Latham’s Pro Bono Program Honored for Racial Equity Work

The National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA) has recognized Latham with a 2022 Beacon of Justice Award — the second year in a row the firm has won the award. 2022 Beacon of Justice honorees have “demonstrated excellence in service across the legal spectrum from civil rights and special relief motions related to COVID that have racial significance, to advocates raising their voices and committing resources, to untangling systems that are inherently unjust.”

Latham was honored for its engagement as outside pro bono counsel to the independent panel charged with investigating the circumstances surrounding the 2019 death of 19-year-old Elijah McClain — an unarmed Black man who died after an encounter with police and paramedics in Aurora, Colorado — and our work spearheading litigation to ensure a fair and accurate decennial US Census.

Also included in the recognition was Latham’s work supporting the Emmett Till Interpretive Center in its community-led efforts to get federal recognition and protection of historic sites connected to Emmett Till and his mother, as well as Latham’s new initiative to provide pro bono counsel to those impacted by the Windrush Scandal in the UK.

“We are thrilled to be recognized for our pro bono contributions, and are proud to be partners in the NLADA community’s mission to combat systemic injustices,” said partner and Global Pro Bono Chair Anne Robinson.