The American Bar Association (ABA) Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service has recognized Barclay Damon as an ABA Free Legal Answers Pro Bono Leader for 2024. This year marks the third time Barclay Damon has received this designation. The firm was first recognized as a Pro Bono Leader for 2021. David Solimeno, associate, was also recognized as an individual ABA Free Legal Answers Pro Bono Leader for 2024.
Each year, the committee recognizes individual attorneys, law firms, corporate law departments, law schools, and other legal organizations that have provided extraordinary pro bono services through ABAFreeLegalAnswers.org. In 2024, Barclay Damon attorneys answered 129 civil legal questions, and Solimeno answered 64 civil legal questions. Barclay Damon attorneys and paralegals dedicated over 2,800 hours of time valued at more than $1.2 million to pro bono efforts in 2024 through participating in firm-sponsored family court clinics, litigating civil rights violations, drafting wills for veterans, assisting with clemency applications, and providing online legal aid through the Free Legal Answers program.
Jen Leonardi, Barclay Damon’s pro bono partner, said, “Participating in the Free Legal Answers program furthers Barclay Damon’s commitment to providing pro bono legal services to low-income individuals in need of legal assistance.” She continued, “Our attorneys are passionate about giving back to the community, and the variety of legal questions asked means there’s something that appeals to everyone.”
Now in its ninth year, ABA Free Legal Answers has responded to more than 400,000 civil legal questions submitted by users to the 15,000-plus pro bono attorneys from 43 jurisdictions, including a federal portal addressing veterans benefits and immigration questions.
Solimeno said, “I’m honored to be designated a Pro Bono Leader again this year. Providing pro bono services is a key element of my practice, and I enjoy helping people in need of legal assistance on the Free Legal Answers platform. I look forward to continuing my participation for many years to come.”
The Free Legal Answers program report highlights the impact volunteers had in 2024. To see the full list of honorees, click here.
Barclay Damon attorneys team across offices and practices to provide customized, targeted solutions grounded in industry knowledge and a deep understanding of our clients' businesses. With approximately 300 attorneys, Barclay Damon is a leading regional law firm that operates from a strategic platform of offices in Albany, Boston, Buffalo, New Haven, New York City, Rochester, Syracuse, Washington DC, and Toronto. Our firm serves clients across the country and, for some practices, provides US legal services around the globe. For more information, visit our award-winning website at barclaydamon.com.