Pro Bono Lanterns

Pro Bono Is An Indelible Expression of Who We Are

At Sheppard, pro bono service is woven into the fabric of our firm and our identity as lawyers.

 

We believe legal skill carries an enduring responsibility—to strengthen communities, expand access to justice and drive meaningful change.

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Driven by Passion, Powered by Autonomy

Our lawyers choose projects that resonate personally and professionally, from opportunities that span immigration to adoption, veterans’ advocacy, disability rights and support for small businesses and nonprofits in underserved communities. Associates are encouraged to bring in new clients and partner organizations, expanding the reach of our collective impact.

Pro Bono as Professional Growth

From their first days at the firm, lawyers take on substantive roles in real cases—gaining courtroom experience, leadership skills and a deeper understanding of the law. Through partnerships with leading legal service organizations nationwide, we help bridge the justice gap for individuals and communities in need.

“Working on these [projects] was so rewarding and I look forward to continuing to work on [them] for the rest of my career. I very much appreciate…the firm supporting these efforts.”
—
Charles Kreindler, Partner

Our Partner Organizations

Carecen Logo  Children's Law Center     Public Counsel LogoSDVLP Logo   

 

Our Pro Bono Committee

The Pro Bono Committee is a working group of Sheppard lawyers from every office and practice area dedicated to advancing our pro bono mission. Committee members help identify meaningful opportunities, mentor colleagues, organize clinics, and strengthen partnerships with legal service organizations and clients. Together, they foster a culture of service, collaboration and pride in the firm’s commitment to justice.

Key Pro Bono Practice Areas

  • Access to Public Benefits
  • Adoption, Guardianship & Conservatorships
  • Defending the Environment
  • Disability Rights
  • LGBTQ+ Rights
  • Native American & Tribal Rights
  • Police & Criminal Justice Reform
  • Protecting Refugees and Immigrants
  • Standing Up for Veterans
  • Supporting Organizations, Entrepreneurs and Artists
  • Voting Rights & Election Protection
  • Wrongful Convictions & Innocence Advocacy

Making an Impact

Pro Bono Wins for Our Clients

Sheppard is honored to receive numerous awards recognizing our pro bono leadership and impact—from national legal service organizations, advocacy groups and publications across the country. These honors reflect our lawyers’ unwavering commitment to advancing justice and the strength of our partnerships with the incredible organizations, clients and community advocates who make this work possible. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together—and inspired to keep raising the bar.

Pro Bono Video
“Our pro bono work is not just good work; sometimes it’s a matter of life and death.”
—
Mark Rackers, Partner
  • We helped a single mother, Ms. Z., secure long-delayed SNAP and housing assistance after repeated wrongful denials by the agency.
  • Our team challenged a blanket policy that had denied SSI benefits to individuals with certain mental health diagnoses, securing relief for multiple clients.
  • Mr. L., a veteran struggling with mobility issues, was approved for Medicaid home care services after our attorneys appealed an erroneous termination.
  • We successfully moved to enforce a landmark settlement requiring New York City to make at least 50% of its yellow taxi fleet wheelchair accessible.
  • Achieve approval of historic settlement making the NYC subway accessible to people who need stair-free access.
  • Settled two separate class action lawsuits and achieved settlement approval to make NYC’s sidewalks accessible to people with disabilities.
  • We co-founded the ABLE Project with Georgetown Law to create the first national training and research program focused on helping police officers intervene to stop misconduct.
  • Our pro bono team authored the leading legal white paper and case compendium on law enforcement’s duty to intervene, now used nationwide to support police reform and accountability.
  • Set up a foundation to help children deal with grief and trauma after the loss of a loved one.
  • We helped a grassroots mutual aid network incorporate as a nonprofit and obtain 501(c)(3) status.
  • Assisted an independent filmmaker in negotiating intellectual property and distribution rights for her debut feature.
  • We advised a bakery cooperative owned by formerly incarcerated women on business structuring and employment law compliance.
“My pro bono work is the most meaningful work I’ve done in all my years as a lawyer.”
—
Tamar Rosenberg, Partner

Key Contacts

Daniel Brown
T:

+1.212.634.3095

Partner

Daniel L.

Brown

“Because of the firm’s partnerships with non-profits around the country, the cases that come in are very cutting edge, very interesting and are going to make a big impact on society.”
—
Tori Kutzner, Associate