Pro Bono & Social Responsibility

Our constant questioning of, “How can it be done better?” is not limited to the boardroom and the courtroom. We also seek to stay ahead of the pack when it comes to our commitment to the broader community. Service has always been a cornerstone of Weil’s culture, and it is exemplified by Weil’s award-winning pro bono, social responsibility and Weil Foundation efforts. The Weil Foundation, which celebrated its 41st anniversary in 2024, has made charitable contributions along with those of the Firm totaling over $125 million since 1983.

Our policy at Weil is for all lawyers to do 50 hours or more of pro bono work each year. Every partner is expected to work on a pro bono matter every year, and every new attorney - including lateral partners - is required to take on a pro bono matter. Since our current policy was instituted in 2005, Weil has performed more than 1 million hours of pro bono work and has had a meaningful effect on thousands of lives.

Recent Pro Bono News:

• Weil’s 2024 Pro Bono Annual Review, “Our Finest Hours”
• Weil Successfully Secures Federal Appellate Reversal in Religious Discrimination Case for NY-Based Jewish School
• Weil Pro Bono Counsel Miriam Buhl Named “Changemaker” at 2023 FT Innovative Lawyers North America Awards

Weil’s industry leading social responsibility programs include year-round charitable contributions to nonprofit organizations, public-private partnerships like the Weil Legal Innovators Program, scholarships for higher education, nonprofit board service, and year-round volunteer opportunities and cause related events.

Recent Social Responsibility News:

• Social Responsibility and Weil Foundation 2023 Year in Review
• Weil Legal Innovators Program Celebrates Fifth Anniversary with New Class of Rising Law Students

The Weil Legal Innovators Program (WLI) engages incoming law school students in addressing some of the most pressing social and legal challenges in our communities today.

Each WLI class comprises 12 incoming law school students who plan to attend a J.D. program at one of our law school partners. Innovators defer their first year of law school to work at a partner nonprofit organization for a paid public service fellowship, executing a strategic initiative designed to leverage their passion for justice and commitment to public service, while amplifying the impact of the nonprofits and their important missions.