About us
Since our founding, we have proudly upheld a commitment to serve pro bono clients with the determination and legal excellence that define our broader culture. We devote tens of thousands of hours to pro bono cases, and our people are dedicated to corporate social responsibility and volunteering in our communities around the world.
Pro bono snapshot
79
Nonprofits advised on corporate or transactional matters
52
Small businesses and entrepreneurs advised
173
Humanitarian immigration matters
51
Civil and criminal matters on behalf of domestic violence and/or trafficking survivors
85+
Systemic racial justice initiative matters
Areas of work
- Arts
- Asylum and immigration
- Civil rights
- Criminal justice
- Domestic violence and family law
- Election protection and voting rights
- Gender equality and reproductive rights
- Gun safety
- International human rights
- LGBTQ+ rights
- Nonprofits
- Racial justice
- Senior law
- Small businesses and entrepreneurs
- Social enterprises
- Special education
- Sustainability
- Veterans assistance
News
Recognition
International Pro Bono Excellence
(support for Prison Journalism Project)
Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice, 2024
Read more about the recognition
Legal Services Center Pro Bono Partner
(for support of NYC vulnerable youth)
The Door, 2024
Read more about the recognition
Empire State Counsel Law Firm Honoree
(for service to low-income/vulnerable people)
New York State Bar Association, 2023
Read more about the recognition
Excellence in Pro Bono Advocacy
Sanctuary for Families’ Above & Beyond Awards, 2021 and 2023
Read more about the recognition
Champion of Justice Award
New York Legal Assistance Group, 2023
Read more about the recognition
Outstanding Pro Bono Leadership
Volunteers of Legal Service, 2023
Read more about the recognition
Silver Award
Law Society of Hong Kong’s Pro Bono and Community Work Recognition Program, 2020 and 2022
Read more about the recognition
Cornerstone Award
(for service to nonprofits)
Lawyers Alliance for New York, 2021
Read more about the recognition
Pro Bono Publico Award
LatinoJustice, 2021
Read more about the recognition
Marvin E. Frankel Award
Human Rights First, 2021
Read more about the recognition
Our pro bono team
Email our team: probono@davispolk.com
Amelia T.R. Starr
Chief Pro Bono Counsel
Dara L. Sheinfeld
Counsel, Head of Pro Bono Litigation
Jillian A. Berman
Counsel, Head of Corporate & Transactional Pro Bono
Diane O. Lucas
Counsel, Head of Racial Justice Pro Bono
Nishan Bhaumik
Pro Bono Counsel for Humanitarian Immigration Matters
Connie Chiang
Pro Bono Attorney for Corporate & Transactional Matters
Jenny Dai
Pro Bono Attorney for Corporate & Transactional Matters
Sónia Batten
Senior Pro Bono Coordinator & Specialist
Angelica Matoske
Legal Assistant, Pro Bono
Teddy Donilon
Legal Assistant, Pro Bono
If you need a pro bono lawyer
Our pro bono clients come to us through our partnerships with legal services and other nonprofit organizations; we do not accept direct inquiries for pro bono representation.
If you are in need of a pro bono lawyer, one of the following resources may be of help:
City Bar Justice Center Legal Hotline