Paul, Weiss is committed to providing impactful pro bono legal assistance to individuals and organizations in need. Our program is all-encompassing, spanning the core issues facing our society.
Our Practice
Throughout our firm's history, we have maintained an unwavering commitment to providing pro bono legal assistance to the most vulnerable members of our society and in support of the public interest. This commitment is a part of the firm's identity, and is embraced by every member of the Paul, Weiss community, from the most senior leaders across all departments to the summer associates who join us each year.
From helping Thurgood Marshall reverse the doctrine of "separate but equal" in Brown v. Board of Education to representing Edith Windsor in challenging the Defense of Marriage Act in United States v. Windsor, our attorneys have achieved landmark victories in civil rights cases that have changed society for the better. Paul, Weiss lawyers participate in all levels of pro bono work, working directly with individual clients, nonprofits and small businesses in a wide range of substantive areas, as well as handling appeals and impact litigation and drafting key amicus briefs before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Pro bono and public service are central tenets of the firm. These values are reinforced throughout every lawyer's career at Paul, Weiss. Associates are encouraged to get involved in pro bono work from day one, and are considered a vital part of the team; junior lawyers involved in pro bono cases receive extensive training and partner mentorship.
Events & Publications
Partnering to Strengthen NYC's Change-Makers
- Feb 14, 2025
- Videos
Partnering to Strengthen NYC's Change-Makers
Through our transformative partnership with Robin Hood Foundation, Paul, Weiss provides vital legal support to organizations fighting poverty across New York City.
Karen Dunn Profiled in Yale Law School’s YLS Today
- Jan 27, 2025
- Publications
Karen Dunn Profiled in Yale Law School’s YLS Today
Yale Law School's YLS Today spoke with Litigation Department Co-Chair Karen Dunn about her work as a high-profile trial lawyer—representing some of the world’s best-known companies including Amazon, Apple and Google—alongside her…
Steve Banks Discusses the Paul, Weiss Pro Bono Program at National Legal Aid & Defender Association’s Annual Conference
- Nov 15, 2024
- Events
Steve Banks Discusses the Paul, Weiss Pro Bono Program at National Legal Aid & Defender Association’s Annual Conference
On November 15, special counsel Steve Banks spoke about the Paul, Weiss pro bono program at the National Legal Aid & Defender Association’s (NLADA) annual conference in Atlanta.
Steven Rosenfeld Featured in Legal Aid Society Donor Profile
- Nov 05, 2024
- Publications
Steven Rosenfeld Featured in Legal Aid Society Donor Profile
The Legal Aid Society’s monthly newsletter for November featured litigation of counsel Steven Rosenfeld in a donor profile about his longtime pro bono work with the organization.
Karen Dunn to Discuss Combatting Extremism and the Need for Holocaust Education at Chicago Next Generation Event
- May 16, 2024
- Events
Karen Dunn to Discuss Combatting Extremism and the Need for Holocaust Education at Chicago Next Generation Event
Litigation partner Karen Dunn will be a featured speaker at an event, Bold Voices Against Extremism, hosted by Chicago Next Generation.
Katherine Forrest to Discuss AI’s Potential for Enhancing Legal Services in Pro Bono Institute Pre-Conference Keynote Address
- Mar 06, 2024
- Events
Katherine Forrest to Discuss AI’s Potential for Enhancing Legal Services in Pro Bono Institute Pre-Conference Keynote Address
Digital Technology Group Chair Katherine Forrest will deliver a keynote address at the Pro Bono Institute (PBI) 2024 Annual Conference’s pre-conference event, examining the ways in which AI might enhance pro bono services and access…
Our Pro Bono Partnerships: Making a Difference Together
- Nov 13, 2023
- Videos
Our Pro Bono Partnerships: Making a Difference Together
In our video, Pro Bono Partnerships, leaders from our pro bono partner organizations discuss Paul, Weiss’s dedication and leadership in providing pro bono legal assistance and share how the firm’s expertise and commitment drives…
Karen Dunn and Jessica Phillips Featured in New HBO Documentary on Charlottesville Trial
- Sep 29, 2023
- Publications
Karen Dunn and Jessica Phillips Featured in New HBO Documentary on Charlottesville Trial
A new HBO Original documentary film, No Accident, follows litigation partners Karen Dunn and Jessica Phillips through the highs and lows of the four-year litigation in Sines v. Kessler, in which they secured a landmark trial victory…
Jeannie Rhee Featured in Washington Lawyers’ Committee “Partner Spotlight”
- May 22, 2023
- Publications
Jeannie Rhee Featured in Washington Lawyers’ Committee “Partner Spotlight”
The Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights & Urban Affairs (WLC) has spotlighted litigation partner Jeannie Rhee for her public service and private practice achievements, and her pro bono dedication and leadership.
