2014 PRO BONO

Report from the
Public Service Counsel
In the last two decades, as Latham & Watkins
has grown in headcount, geographic footprint,
revenues and profits, we have also become one
of the largest providers of pro bono legal services
in the world.
The growth of our pro bono program was not arbitrary. Rather, it can be traced to a key decision
made by Bob Dell at the start of his 20-year tenure as Latham’s chair and managing partner.
He decided that a top-tier law firm should have a top-tier pro bono program, and he made
developing and sustaining this program a priority. Bob’s commitment was rooted in his belief that
members of our profession are obligated and uniquely positioned to serve the underserved, and
he believed that expanding our pro bono program would be consistent with our culture and good
for the firm.
Since 2000, Latham has donated more than 2.5 million hours of free legal services. This year,
with more than 2,300 lawyers, paralegals, summer associates, trainees, and professional staff
in our offices across 14 countries participating in our program, Latham provided more than
170,000 hours of free legal services.
Through our work, we have helped thousands of poor individuals and families in ways that
have not only changed their lives, but also changed the lives of their children and families for
generations to come in ways not often possible to quantify. Our pro bono work has also changed
the lives and perspectives of the many lawyers and staff at Latham who have engaged in this
work over the years.
During Bob’s tenure as chair and managing partner, Latham’s pro bono program became central
to who we are as a firm, and we are thrilled to have the same level of enthusiasm and support
from our new chair and managing partner, Bill Voge. Bill has long been a steadfast contributor
to pro bono, a vocal champion of the firm’s efforts, and, like Bob, a true believer in the value of
pro bono for its own sake.
As reflected in the pages that follow, Latham is a paradigm of doing well while doing good.
I am so proud to share the 2014 Pro Bono Annual Review with you.
Wendy Atrokhov
Public Service Counsel
Latham & Watkins • 2014 Pro Bono Annual Review 5