News Summary
Pérez-Llorca has been awarded Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year by Latin Lawyer, highlighting its commitment to pro bono services. Under Paula Samper Salazar’s leadership, the firm has embedded pro bono work into its culture, encouraging lawyers to engage with underserved communities. McDermott Will & Emery also demonstrated excellence in pro bono service with 86 professionals recognized for their contributions. This news underscores the growing importance of pro bono legal work in Latin America and its impact on shaping future legal professionals.
The Rise of Pro Bono Work in Latin America’s Legal Landscape
In a significant stride for pro bono services in the legal field, Pérez-Llorca, formerly known as Gómez-Pinzón, has been recognized with the Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year Award by Latin Lawyer. The award ceremony, held in May 2025, marked a pivotal moment for the firm, showcasing its unwavering commitment to pro bono work.
Leadership in Pro Bono Service
Paula Samper Salazar, a partner at Pérez-Llorca, has been instrumental in weaving pro bono work into the fabric of the firm’s culture. Under her leadership, projects have not only enhanced the legal community’s outreach but also fostered a fulfilling career environment for lawyers at all levels. The emphasis on pro bono engagement has become a cornerstone of professional growth, with lawyers benefitting from meaningful interactions with diverse communities and clients in need.
Recognizing Pro Bono Champions
Meanwhile, McDermott Will & Emery boasts an impressive recognition with 86 lawyers and legal professionals honored on the District of Columbia Courts’ annual Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll this May. Notably, 47 of these individuals achieved the esteemed High Honor Roll status by contributing over 100 hours of pro bono work in the past year, showcasing the firm’s deep commitment to public service. The Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll, established during the National Celebration of Pro Bono in 2011, highlights the diligence of legal professionals in Washington, DC, who offer their expertise to those unable to afford legal representation.
The Standard for Pro Bono Commitment
At Pérez-Llorca, the dedication to pro bono initiatives is further exemplified through the work of Lina María Moya Ortiz, the firm’s full-time pro bono coordinator. Samper-Salazar leads the pro bono practice, skillfully overseeing the quality and effectiveness of the firm’s pro bono efforts. The firm has set a robust benchmark with an average requirement of 30 pro bono hours per attorney, surpassing the 20 hours standard adopted by many peers in the legal sector. This commitment demonstrates the firm’s passion for social justice and community impact.
A Record Year for Pro Bono at Gómez-Pinzón
The firm achieved remarkable results in 2023, with 100% of its partners actively pursuing pro bono cases and collectively logging approximately 6,210 hours of service across 321 pro bono cases. This accomplishment not only exceeds local clearinghouse goals but also underscores the firm’s steadfast support for social causes, evidenced by its involvement in the Pro Bono Project of the Year, which aids forcibly displaced individuals, and partnerships with organizations like Fundación ProBono Colombia to support victims of gender-based violence.
Influencing Future Generations
Gómez-Pinzón emphasizes the importance of shaping future legal professionals through education on pro bono initiatives. The firm has established internship programs focused on pro bono cases, ensuring that young lawyers recognize the significance of giving back to the community and understand the impact of their legal skills in underserved populations.
Recognition and Future Aspirations
The commitment to pro bono work not only enhances the firm’s reputation but also influences the performance evaluations, salaries, and advancement opportunities for its lawyers. The dedication shown by Gómez-Pinzón in 2023 will be recognized at the annual ceremony where the Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year Award will be presented, reinforcing the firm’s position as a leader in pro bono advocacy in Latin America.
The joint annual pro bono survey conducted by Latin Lawyer and the Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice remains open for submissions, tracking the institutionalization of pro bono practices across Latin America and motivating participation amidst growing recognition for non-profit legal work.
As the landscape of pro bono law continues to evolve, firms like Pérez-Llorca and McDermott Will & Emery exemplify the transformative power of legal professionals committed to making a difference through their work. With such initiatives, the future looks promising for pro bono legal services across the continent.
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Additional Resources
- Latin Lawyer: Pérez-Llorca Wins Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year
- McDermott Will & Emery: 2025 Pro Bono Honor Roll
- Latin Lawyer: Gómez-Pinzón’s Pro Bono Achievements
- Wikipedia: Pro Bono
- Google Search: Pro Bono Latin America
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