Karen Dunn Reflects on Her Landmark Trial Victories in Lawdragon Q&A
- Nov 15, 2022
- Publications
Karen Dunn Reflects on Her Landmark Trial Victories in Lawdragon Q&A
Litigation partner Karen Dunn was featured in a Lawdragon “Lawyer Limelights” Q&A highlighting her many trial accomplishments over the past decade.
Awards & Recognition
Karen Dunn to Be Honored With Legal Aid DC’s 2025 Servant of Justice Award
- Apr 29, 2025
- Awards
Karen Dunn to Be Honored With Legal Aid DC’s 2025 Servant of Justice Award
Legal Aid DC will honor litigation partner Karen Dunn with its 2025 Servant of Justice Award, which recognizes lawyers who have dedicated their careers to public service, the protection of underserved communities and the defense of…
Paul, Weiss Receives Robert F. Mullen Pro Bono Award by the Lawyers’ Committee
- Dec 12, 2024
- Awards
Paul, Weiss Receives Robert F. Mullen Pro Bono Award by the Lawyers’ Committee
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law presented Paul, Weiss with its 2024 Robert F. Mullen Pro Bono Award, which honors a law firm that has provided extraordinary pro bono legal services on behalf of a Lawyers’ Committee…
Paul, Weiss Named 2024 Pro Bono Innovator by Bloomberg Law
- Nov 21, 2024
- Awards
Paul, Weiss Named 2024 Pro Bono Innovator by Bloomberg Law
Bloomberg Law recognized Paul, Weiss in its 2024 “Pro Bono Innovators” special report, which annually spotlights the law firms and other legal service providers going above and beyond in delivering pro bono services.
Paul, Weiss Named Law Firm of the Year by The American Lawyer
- Nov 13, 2024
- Awards
Paul, Weiss Named Law Firm of the Year by The American Lawyer
The American Lawyer named Paul, Weiss “Law Firm of the Year” in its 2024 Industry awards, recognizing the strength of the firm’s litigation, corporate and restructuring practices and commitment to pro bono work.
Tommy Rucker Receives Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless Exceptional Volunteer Award
- Oct 28, 2024
- Awards
Tommy Rucker Receives Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless Exceptional Volunteer Award
Litigation associate Tommy Rucker has been selected to receive the 2024 Exceptional Volunteer Award from the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless (WLCH).
Paul, Weiss Recognized by Legal Aid Society at Pro Bono Publico Awards
- Oct 22, 2024
- Awards
Paul, Weiss Recognized by Legal Aid Society at Pro Bono Publico Awards
The Legal Aid Society honored Paul, Weiss at its annual Pro Bono Publico Awards.
Geoff Chepiga Appointed to Vance Center Committee
- Oct 16, 2024
- Awards
Geoff Chepiga Appointed to Vance Center Committee
Litigation partner Geoff Chepiga has been appointed to the Vance Center Committee of the Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice.
Karen Dunn and Dan Kramer Jointly Shortlisted for American Lawyer Attorney of the Year
- Aug 20, 2024
- Awards
Karen Dunn and Dan Kramer Jointly Shortlisted for American Lawyer Attorney of the Year
The American Lawyer named Karen Dunn and Dan Kramer as joint finalists for “Attorney of the Year” in its 2024 Industry Awards. The publication highlights their work launching the Center to Combat Hate and their numerous engagements in …
Paul, Weiss Awarded 2024 Outstanding Achievement Award for Landmark Victory Against Organized Hate Groups
- May 31, 2024
- Awards
Paul, Weiss Awarded 2024 Outstanding Achievement Award for Landmark Victory Against Organized Hate Groups
Paul, Weiss received a 2024 Outstanding Achievement Award from the Washington Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs at the annual Wiley A. Branton Luncheon.
Paul, Weiss Honored With NLADA 2024 Beacon of Justice Award
- Apr 18, 2024
- Awards
Paul, Weiss Honored With NLADA 2024 Beacon of Justice Award
The National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA) will recognize Paul, Weiss as a Beacon of Justice honoree for the firm’s work addressing issues related to civil and human rights.