JUNE 15, 2022 – Davis Wright Tremaine LLP was honored this month for its national leadership in DEI and pro bono at the Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards: North America 2022.
Recognizing the originality of the firm's pro bono efforts, Chambers named Davis Wright the "clear winner" of the Pro Bono: Innovation Award.
Chambers particularly highlighted the firm's first-of-its-kind In House Pro Bono Summit, which "brings together in-house legal teams from across the country to help teams use their skills to address key social issues." Chambers also noted the firm's first-of-its-kind ProJourn initiative, a partnership with Microsoft and other organizations to support local newsrooms that do not have access to essential legal services.
"The urgent needs of our time call for big, creative ideas that impact and change the world for the better," said Joanna Plichta Boisen, chief pro bono and social impact officer at Davis Wright Tremaine. "I am tremendously proud of our team of lawyers and staff, and our huge network of client partners, who have joined together to find new and deeply impactful ways to make a difference."
"Giving back to the communities in which we work is central to our values at Davis Wright," said the firm's managing partner, Scott MacCormack. "Joanna and her team have been tireless in their efforts to rebalance the scales of justice and to engage clients and friends from around the country in this mission. All of us are inspired by their leadership and delighted to see them receive this national recognition."
In addition to the Pro Bono Innovation award, Davis Wright was named a finalist for Outstanding Firm in both the Pro Bono and Diversity and Inclusion categories. Chambers also recognized two individual Davis Wright lawyers as finalists: Shannon McNeal for Diversity & Inclusion: Future Leader and Chava Brandriss for Pro Bono: Lawyer of the Year.
McNeal is co-chair of the firm's Attorneys of Color affinity group and a key player in creating a welcoming, sustainable, and inclusive culture at Davis Wright. Brandriss has devoted substantial time to pro bono work, focusing on civil rights issues like fair housing and helping lead the firm's Election Protection efforts. Both she and McNeal are based in Washington, D.C.
About Davis Wright Tremaine
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP is a national law firm with approximately 550 lawyers representing clients based throughout the United States and around the world. For more information, visit www.dwt.com/dei.