October 15, 2012
Not for Sale, an international non-profit organization whose mission is to end human slavery, honored Latham & Watkins at its inaugural gala reception in New York City on October 11, 2012.
David Batstone, President and Co-Founder of Not For Sale, presented Latham & Watkins with the 2012 Abolition Award in recognition of the firm's work on behalf of Not for Sale to help end human trafficking and slavery. Watch a video produced by Not For Sale on the 2012 Abolition Award presented to Latham & Watkins.
A team of over 100 attorneys and professional staff from the across firm's global offices have advised Not for Sale on a wide range of matters, from setting up the organization's operations to supporting its international expansion, as well as advising Not for Sale on a number of specific initiatives including the launch of REBBL, a beverage social enterprise that combines ethically-sourced botanicals and ingredients to produce bottled beverages. The Latham team advised on the creation of this innovative social enterprise from its inception to product launch, including forming the company, drafting financing agreements, and providing general legal counsel. Through the product launch, Not for Sale was able to raise more than $150,000 to create community farms which will provide REBBL with ingredients to bottle their drinks and create sustainable food sources for communities in the Peruvian Amazon.
“Since the beginning of 2011, Latham & Watkins LLP has made the international work of Not For Sale possible through the gift of their pro bono legal services,” said David Batstone, President and Co-Founder of Not For Sale. “More than 100 of their global attorneys and professional staff have volunteered their time to combat human trafficking as they support Not For Sale’s initiatives. Latham’s expertise has enabled Not For Sale to support 2,500 survivors and create new futures for vulnerable people across the global. I am thrilled to honor Latham & Watkins at our inaugural gala.”
"We are immensely proud to work with Not for Sale and to support the organization's hugely important mission to end human trafficking. Not for Sale is a visionary organization led by a passionate, devoted and entrepreneurial team. It is with great humility and a deep sense of pride that we accept this award," said partner Bill Voge.