On November 13, 2008, a large and energized group of law firm, corporate legal department, and public interest leaders attended the fourth Annual Pro Bono Institute Gala. The rousing event, celebrating the extraordinary impact of pro bono in the law firm and corporate communities, was held at The Plaza in New York City.  The event’s dinner program, the elegance and beauty of the venue, and the collegial atmosphere left attendees feeling inspired and empowered by the end of the evening.  Additional coverage of the program, including remarks and photographs, will be published in the next issue of the Wire.

Anastasia D. Kelly, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Senior Regulatory and Compliance Officer of American International Group, Inc., was the perfect emcee for the evening as she expertly guided the audience through the program while displaying a wonderful sense of wit.  The evening honored a law firm and a partnership that are, each in their own way, exemplars of pro bono service.  The prestigious John H. Pickering Award was presented to Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, and the CPBO Pro Bono Partner Award was presented to The Williams Companies, Inc. in partnership with Hall, Estill, Hardwick, Gable, Golden & Nelson, P.C., and Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc.

A powerful highlight of the evening was the speech by Linda Giammona, from the New York Police & Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund.  She gave a poignant speech about the tremendous support the Fund has received from Weil Gotshal to help families of firefighters and police officers (including Port Authority and EMS) killed in the line of duty, in response to the tragedy of September 11. Her personal loss on that day and her deep appreciation of Weil Gotshal’s support touched all those present. In addition, Bradford L. Smith, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of the Microsoft Corporation, paid tribute to those law firms who have been Signatories to PBI’s Law Firm Pro Bono Challenge^® since its launch in 1993.  Mr. Smith noted that, through good economic times and bad, these firms have stayed with the Challenge, cementing their pro bono commitment and serving as an inspiration for the legal and corporate communities.  Each 15th Anniversary firm will receive a plaque commemorating their leadership.

The 2008 Annual Gala was a delightful evening and a wonderful success, and PBI would like to thank all those who attended the event.  We would particularly like to express our sincerest gratitude to our Gala Co-Chairs, John J. Conroy, of Baker & McKenzie; Anastasia D. Kelly, of American International Group, Inc.; Robert C. Sheehan, of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP; and Bradford L. Smith, of Microsoft Corporation, in addition to the wonderful Gala Benefit Committee they assembled to support this event and all of the law firms and legal departments whose generous support will enable the Pro Bono Institute and Corporate Pro Bono to continue and expand their services. Visit the Pro Bono Institute’s website, for more information about the Gala, and look for more detailed highlights of this event in upcoming editions of the Wire.

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A global partnership project of the Pro Bono Institute and the Association of Corporate Counsel
www.cpbo.org