(Philadelphia, PA, November 2007)  The Clay Studio, Philadelphia’s only nonprofit ceramic arts organization, has honored the law firm of Reed Smith LLP with a new gallery in its name.  A dedication ceremony to open The Reed Smith Gallery will be held on Thursday, November 29th from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. The Clay Studio is located at 139 North Second Street in the Old City section of Philadelphia.

“We are so pleased and appreciative of the work Reed Smith has done on our behalf that we felt it was appropriate to name this new gallery for them,” said Amy Sarner Williams, the Studio’s Executive Director.

The Clay Studio is recognized as a member of the Philadelphia Cultural Leadership Program of The Pew Charitable Trusts, and most recently was one of only ten Philadelphia-area arts organizations to receive the prestigious Wallace Foundation Excellence Award.

Joseph Rudolf, a partner in Reed Smith’s Philadelphia office, has been a member of the board of directors of The Clay Studio for a number of years.  He was instrumental in having the firm provide much-needed legal services to resolve leasing issues, which allowed the nonprofit to renovate its historic building in the Old City section of Philadelphia and expand its programming. 

“The renovation enabled The Clay Studio to add new classrooms, double the number of artist’s studios, and create an educational resource room,” said Joseph Rudolf. “Now they can provide even more services to the community, and expand their wonderful children’s programs, and Reed Smith is very happy to be a part of that effort.” 

The attorneys in the Philadelphia office of Reed Smith are on the board of directors of over 60 nonprofit organizations in the community. In addition, the firm and individual attorneys contribute both financially and with pro bono legal services to many other nonprofit groups throughout the Delaware Valley.

“Giving back to the community has always been part of the firm’s core mission,” said Claudia Springer, Managing Partner of the Philadelphia office. “Firm-wide, our attorneys contribute more than 55,000 hours of pro bono service each year.  Having The Clay Studio name a gallery for the firm is very special, and we hope that this will encourage others to become involved and contribute to the studio’s very worthwhile programs.”

About Reed Smith

Reed Smith is one of the 15 largest law firms in the world, with more than 1,500 lawyers in 21 offices throughout the United States, Europe and the Middle East.  Founded in 1877, the firm represents leading international businesses from Fortune 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises.  Its attorneys provide litigation services in multi-jurisdictional matters and other high stake disputes, 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 and media, shipping, international trade and commodities, real estate, manufacturing, and education.  For more information, visit www.reedsmith.com.

U.S.: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Oakland, Princeton, Northern Virginia, Wilmington, Century City, Richmond

Europe: London, Paris, Munich, Birmingham UK, Piraeus, Greece

Middle East:  Abu Dhabi, Dubai