Pro Bono


Dykema believes the practice of law, especially in a large commercial firm, is a privilege that carries with it profound societal responsibilities.

Performing legal services for those who are traditionally denied access to justice—or for organizations that benefit such persons—is a central part of our effort to meet the legal needs of the underserved in our community.

How A Pro Bono Partnership Can Jumpstart Your Legal Department’s Pro Bono Practice

Do you have attorneys that desire to participate in pro bono but don’t have the time to dedicate to investigating the right opportunity for your department? In this webinar, Heidi Naasko, Jason Ross and Kim Ray, Chair of Ford Motor Company's Pro Bono Committee, explored tips on how to plan, identify, and implement high-impact pro bono opportunities.


Dykema has had a long tradition of commitment to pro bono legal service. Our pro bono representation of Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Damon Keith in the famous Keith case involving illegal government surveillance of unpopular groups during the 1960s has been recognized as a significant legal milestone.

All of our associates and members are required to either do pro bono or donate to a legal aid agency of their choice. Additionally, our formal policy ensures that all lawyers and legal assistants will receive billable hour credit for pro bono work.

The vast majority of our pro bono referrals are sent to us through legal aid agencies (agencies that provide free or low cost legal services to the poor). Therefore, we encourage you to contact a legal aid agency in your community. A few of our partner agencies are listed, and organized according to our offices. To find the appropriate agency in your neighborhood, locate the office closest to you and call that agency for service, intake hours or a referral.

Ann Arbor 

Bloomfield Hills

Chicago  

Dallas

Detroit   

Lansing 

Los Angeles  

San Antonio 

Washington, D.C. 

Dykema welcomes pro bono partnerships with its business clients. We have designed meaningful programs for in-house teams that match their time commitment, areas of interest, and geographic focus.

For example, Dykema and several client partners are working with the Promise of Justice Initiative to file for post-conviction relief for those convicted under Louisiana Jim Crow laws of the 1800s, deemed unconstitutional by SCOTUS.

Recently, we conceptualized a crisis clinic for Detroit-based nonprofits, where private attorneys met with nonprofits to respond or resolve their crises. This initiative involved a partnership between Dykema, Community Legal Resources and Ford Motor Company Office of the General Counsel. 

Other programs we have arranged for in-house client teams include:

  • a program that provides estate-planning documents for first responders in Texas
  • a remote DACA clinic assisting migrants who arrived in the United States as children
  • a name change clinic for transgender individuals
  • a legal clinic for veterans providing consultation on family law, benefits, real estate, and more

If you are a client interested in partnering with Dykema to make a difference, we invite you to contact Heidi Naasko, Pro Bono Counsel or Charles LeMoine, Chair of Dykema's Pro Bono Committee.  

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Pro Bono News

Press Releases5.1.24

Sarah Cornwell and Chris Sakauye Included in 2023 Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll

Dykema, a leading national law firm, is proud to announce that Sarah Cornwell and Chris Sakauye were…

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Press Releases2.27.24

Tentative Settlement Reached in Texas Endangered Species Act Lawsuit

The Animal Legal Defense Fund and National Foundation for Rescued Animals, an animal exhibitor doing…

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Press Mentions2.20.24

Dykema Pro Bono Initiative Mentioned in Pride Source

Dykema's pro bono involvement in several name change clinics spanning multiple years mentioned in…

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