Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP views pro bono work as a central responsibility of the firm and our lawyers. We have a long and distinguished history of providing pro bono legal services to those who could not otherwise obtain legal representation and we expect each of our lawyers to work on pro bono matters throughout their careers at the firm.

Davis Polk makes every effort to provide a wide variety of pro bono opportunities so that our lawyers can pursue the kind of pro bono commitment they find most meaningful. The firm supports pro bono work through partner mentoring, training sessions, and devotion of resources. In addition to fulfilling our desire and obligation to aid those in need, we are also gratified by the benefit pro bono work provides as a vehicle for early client responsibility and training. Pro bono work is considered to be of equal stature to billable matters and our lawyers offer the same excellence to our pro bono clients as we do to our paying clients.

The firm also encourages lawyers to participate in other civic activities, including mentor programs, bar associations and service on the boards of directors of legal, charitable and civic organizations.

Work Highlights


  • DAVIS POLK SUCCEEDS IN VACATING CONVICTION AND SECURING NEW TRIAL FOR INMATE ON DEATH ROW


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  • COUNSEL TO NEW YORK STATE JUDICIAL TASK FORCE


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  • NEARLY $1.8 MILLION CIVIL VERDICT SECURED FOR MAN WRONGFULLY CONVICTED


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  • WORKERS RIGHTS CASES INCLUDING A $4.6 MILLION JUDGMENT FOR RESTAURANT DELIVERY WORKERS


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  • DAVIS POLK ADVISES ON SOUTH AFRICAN VOTING RIGHTS CASE


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