Giving Back to Our Communities
At Epstein Becker Green, we are committed to using our knowledge to make a meaningful impact beyond the courtroom. Our pro bono initiatives exemplify this dedication, combining legal excellence with a profound sense of responsibility to serve communities in need.
Whether championing justice in federal court, advocating for vulnerable individuals seeking asylum, empowering the next generation of legal professionals, or supporting educational programs that foster diversity, equity, and inclusion, our attorneys and staff go above and beyond to create positive change.
The following highlights showcase the tireless efforts and remarkable outcomes achieved through four impactful pro bono projects over the past year.
Top 30
In the category of firms with 251-600 attorneys, among more than 200 firms surveyed. Law360's 2023 "Pro Bono Ranking"
United States v. Harris
In the matter of United States v. Harris, a team of Epstein Becker Green attorneys was selected by the court to represent Samuel Harris in a federal jury trial in Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Harris was accused of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute. He was represented at trial by Richard Westling (Member, Washington, DC), Clay Lee (Member, Nashville), and Jeremy Avila (Senior Counsel, San Francisco). Following a contentious two-month trial, the jury returned not-guilty verdicts on three counts of health care fraud conspiracy. However, the jury found Mr. Harris guilty of three counts of the lesser charges of receiving kickbacks in connection with his operation of a genetic testing marketing company. The Epstein Becker Green team will be appealing Mr. Harris’s conviction to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
Advocating for Safety and Freedom: Supporting LGBTQ and Immigrant Rights Through Pro Bono Work
As one of the nation’s leading immigrant rights organizations, Immigration Equality has fought for the safety and freedom of LGBTQ and HIV-positive people facing discrimination and persecution nationwide. Through an introduction by Arthur Fried (Member, New York), Scott Splittgerber (Member, New York) and Shruti Panchavati (Associate, New York) have been working with Immigration Equality to help an individual from Nicaragua who is a victim of political and anti-LGBT persecution gain legal status in the United States. The case is complicated not only by the various immigration issues but also by a related criminal case and certain housing difficulties. After months of interviews, document reviews, and communications with the government, Scott and Shruti successfully obtained work authorization on behalf of the client and are currently in the process of preparing an initial brief setting forth arguments and evidence in advance of the asylum hearing. América Garza (Law Clerk – Admission Pending, New York) has also provided valuable assistance on the case. This pro bono work has been incredibly rewarding, especially since all the attorneys have family members who are first-generation immigrants, and by partnering with Immigration Equality, they are able to assist vulnerable individuals fleeing persecution and violence through a complex, stressful, and emotional process.
Street Law Legal Diversity Pipeline Program
Epstein Becker Green takes pride in its ongoing partnership with Street Law, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing civic and law-related education to empower individuals and communities. Street Law develops programs, provides training, and offers educational materials to foster an understanding of the law and government, promote the rule of law, and empower marginalized groups.
Helaine Fingold (Member, Baltimore) serves as outside general counsel for Street Law. In this role, Helaine collaborates with Epstein Becker Green colleagues to provide guidance on a variety of legal matters, including employment law, contracts, and information technology issues. She commends the firm’s support and appreciates the contribution of many Epstein Becker Green attorneys who assist in her work with the organization. Helaine highlights the rewarding nature of her involvement, particularly the meaningful, regular interactions she has with Street Law.
The firm also actively engages with Street Law’s Legal Diversity Pipeline Program, an initiative that connects law firms and corporate legal departments with diverse high school students. Through this program, volunteers teach lessons and lead activities designed to increase students’ understanding of the law and inspire interest in legal careers. Recently, Epstein Becker Green’s Tampa office partnered with Holland & Knight to implement the program at Jefferson High School. Volunteers from Epstein Becker Green included Jenna Dees (Associate), Daniella Lee (Senior Counsel), Enrique Miranda (Associate), and Beth Scarola (Member), who participated in classroom training sessions and a capstone conference.
The firm remains committed to its collaboration with Street Law, advancing legal education and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession.
Epstein Becker Green’s Future Lawyers Program Featuring Gold Star Teen Adventures Program
On March 8, 2024, Epstein Becker Green hosted the Future Lawyers Program in New York, welcoming five students from Gold Star Teen Adventures (GSTA). GSTA supports children of military, first responders, and intelligence personnel who lost their lives. Students met with attorneys and staff, attended sessions on various legal areas, and participated in a mock contract dispute. The Honorable George B. Daniels shared his experiences as a federal judge.
During lunch, GSTA leaders Luke Taylor and Logan Lundell shared their stories. Luke, following the loss of his parents, is commissioning as an infantry officer, while Logan, inspired by last year’s program, is now applying to law school. The event concluded with students visiting One World Observatory and touring the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
We look forward to next year’s Future Lawyers Program with GSTA. If you’re interested in supporting pro bono initiatives for veterans, contact Kim Torrance (Practice Manager, Washington, DC) or Jack Wenik (Member, Newark) to join the Veterans Pro Bono list.
A special thanks to the following people who helped make this program possible:
Alex Adkins (Associate, New York), Brian Cesaratto (Member, New York), Anna Costa (Professional Development & Diversity Coordinator, Boston), Chris Coyne (Associate, New York), Audrey Davis (Associate, Washington, DC), Daniel De Carvalho (Desktop Support Specialist, New York), Jim Flynn (Member, Newark), Naomi Friedman (Associate, New York), Corben Green (Associate, New York), Diana Martinez (Receptionist, New York), Allison Ness (Senior Counsel, New York), Kyla Portnoy (Associate, New York), Amy Simmons (Director of Practice Management and Attorney Development, Washington, DC), Zach Taylor (Associate, Newark), Kim Torrance (Practice Manager, Washington, DC), Angelina Vushaj (Hospitality Coordinator, New York), and Jack Wenik (Member, Newark).