As with any partnership that grows from the personal commitment of individuals in an organization to a common cause, it is hard to pick an exact date when the partnership began between Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP and Council for Children’s Rights, but we know it has been well over a decade and is probably closing in on a score of years.
Over the years, Katten attorneys have donated hundreds of hours of invaluable pro bono services to the Council, working in truancy cases with our juvenile defenders and as volunteer lawyers and advocates in custody cases. In January, Katten attorney and partner, Frank Arado, became the latest member of the firm to serve on our board of directors.
Katten’s support goes beyond the giving of time and expertise. Katten has generously provided the Council with desks, chairs, meeting tables, office supplies and other equipment over the years. They have supported our special events for over a decade and 2018 marks their fifth year as a Presenting Sponsor of our annual fundraiser, A Night for Children’s Rights. Their financial investment has been critical in the past to the success of our most important fundraising event; contributing much needed dollars and encouraging others to join them through the example of their commitment.
With more than 600 attorneys in offices across the United States and in London and Shanghai, it is Katten’s award-winning pro bono program, which has been recognized as a national model by the American Bar Association, the National Legal Aid & Defender Association, and numerous other organizations, that redefines what it means to be a “full-service” law firm.
Katten attorneys and other legal professionals give their time, resources, and talent to serve individuals and organizations in need, to engage in important national litigation, and to partner with local legal service providers to ensure equal access to the justice system. In 1993, Katten became one of the first law firms with a partner whose sole job is to lead the pro bono program on a full-time basis.
Chicago attorney Jonathan Baum, Katten’s national Director of Pro Bono Services, shares that “one of the things our attorneys love about volunteering, particularly in schools and in programs involving young people, is the immediacy of the results you get. Often, you can see right away that your involvement has made an impact. That seldom happens in a large firm practice.”
Katten’s support has made a big impact to the Council. Their willingness not only to get involved and to give generously of their time and money, but also to lead the truancy program and to lead in sponsorships, extends and sustains our capacity, making it possible to serve more children in need year after year. Katten is a key member of the family of advocates for all of our community’s children.
Working with firm and community leaders, Katten’s pro bono approach identifies the areas of local need where the firm can provide their services to achieve the best outcomes and the greatest possible impact. As a result, you can find Katten lawyers serving across the community. For example, Rebecca Lindahl, head of Katten’s Charlotte Litigation practice, is active supporting causes like Hospitality House of Charlotte and Safe Alliance.
“One reason I chose Katten as the place to begin my legal career is the firm’s unquestionable commitment to giving back to the communities where we live and do business. This is embedded in the Katten culture and is just one of the many benefits Frank Arado will bring to his new position on the Council board. “
“Increasingly, I go to partners and say, ‘Will you take on this pro bono matter and then recruit the associates you want to work with?’” Baum adds. “It communicates to young lawyers that volunteering and giving back is important to the firm and that it is a good thing to do.”
At Council for Children’s Rights, we are grateful that Rebecca, Frank, and all of the other folks at Katten help make our community a better place for all of us, including the children we serve and their families.
Join them in supporting the Council today with a gift of your time or resources; learn more in our Give menu item tab.