Pro Bono Accolades

In recent years, the firm’s pro bono practice has received numerous accolades granted by civic organizations and leading industry publications.

A few of these accolades include:

  • Law360 – Top 10 Social Impact Leaders, recognizing Cooley’s pro bono work, promotion of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, legal industry and communities it serves, and for offering an authentic workplace culture that improves job satisfaction and fulfillment
  • Fortune – 50 Best Workplaces for Giving Back, highlighting companies going above and beyond to develop charitable endeavors
  • People – 50 Companies That Care, highlighting organizations that show extraordinary compassion to employees, embrace the environment and put diversity at the forefront
  • The Recorder – Top 10 leading Northern California pro bono practices 
  • Wolters Kluwer – Partner in Excellence Award, an inaugural award recognizing Cooley’s pro bono achievements and impact providing local organizations the legal tools to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Legal Services for Children – Pro Bono Leadership Award, honoring Cooley’s significant pro bono assistance to children and youth
  • Alameda County Bar Association – Distinguished Service Award
  • Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area – Father Cuchulain Moriarty Award, recognizing those who work to advance immigrant justice through outstanding pro bono legal services
  • Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area – James T. Caleshu Award, recognizing Cooley’s representation of small business owners of color
  • US Patent and Trademark Office – Patent Pro Bono Achievement Certificate, highlighting individuals and law firms that have volunteered significant time and effort to help financially under-resourced inventors and small businesses protect their ideas
  • American Bar Association – Pro Bono Publico Award, honoring Cooley’s dedication to pro bono services for the poor and disadvantaged
  • Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) – Two DC-based litigators were recognized as outstanding pro bono lawyers for providing legal services to refugee and immigrant children
  • Casa Cornelia Law Center – Two San Diego-based litigators were honored with La Mancha Awards, recognizing those who provide quality legal services to victims of human and civil rights violations
  • YWCA Silicon Valley – A Cooley pro bono counselwas recognized at the organization’s Tribute to Women Awards, an annual event honoring women who exemplify and reflect the innovation, creativity and excellence of Silicon Valley
  • Northern California Innocence Project – Pro Bono Award, recognizing the firm’s contribution of hundreds of hours of pro bono legal assistance for the project
  • Disability Rights California – Pro Bono Achievement Award, honoring Cooley’s commitment to litigating important disability cases
  • Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts of Massachusetts – Robert B. Fraser Award for Pro Bono Excellence, honoring a Boston-based Cooley lawyer for dedication in representing the legal needs of Massachusetts’ artistic community
  • The State Bar of California – President’s Pro Bono Service Award, recognizing California lawyers and law firms that provide or enable the direct provision of legal services to low-income clients
  • The American Bar Association Section of Litigation – John Minor Wisdom Public Service and Professionalism Award, recognizing Cooley’s outstanding contributions to ensuring equal access to the legal system
  • Human Rights Campaign – National Ally of Justice Award, recognizing Cooley's distinguished service as pro bono counsel for the organization
  • Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless – Outstanding Law Firm of the Year award, recognizing law firms that go above and beyond in supporting and furthering the clinic’s mission and vision
  • Project Homeless Connect – Connector Award, honoring a Palo Alto-based Cooley lawyer for outstanding volunteerism
  • National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA) – Arthur von Briesen Award, honoring a Cooley pro bono partner for outstanding service in advancing the cause of equal access to justice
  • Centro Legal de la Raza – Pro Bono Champion Award, recognizing law firms that go above and beyond in providing pro bono services to the San Francisco Bay Area community
  • Legal Aid Society of San Diego – Law Firm of the Year, recognizing Cooley’s commitment to pro bono services and work on behalf of individuals who need legal assistance with Social Security benefits
  • American Bar Association Immigration Justice Project – Law Firm of the Year 
  • Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights Coalition – Law Firm Partner of the Year, recognizing Cooley’s commitment to advocacy on behalf of detained immigrants with mental illness