awards and
recognitions

The American Lawyer’s Annual Survey Ranks the Firm No. 1 in Pro Bono for the Fourth Consecutive Year

In 2020, The American Lawyer once again recognized Jenner & Block as the No. 1 law firm in the United States for pro bono service. This marked the fourth consecutive year – and the 10th time in 13 years – that the firm has achieved the top spot in the annual survey of pro bono commitment among AmLaw 200 firms.

The American Lawyer’s annual survey ranking is based on 2019 hours, which totaled more than 85,700. Firm lawyers contributed, on average, more than 175 hours of pro bono work during the year, and 100 percent of US-based lawyers performed more than 20 hours. In international pro bono work, the firm secured third place for the second year in a row.

Jenner & Block has a deep and historic commitment to pro bono and public service. Partners Tom Sullivan, Prentice Marshall, and Jerold Solovy launched the firm’s formal pro bono program in the 1950s when, as active members of the Chicago Bar Association’s Defense of Prisoners Committee, they not only represented indigent criminal defendants, but also began recruiting dozens of other Jenner & Block lawyers to the same service. The firm’s name partners, Albert Jenner and Samuel Block, worked on many pro bono cases involving civil and constitutional rights and were widely recognized for their contributions to public service.

The firm was named No. 1 in 2019, 2018, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2008, and 1999. 

Firm Once Again Named to The National Law Journal’s “Pro Bono Hot List”

In 2020, for the seventh consecutive year, Jenner & Block was selected by The National Law Journal as one of just 18 firms across the United States “dedicated to making a monumental impact on the lives of those in need.” The firm was recognized for several pro bono victories in 2019, including our work to ensure that tens of thousands of Medicaid recipients in Kentucky and Arkansas would not lose health insurance as a result of new restrictions on eligibility and coverage. That team was led by Partner Ian Heath Gershengorn.

Jenner & Block Named to PILI’s 2020 Pro Bono Recognition Roster

Jenner & Block was one of 47 law firms and corporations named to the Public Interest Law Initiative’s (PILI) Pro Bono Recognition Roster in 2020. The roster honors organizations that have made significant commitments and contributions to pro bono throughout the state of Illinois by helping individuals, families, and communities who are in need receive legal services. Law firms named to the roster must demonstrate a commitment to their pro bono programs and must meet at least two of the following qualifications: an average of 35 pro bono hours per legal professional; a five percent increase in Illinois office(s) pro bono hours from the previous year; pro bono participation by 60 percent or more of the firm’s Illinois lawyers; participation in the Chicago Bar Foundation’s Law Firm Leadership Circle or one of PILI’s Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee Pro Bono Pledges; and adoption of innovative steps to expand the firm’s pro bono program. Jenner & Block has been on the roster since 2010.

Debbie Berman Earns the Decalogue Society Award

Partner Debbie Berman, a co-chair of the firm’s Pro Bono Committee, was recognized for her extensive contributions to both the legal and Jewish communities. The Decalogue Society Award is presented to individuals who, through their actions and achievements, exemplify the core principles of the Decalogue Society of Lawyers. As America’s oldest Jewish bar association, the society brings increased dignity and honor to the legal profession, maintains vigilance against public and private practices that are anti-social, discriminatory, anti-Semitic or oppressive, and works with other groups and minorities to help protect the legal rights of all.

Presented with the award in November, Debbie joined a select group of prestigious honorees -- lawyers and judges. Past recipients have included Justice James Epstein, Justice Thomas Fitzgerald, Judge Robert Gettleman, Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer, Prof. Ralph Ruebner, and Judge Diane Wood.

 Debbie was also honored with the society’s Righteousness Award in 2015.

Associate Hope Tone-O’Keefe Honored with NIJC’s “Rising Star” Award

The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) recognized Jenner & Block Associate Hope Tone-O’Keefe with its “Rising Star” award. The award celebrates Hope’s generosity in providing high-quality pro bono services to clients with complex immigration cases. Hope was honored at the 21st Annual Human Rights Awards on June 2, 2020. NIJC hosts the awards each year to honor individuals who have made outstanding achievements to promote, protect, and advance human rights throughout the world.