May 5, 2021—Barclay Damon LLP announces the firm has been accepted for membership in the national Law Firm Antiracism Alliance (LFAA), a coalition of more than 290 law firms working together to help identify and dismantle systemic and structural racism in the law.
The LFAA is founded on the idea that being antiracist requires work on many fronts, and it recognizes and embraces the role that law firms, particularly when acting collectively, can play to help bring about systemic change and racial equity in the law. Facilitating pro bono work is the primary mechanism the LFAA uses to pursue its goals.
Sheila Gaddis, chair of Barclay Damon’s Diversity Partner Committee, said, “The LFAA’s belief in the power of pro bono work aligns perfectly with our firm’s own dedication to providing legal services to low-income individuals in need of legal assistance and to organizations serving those seeking access to justice. It’s who we are, and we’re delighted to join forces with others of the same mindset.”
Corey Auerbach, the firm’s pro bono partner, agreed, noting, “Providing communities with excellent pro bono service is at the core of Barclay Damon’s culture. Each of our attorneys is deeply passionate about giving back to the communities that need them most, and we are proud to join our LFAA peers—which include many of the nation’s largest firms—to use this powerful tool to help combat racism.”
“All of us who are part of the LFAA team understand that attorneys and law firms are uniquely positioned to analyze and advocate to change laws and policies that allow, whether overtly or covertly, racial injustice,” said Connie Cahill, Barclay Damon’s managing partner. “It’s our responsibility—and our honor—to use this position in collective action with our LFAA partners.”
Through Barclay Damon’s multi-award-winning pro bono program, the firm dedicated more than 2,500 hours of time valued at nearly $750,000 to pro bono efforts in 2020. That year, for the fourth year in a row, every one of the firm’s full-time attorneys provided pro bono services to those seeking access to justice.
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 nearly 300 attorneys, Barclay Damon is a leading law firm that operates from a strategic platform of offices located in the Northeastern United States and Toronto. For more information, visit our award-winning website at barclaydamon.com.