Pro Bono

Making a positive impact through pro bono counsel

Built on the foundation of giving back. Committed to sharing our resources and talents. Thousands of hours dedicated to pro bono work. Brownstein attorneys and policy advisors provide pro bono advice and counsel to nonprofit partners in our communities.

Pro bono work allows us to positively impact the lives of myriad individuals and organizations who could not otherwise afford superior, quality legal representation. Our pro bono services are extensive. From participating in monthly low-income legal clinics and advocating for abused and neglected children to representing victims of domestic violence and fighting to keep low-income children in schools, we take on pro bono projects that align with our employee’s passions. Whether participating in a large public interest or civil right matter that impacts thousands or assisting an individual, we approach each case with the same passion and commitment to achieve optimal outcomes. As a firm, we are a signatory to the Pro Bono Institute’s Law Firm Pro Bono Challenge and continue to move up The American Lawyer’s Top 200 pro bono rankings, surpassing many larger firms.

All Brownstein attorneys, including shareholders and associates, are expected to do pro bono work. Pro bono service starts with our summer associates who work on at least one pro bono project during their time at the firm. New associates are offered formal training sessions through pro bono providers and in-house training sessions on specific pro bono initiatives. Our first-year associates perform 200 pro bono hours as a component of our apprentice program. All training time on pro bono matters counts toward an associate’s pro bono hours. Associates automatically receive credit toward their billable hours for up to 100 pro bono hours per year. While the firm does not have a specific pro bono hours requirement, all attorneys are encouraged to complete at least 50 pro bono hours per year.

Pro Bono Committee and Partnerships

Colorado Members

Ed Barad – Real Estate
Justin Cohen – Litigation
Greg Janssen – Corporate
Jessica Molesworth – Pro Bono Coordinator & Community Impact Coordinator
Julia Rhine – Natural Resources
Jayme Ritchie – Pro Bono & Community Impact Director
Mike King - Corporate
Mike Smith – Natural Resources
Margaux Trammell – Chief Talent Officer

Addressing Water Scarcity in Colorado

When the Department of Natural Resources, Colorado Water Conservation Board, Denver Water and Greenway Foundation signed an agreement for a reallocation of water to an environmental pool at Chatfield Reservoir, it was the culmination of more than a decade of work to address water scarcity in Colorado. The Brownstein team was critical to making this happen handling all of the complex natural resource issues that arose throughout the course of the project. Designed to store water which can be released as needed, the Chatfield environmental pool will provide multiple benefits to the Denver metro area. From enhancing recreational opportunities and improving water quality to providing additional stream flow to support agricultural needs, the Chatfield environmental pool is a critical step in securing Colorado’s future water resources.

Helping Afghan Evacuees Find a New Home

When it comes to helping communities in need, we go all in. That’s why we partnered with PARS Equality Center to provide pro bono legal services to their Afghan Support Project. When violence in Afghanistan escalated in 2021 and hundreds of thousands of Afghans were displaced, we stepped in to be part of the solution. Twenty-one teams comprised of Brownstein employees across all of our offices are working to submit over 130 emergency humanitarian parole applications to the United States Citizen and Immigration Services on behalf of Afghan refugees. Our support of Afghan refugees continues once they arrive in the U.S. through a partnership with Miry’s List.

Pro Bono

Providing PPE to the Medical Community & First Responders During COVID-19

In March 2020, Gov. Sisolak quickly assembled a COVID-19 Task Force of business leaders and community members, and asked Brownstein to represent the entity. This group drew on private sector resources to aid Nevada’s response, relief and recovery from COVID-19. Our team, led by Las Vegas Office Managing Partner Ellen Schulhofer, rallied behind this cause playing an integral role as pro bono counsel and advising the task force in its efforts to raise funds to provide PPE and medical supplies for the medical community and first responders, as well as tablets and broadband access for Nevada’s students. As a result of the generosity of Nevadans, millions of dollars in PPE went to the people who needed it most and tens of thousands of students without access to education were able to learn remotely.

Pro Bono

Providing PPE to the Medical Community & First Responders During COVID-19

Securing the Future of a Social Enterprise

Jewish Family Service (JFS) sought to establish a social enterprise that would directly and positively influence the community. JFS drew on its long-term relationship with Brownstein to provide pro bono legal counsel on all aspects of its acquisition of Altius Farms, a grower of high-quality, local, chemical- and pesticide-free leafy greens. JFS Altius Farms is home to a rooftop greenhouse located in Denver’s historic Five Points neighborhood, which yields over 31,000 pounds of fresh produce each year. The fresh produce will be sold to local restaurants and grocers, as well as to stock the JFS food pantry to serve those with food insecurity. We’re at our best when we’re helping clients achieve their goals, working with an organization we believe in and giving back to the community.