Washington D.C. – In recognition of this year’s National Celebration of Pro Bono (October 20-26, 2024), Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), a leading nonprofit organization that mobilizes pro bono legal support for human rights programs, is pleased to announce DLA Piper as a recipient of its 2024 Outstanding Pro Bono Partner Award. The award recognizes DLA Piper’s exceptional commitment to advancing human rights, particularly through its work with L4GG on children’s rights and immigration projects.
“DLA Piper has been an exceptional collaborator and a true champion in our mission to mobilize pro bono legal support for human rights,” said Lauren Worsek, L4GG’s Director of Pro Bono Initiatives. “Their research and legal dedication have been instrumental in advancing our children's rights work and in supporting our Temporary Protected Status programs for vulnerable individuals fleeing conflict. Their dedication has made a significant difference in the lives of countless people.”
One of DLA Piper’s most notable contributions is their work on children's rights, where they collaborated with L4GG to research and address critical issues impacting children in schools. Their comprehensive review of the ongoing use of corporal punishment—which disproportionately affects children of color and students with disabilities—has been crucial in raising awareness and pushing for legislative change. In 18 states, corporal punishment remains legal, and DLA Piper's research has helped expose how this practice negatively impacts children’s development and long-term well-being.
“Though every child in America has the right to an education, not all children are given equal access to that right. DLA Piper’s research showed that while Black children represent just 15.1% of public school students, they are involved in 37.3% of corporal punishment cases. Their findings have been instrumental in supporting advocates working to end this harmful practice.”
DLA Piper also contributed to an extensive review of the use of solitary confinement for minors in the United States, shining a light on the devastating impact isolation has on developing minds. Moreover, DLA Piper assisted L4GG with researching and promoting Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), a proven framework for fostering safe and supportive learning environments. Their work has informed advocacy groups and lawmakers as they push for policies that promote positive discipline in schools, reducing disparities and creating better conditions for all students.
“DLA Piper’s work continues to shape policies that make schools safer and more supportive,” added Silver. “Their research has informed critical legislation, including the Protecting Our Students in Schools Act, the MERCY Act, and the End School Pushouts Act.”
Beyond their work on children’s rights, DLA Piper has also provided invaluable support to L4GG’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS) programs, helping individuals fleeing conflict in countries such as Afghanistan and Ukraine achieve legal stability in the United States. Their efforts have ensured that vulnerable populations can remain in the country without fear of deportation while obtaining the necessary permissions to work and provide for their families.
AWARD VIDEO:
Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) is a non-profit organization committed to upholding human rights and achieving equal justice, with a network of 125,000+ lawyers to assist in its efforts. Through large-scale pro bono programs and issue advocacy efforts, L4GG tackles pressing issues such as climate change, environmental racism, reproductive justice, immigrant rights, and racial justice.
DLA Piper is a global law firm with over 4,000 lawyers in more than 40 countries, offering legal services across a broad spectrum of practice areas. The firm is deeply committed to pro bono work, providing high-impact legal support to underserved communities and advancing justice worldwide.