAdvisory Board Member

Western Los Angeles County Council, Boy Scouts of AmericaEmeritus Member – Board of Directors

Hunter T. CarterSt. Bartholomew’s ChurchVestry

Global Americans, Inc.Director

Lanhee J. ChenEl Camino HospitalDirector

Foundation for Research on Equal OpportunityDirector

Wilburn L. ChesserCenter for Children’s Law & PolicyMember – Board of Directors

Andrew M. CrissesNC Police FoundationBoard Member

Arent Fox is committed not only to being Smart in Your World, but also to being part of your world. From coast to coast, our attorneys invest significant time and effort serving in leadership capacities for community organizations.

Stephen S. DavisCity of Crestwood, MOMember – Civil Service Board

Michael F. DearingtonDC Bar AssociationBoard Member – Young Lawyers Section

Pamela M. DeeseAmerican UniversityTrustee

Craig EngleMagyar Foundation of North AmericaBoard Member

Philip S. EnglishThe Tax FoundationMember – Board of Trustees

The Information Technology & Innovation FoundationBoard Co-Chair

The Institute for Representative GovernmentBoard Co-Chair

Timothy J. FeigheryFriends of the Public Private Partnership for Justice Reform in Afghanistan, Inc.Secretary

Alan G. FishelLearning Plunge, Inc.President

Marc L. FleischakerLawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under LawMember – Board of Directors & Executive Committee

DC Affordable Law FirmChairman, Director

DC Public Defender ServiceMember – Board of Directors

Collegiate Retail Alliance StoresMember – Board of Directors

Joshua FowkesCapital Area Asset BuildersMember – Board of Directors

Susan L. FriedmanTough Love Pit Bull RescueVice President & Secretary

Darrell S. GayNational Employment Law CouncilMember – Executive Committee & Former Chairman

Craig GelfoundThe Conrad FoundationMember – Board of Directors

Sean W. GlynnGonzaga College High SchoolMember – Board of Directors

Michael A. GordonSomerset House Condominium Association, Inc.President & Director

John GurleyAmerican Near East Refugee AidMember – Board of Directors

Kirsten A. HartRose Bowl Aquatics CenterDirector

Dennis J. HendersonHarlem Grace Tabernacle, IncPresident & Director

Rachel Hold-WeissHospice and Palliative Care Association of New York State, Inc.Member – Board of Trustees

Bnos Malka Academy Board Member

31

James H. HulmeCouncil for Court ExcellenceMember – Executive CommitteeBoard of Directors

Jeffrey E. JordanSecret Passage Therapeutic Riding CenterDirector

DC Affordable Law FirmDirector & Secretary

Stephen D. KahnNational Kidney Foundation of the National Capital AreaMember – Board of Directors

The Wolftrap Foundation for the Performing ArtsPro Bono General Counsel

Richard J. KraininResidents for a More Beautiful Port WashingtonCo-President – Board of Directors

Bernice K. LeberDepartment of Information of the United NationsDirector – Executive Committee

Norman F. Lent IIIBattery Heights Homeowners AssociationMember – Board of Directors; Treasurer

Gerard LevalUnited States Holocaust Memorial CouncilPro Bono General Counsel

Rochambeau, Inc.Member – Board of Trustees

David LlorenteChatham Condominium Unit Owners AssociationPresident

Anthony V. LupoDiscovery Channel Global Education FundMember – Board of Directors

The National ZooMember – Board of Directors

Woolly Mammoth TheaterMember – Board of Directors

Stewart S. ManelaDistrict of Columbia Jewish Community CenterMember – Board of Directors

David M. MartinCapitalSource Charitable FoundationDirector & Executive Vice President

Donna McPartlandNonprofit Risk Management CenterDirector

Henry Morris, Jr.Basin, Inc.President

Richard A. NewmanWashington Drama Societyd/b/a Arena StageTrustee – Board of Trustees

Washington Hebrew CongregationMember – Board of Directors & Treasurer

Matthew NolanNolan Family Charitable FoundationPresident

World PartnershipsChairman – Board of Directors

St. Anselms Abbey SchoolTrustee

Nancy NoonanDC Affordable Law FirmBoard Member

Maidie E. OliveauCalifornia State Parks FoundationTrustee

Pierre-Richard ProsperGen Next FoundationDirector – Board of Directors

Boston CollegeTrustee Associate – Board of Trustees

Project Concern InternationalMember – Board of Directors

g7 + Foundation, Inc.President

International Research & Exchange BoardBoard Member

Friends of Israel Initiative Member

Dan H. RenbergChallenger Center for Space Science EducationMember – Board of Directors; Secretary

Davis V.R. ShermanThe James Lawrence Kernon Hospital Endowment Fund, Inc.President & Chairman of the Board of Trustees

Copley Plaza Cooperative, Inc.Director

Loni J. SherwinLearning Plunge, Inc.Member – Board of Directors

Andrew I. SilfenNew York Institute of CreditMember – Board of Directors

The Association of Restructuring and Insolvency AdvisorsMember – Board of Directors

H. Van SinclairRetirement Clearing House, LLCBoard Member

William A. TanenbaumInternational Technology Law AssociationMember – Advisory Board & Past President

The Society for Information ManagementVice President – Board of Directors

Silicon Valley Arbitration and Mediation CenterMember – Board of Directors

Ralph A. Taylor, Jr.Princeton Quadrangle ClubMember – Board of Trustees

Jennifer C. TerryLos Angeles Children’s ChorusMember – Board of Directors

Peter V.B. UngerKenyon College Parents Advisory CouncilMember

Kimberly A. WachenWashington Hebrew CongregationMember – Board of Directors

Paul T. Williams Jr.Eagle AcademyDirector

Matthew WrightCouncil for Court ExcellenceDirector

Looking Forward2017 presented new and different challenges and the work doesn’t stop here. What will 2018 have in store?

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Arent Fox’s pro bono efforts.

At Arent Fox, we believe that pro bono work is a critical part of any law practice and a necessity in our current legal system. As demonstrated, pro bono efforts are an invaluable part of the work we do and will continue to be in the years ahead.

As always, we are proud of the work we have done with our pro bono clients. This work has grown from long standing relationships with a diverse group of committed organizations.

Looking forward to 2018, we are excited to continue to work with individuals and organizations to further access to legal services. We remain committed to continuing our pro bono efforts at home and abroad in an effort to change lives. To learn more about Arent Fox’s pro bono efforts and to stay up to date on some of our projects of note, please visit us online at arentfox.com/probono.

TheYearAhead

“We remain committed to continuing our pro bono efforts at home and abroad in an effort to change lives.”

Mark M. Katz Chairman

Co-ChairsJon S. BoukerMarc L. Fleischaker

Vice ChairsCarolyn Austin, NYNancy Noonan, DCMark Phillips, CA

PartnersKaren Ellis CarrJames H. HulmeWayne H. MatelskiKelli Scheid Smith

AssociatesAlison Lima AndersenTaniel E. AndersonKaren Van EssenTope Yusuf

Pro Bono Committee

555 West Fifth Street, 48th Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90013

T 213.629.7400 F 213.629.7401

1675 Broadway

New York, NY 10019

T 212.484.3900 F 212.484.3990

55 Second Street, 21st Floor

San Francisco, CA 94105

T 415.757.5500 F 415.757.5501

1717 K Street, NW

Washington, DC 20006

T 202.857.6000 F 202.857.6395