Dykema Receives Law Firm Of The Year Award

Detroit

Dykema, a leading national law firm, has been selected by Community Legal Resources (CLR) for their 2009 Law Firm of the Year Award. The firm will be honored at CLR’s 11^th Annual Recognition Event on December 1.

Dykema was chosen for this honor based on the firm’s extensive pro bono contributions to CLR programs and for serving as a leader in pro bono commitment throughout the Michigan region. Dykema was also a recipient of the 2004 Community Legal Resources Award.

“We are very pleased that Community Legal Resources has recognized Dykema for its dedication and commitment to the pro bono community,” said Rex Schlaybaugh, Dykema’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Dykema has had a long tradition of commitment to pro bono legal service and I congratulate our attorneys on this honor.”

“We look forward to continuing our long-standing relationship with the organization and supporting its efforts to provide legal services for those who otherwise might go without representation,” added Heidi Naasko, Dykema’s attorney pro bono coordinator.

Through countless pro bono hours, participation in numerous workshops and trainings and financial support, Dykema has been an essential partner to CLR and has helped lead several pro bono initiatives including:

• The development of a crisis clinic partnership with Ford Motor Company
• The firm’s annual participation in New Detroit’s legal compliance clinics
• Served as 2009 Law Firm Appeal Chair

Community Legal Resources delivers free legal services to nonprofit organizations building neighborhoods in Detroit and throughout Michigan. Their mission is to foster pro bono legal representation for unfulfilled legal needs of nonprofit community organizations in Michigan that serve low-income individuals and communities, with an emphasis on community economic development activities. The program began in 1998 as an initiative of Michigan Legal Services to connect business lawyers to nonprofit organizations constructing affordable housing, attracting new businesses, feeding and sheltering the homeless, and mentoring youth.

Dykema’s Longstanding Commitment to Pro Bono

Dykema believes the practice of law, especially in a large corporate firm, is a privilege that carries with it profound societal responsibilities. Performing legal services for those who cannot afford to pay for them – or for organizations that benefit such persons – is a central part of the firm’s effort to improve the quality of life for the underserved in its community.

Last year, Dykema attorneys and support staff performed 11,252 hours of pro bono work. The firm and its attorneys have earned several prestigious awards for its pro-bono work, including the 2009 Exceptional Service Award from the ABA Death Penalty Representation Project, the 2009 John W. CummiskeyPro Bono Award and the 2009 Detroit Metropolitan Bar Pro Bono Service Award.

Click here for more information on Dykema’s pro bono program.