Metropolitan Corporate Counsel: A Strong Pro Bono Program Determined to Get Stronger

The December 2005 issue of Metropolitan Corporate Counsel features an in-depth interview with Litigation partner and Pro Bono Committee Chair Jeffrey S. Trachtman.

Trachtman talks about Kramer Levin's long-standing commitment to pro bono service and the positive effect such a commitment has on junior associates in the development of their careers. He highlights several recent pro bono successes, including Hernandez v. Robles -- in which a New York State Supreme Court judge ruled that the denial of marriage rights violates the state constitutional rights of same-sex couples -- and another matter in which the Firm assisted firefighter families in gaining access to New York City Fire Department records regarding communications and emergency systems on 9/11. Trachtman also discusses receiving the New York State Bar Association's Pro Bono Service Award in May 2005, which he says is a reflection of the collaborative efforts of many Kramer Levin attorneys who have devoted time to pro bono service.

Kramer Levin's pro bono program is also looking to the future. Trachtman points to efforts to increase involvement by transactional lawyers and the addition of a professional development coordinator who works to link the Firm's pro bono work more closely with the orientation and development process as examples of how the Firm is seeking to improve its pro bono program.