Firm Strives for 100% Participation from Attorneys in the Employment, Labor & Benefits Practice in Innovative Pro Bono Initiative

Mintz is pleased to announce the launch of a first of its kind pro bono initiative led by the firm’s Employment, Labor & Benefits Practice. Partnering with legal services organizations, attorneys in the Employment, Labor & Benefits Practice will provide pro bono employment law services to income-screened small businesses and nonprofits affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initiative was established regionally – in Boston, New York, Washington D.C. and San Diego – to best assist with varying state and local employment laws and requirements, and will be led by a Committee of Mintz Members and Associates in the firm’s Employment, Labor & Benefits Practice. Associate and Pro Bono Committee member Natalie Young will spearhead the effort across all offices.

Each partnership will require limited engagements or participation in clinic and lawyer-for-a-day model pro bono representations. As part of the initiative, Mintz’s Employment, Labor & Benefits Practice will work with the following legal services organizations:

• Boston: Lawyers for Civil Rights and Lawyers Clearinghouse, as part of the Massachusetts COVID Relief Coalition;
• New York: Lawyers’ Alliance for New York, in partnership with other law firms, as part of its COVID-19 Employment Consultation Project;
• Washington, D.C.: the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center, as part of its Nonprofit Legal Assistance Program; and
• San Diego: the San Diego Volunteer Lawyers Program, as part of its COVID-19 Small Business / Nonprofit Brief Legal Advice Clinic.

“Businesses and workers across the United States continue to face a number of employment challenges as a result of the pandemic. It’s rewarding to offer our help to those in need as they navigate this evolving employment landscape,” said Michael Arnold, Chair of Mintz's Employment, Labor & Benefits Practice.

Notably, Mr. Arnold is calling for 100% participation from lawyers in the practice group. “Everyone has an opportunity here to do their part to help during these difficult times. Even just one hour of their day providing help can make all the difference.”

“I’m thrilled to support the Employment, Labor & Benefits Practice, particularly Mike and Natalie, as they prioritize pro bono efforts during this difficult time,” said Susan Finegan, Member and Chair of the firm’s Pro Bono Committee. “We hope this can be a model for other practice groups at Mintz and other law firms nationwide.”

Learn more about Mintz’s pro bono efforts here.