Washington D.C. – In recognition of this year’s National Celebration of Pro Bono (October 22-28, 2023), Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), a leading non-profit organization that mobilizes pro-bono legal support for human rights programs, is pleased to announce Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP as a recipient of their 2023 Outstanding Pro Bono Partner Award. L4GG commends Orrick for their exceptional contribution to L4GG's Climate Change and Environmental Justice program. Orrick’s dedicated pro bono service has significantly advanced the mission to expedite America's just transition to a green economy and directly address environmental racism.
Orrick took notable initiative in L4GG's Disadvantaged Communities Report, a pivotal 50-state survey that offers indispensable guidance on state-level policies for accessing the unprecedented $2 trillion in federal infrastructure funding allocated through recent legislation, including the Inflation Reduction Act, Biden’s Infrastructure Law of 2021, and the American Rescue Plan Act.
“Orrick’s pro bono commitment has been instrumental in our mission to tackle climate change and to bring forth environmental justice. Their tenacity and expertise were critical in the development of our Disadvantaged Communities Report. This is a prime example of how Orrick’s contributions have been invaluable in helping states and communities understand how to distribute federal climate funds equitably.”
Due to the ambiguous definitions and complex identification processes of “disadvantaged communities” across states, accessing this funding has been challenging for decision-makers. Orrick’s outstanding efforts were vital in converting scattered, inconsistent information into a user-friendly, consolidated guide. Orrick mobilized 30 attorneys to perform 1,000 hours of research, transforming complexity into clarity and facilitating equitable distribution of climate funds.
Orrick’s collaboration didn’t stop with the creation of the report. They further showcased their expertise by producing a comprehensive training webinar. The session provided an overview of the report and its effective use, attended by dozens of decision-makers, tribal representatives, community representatives, and nonprofit advocacy groups.
“The attorneys at Orrick have been a pleasure to work with and their dedication to our cause is truly inspiring. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Orrick as we strive to advance justice and equality in every facet of our society.”
Lawyers for Good Government extends their sincere gratitude for Orrick’s support and unwavering dedication to creating a more sustainable and equitable future.
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.
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP is a premier global law firm with a particular focus on serving companies in the technology, energy, and financial sectors. The firm is internationally recognized for its foundational belief that a commitment to corporate social responsibility, diversity, and pro bono is an intrinsic part of superior professional service.