Community Service
No man is an island, goes the old saying. If that is true—and we believe it is—then the same principle holds for any organization. As a firm, Hunton & Williams benefits from our work on behalf of clients and our active participation in local, regional, national and international business communities. In return, we complete the cycle by giving back to civic and charitable organizations at home and around the world.
Community Service
Support for the firm’s community service work comes from the highest levels of the organization; the firm works with more than 115 nonprofit organizations each year, supporting fund-raising events, donating food, clothing and school supplies, and participating in other community revitalization and individual service efforts. The bulk of our activities are office-determined, as we believe that our local attorneys and staff have a better understanding of the needs of their communities and neighbors. Hunton & Williams allows each of its non-attorney professional staff two full days of time off with pay to participate in local charitable projects each year, as well as up to five days of pre-approved paid leave to help with rebuilding efforts for victims of major disasters. Staff who make exceptional contributions to such activities are honored through our David F. Peters Community Service Staff Awards. Paralegals and associates are also given the opportunity to count up to 25 hours of pre-approved time off for disaster relief work towards their billable hour requirements. Such work can range from fundraising for the American Red Cross to direct, hands-on community rebuilding efforts.
Pro Bono Legal Services
We recognize that the practice of law is a service to society and expect our lawyers to provide substantial pro bono services each year, bringing quality legal services to many who could not otherwise afford them. In fact, the firm has met or exceeded the Pro Bono Institute's 1993 challenge to the nation's 500 largest law firms to devote more than three percent of our gross billable hours to pro bono work. Each year, our domestic offices contribute nearly 70,000 hours to deserving individuals and nonprofit organizations. We have also increased pro bono activities in our five international offices, working within the communities where our offices are located and assisting third-world countries in Africa and the Middle East. In addition to our partners’ ongoing donations of legal services, associates and counsel can earn up to 50 hours of billable hour credit for pro bono activities.
For more information on the firm's pro bono program, click here.
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