Three people in a small conference room with a round table. One person is standing next to a whiteboard covering the entire wall, holding a marker. Another person is seated with a laptop in front of him, and gesturing toward the whiteboard. A third person stands nearby holding a cup of coffee.

Creating positive impact in our communities

We marshal our talents, tools, and resources to be agents of change—pursuing justice and giving voice to underserved individuals in our communities.

Pro bono services that make an impact

We believe attorneys have the ability and the obligation to advocate for those often overlooked by our justice system. Our pro bono work focuses on racial justice, LGBT+ equality, sustainability, and more—serving vulnerable individuals and families in our surrounding communities and advancing important causes nationwide.

Over 23,000
pro bono hours firmwide in 2021
3%
of billable hours pledged to pro bono work – PBI Pro Bono Challenge signatory
75%
attorney participation in pro bono work

Pro Bono Highlights

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LGBTQ+ rights: Fighting for transgender health equity

A team of NP Chicago attorneys successfully represented two transgender women in Iowa whose gender-affirming surgeries were denied by Medicare. Their victory before the Iowa Supreme Court could have far-reaching effects on discriminatory state laws across the nation.

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Immigration and humanitarian response: Resettling Afghan refugees

When the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan in summer 2021, NP immediately created a team of more than 25 legal professionals to support the safe and rapid migration of Afghan refugees to the United States. With our nonprofit partners, we assisted more than 850 Afghans departing the country amid increasing turmoil.

It’s truly inspiring to see how our work translates to tangible results for our clients, their businesses, and our communities.

Sharmaine HengDirector of Pro Bono & Social Impact

Social impact in action

We make a positive impact by giving back with our time, resources, and talent.

Creating positive impact through our first-ever Week of Service

We recently hosted our inaugural NP Impact Week of Service. Our firm’s collective efforts to give back and strengthen our communities. Together, more than 500 colleagues across our different offices participated in service projects or engaged in virtual pro bono opportunities, all aimed at supporting people and places in need.

Two people smiling at the camera, seated at a table where they are packing cookies into plastic bags and tying them with a red ribbon. A pile of completed packages is on the table in front of them. In the background are other people engaged in similar activities.

Joining forces through pro bono and volunteerism

We partner with local and national organizations where we believe our pro bono and community service efforts can help make a measurable community difference.

Our areas of focus include education, affordable housing, community and economic development, healthcare, social services, and civil legal aid.

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Charitable giving

We spearhead charitable giving initiatives at all levels of the firm. We support inspiring organizations across the country. Our local offices host regular fundraising drives, including to benefit veterans and people experiencing homelessness.

10 people seated around a long, rectangular conference table. One person in the foreground is seated at the head of the table speaking with an open laptop in front of them; the others all looking on.

Community leadership

Our attorneys sit on the boards of organizations that strengthen our local communities and often link to our pro bono and volunteerism efforts.

Achievements & Recognitions

Law Firm of the Year

The AIDS Legal Referral Panel recognized Nixon Peabody for its longstanding pro bono work with the organization.

AIDS Legal Referral Panel

Pro Bono Publico Champion

NP was recognized by LatinoJustice, which advocates for equitable and accessible justice, especially for the US Latino community.

LatinoJustice

Stanford Center for Human Rights and International Justice

Human Rights in Action Award

Presented to our firm by Stanford’s Center for Human Rights and International Justice, which is dedicated to protecting and promoting dignity and rights for all.

Stanford Center for Human Rights and International Justice