100 Percent of US Lawyers at Hunton & Williams LLP Work on Pro Bono Projects, Donate More Than 60,000 Hours

NEW YORK, April 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Hunton & Williams LLP continues to lead the way in serving the community throughout the United States, with 100 percent of the firm's full-time U.S. lawyers working on pro bono projects. This marks the second year in a row for 100 percent participation and a donation of more than 60,000 hours, for the firm's fiscal year ending on March 31. This represents 4.6 percent of the firm's gross billable hours and commemorates 16 continuous years of meeting or exceeding the Pro Bono Institute's Law Firm Pro Bono Challenge of donating at least 3 percent of its annual billable hours to pro bono service.

"I am very proud of the commitment to service again demonstrated by our lawyers," said Wally Martinez, managing partner of Hunton & Williams. "We all know that the weak economy has placed great burdens on many in our communities. I am happy to see that the lawyers at Hunton & Williams stepped up to meet the legal needs of our pro bono clients in a variety of matters, including those affecting their homes, benefits, children, and health care."

George Hettrick, who is the chair of the Pro Bono Leadership Committee, added: "Our lawyers and staff have always shown tremendous community support for those in need and have devoted themselves to broad participation in pro bono efforts." 

Helping those whose very lives are at stake is a hallmark of the firm, whether lobbying Congress for a legislative waiver to rebuild Haiti, helping immigrants seek asylum from persecution, or providing legal services for the poor and underserved in our country facing recession challenges. This past year, the firm proudly continued to accelerate its support of veterans. This ongoing, firmwide project enlisted 100+ attorneys and staff who work with older veterans and active duty personnel seeking military and veteran benefits for themselves and their families.

In addition to the Pro Bono Institute's John H. Pickering Award, Hunton & Williams received a National Law Journal 2011 Pro Bono Award for advocating with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for Haiti immigration relief, a Beacon of Justice Award by The National Legal Aid & Defender Association in honor of our extraordinary commitment to immigration pro bono legal representation, and received the 2010 Chief Justice's Law Firm Commendation Award from the Florida Supreme Court in recognition of service to local communities.

About Hunton & Williams LLP

Hunton & Williams LLP provides legal services to corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals, as well as to a broad array of other entities. Since our establishment more than a century ago, Hunton & Williams has grown to more than 900 lawyers serving clients in 100 countries from 18 offices around the world. For additional information visit our website at www.hunton.com.

SOURCE Hunton & Williams LLP