(November 11, 2014, Los Angeles, CA) --- The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles has awarded Reed Smith LLP the 2014 Pro Bono Service Award in recognition of the firm’s exemplary support in providing legal representation to those who would otherwise have been denied justice.
“We are very proud of the work our attorneys have done for LAFLA,” said John Iino, managing partner of the firm’s Los Angeles office. “Over the past two years, Reed Smith has logged hundreds of hours handling a variety of pro bono cases on behalf of LAFLA clients, a strong indicator of our commitment to this great organization and the people it serves.”
During the last year, Reed Smith partner John Hooper was instrumental in winning a national class action settlement in which nearly $3 million was awarded to three Legal Aid organizations, including LAFLA. Nearly $1 million was earmarked for LAFLA’s Capital Campaign, enabling the creation of its new headquarters.
Reed Smith attorneys have also donated their service to two LAFLA clinics; the Expungement Clinic, which assists clients seeking gainful employment by expunging nonviolent misdemeanors from their records, and the Skid Row Clinic, where skid row tenants are able to seek help on issues including veterans rights and benefits, tenancy, social security benefits, and jaywalking and misdemeanor citations.
In addition, associate Chris Rivas has served on LAFLA’s Associates Advisory Board since its inception and is currently its Chair. In this role, he leads the law firm associate community in support of many initiatives at LAFLA.
In 2013, 71 percent of Reed Smith lawyers in the U.S., European and Middle Eastern offices performed pro bono work valued at more than $30 million. The Firm generated more than 70,000 pro bono hours in 2013.
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is a global relationship law firm with more than 1,800 lawyers in 25 offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Founded in 1877, the firm represents leading international businesses, from Fortune 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises. Its lawyers provide litigation and other dispute resolution services in multi-jurisdictional and other high-stakes matters; deliver regulatory counsel; and execute the full range of strategic domestic and cross-border transactions. Reed Smith is a preeminent advisor to industries including financial services, life sciences, health care, advertising, technology and media, shipping, energy and natural resources, real estate, manufacturing, and education. For more information, visit reedsmith.com.
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