Ballard Spahr Named a Finalist for The American Lawyer Corporate Purpose Award

Ballard Spahr has been named a finalist for the 2023 Corporate Purpose Award from The American Lawyer in recognition of the firm’s Racial Justice and Equality Initiative, a pro bono plan of action dedicated to combating racial injustice and inequity through litigation and counseling.

The Corporate Purpose Award recognizes a law firm that has “defined and executed” a “mission-driven initiative” for access to justice or similar corporate social responsibility program. Winners will be announced at an event November 15 in New York City.

Ballard Spahr litigators donated more than 13,000 hours of legal work through the Racial Justice and Equality Initiative in 2022—among 57,000 total firm pro bono hours contributed last year. These litigators are working on dozens of pro bono cases and matters nationwide to specifically address racial justice issues, such as policing, education, and voting rights.

“We are proud to be recognized for our initiative, and even more so to be making a difference on the ground in communities around the country, where our lawyers are contributing their time and talents,” said Jason Leckerman, Chair of Ballard Spahr’s 250-lawyer Litigation Department. “The Racial Justice and Equality Initiative has demanded a significant commitment from our lawyers, who have been unflinching in executing on that commitment.”

Ballard Spahr launched the Racial Justice and Equality Initiative just weeks after the murder of George Floyd in May 2020—when many people were searching for active and effective ways to address systemic racism. Creating the initiative was one of the many steps Ballard Spahr took at that time, which also included issuing Where We Stand, in which the firm pledged to “do our part to advance the change we know is necessary.”

Through the Racial Justice and Equality initiative, Ballard Spahr litigators take on major pro bono cases and partner with public interest organizations. The firm’s nationally top-ranked Media and Entertainment Law Group also provides pro bono representation to media outlets and content creators focused on serving communities of color nationwide.

For media inquiries, please contact Bill Shralow at 215.864.8195.