Page 12 - 2024 OAD First Monday in October Journal

2024 OAD GIDEON AWARD

Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP has been known as one of the premier U.S. law firms for more than two
centuries. Each of its practice areas is highly regarded, and its lawyers are recognized for their commitment
to the representation of clients’ interests.

Challenging pro bono work has long been a cornerstone of Cravath’s practice. It is a fundamental part of
who we are, and it is critically important to those whom we help. The full resources of the Firm are brought
to bear in support of every pro bono matter, whether the client is a low income single mother or a coalition
of U.S. Congress members.

Our pro bono work also provides a meaningful way for our lawyers to develop and strengthen their legal
skills. Our attorneys are strongly encouraged to take on pro bono clients, and they’re instructed to provide
them with the same top tier representation we offer our paying clients. Under a partner’s supervision,
associates have taken the lead in cases where they represent domestic violence survivors, political asylum
seekers, hospitalized children, wrongfully convicted inmates, victims of racial and gender discrimination,
and many others. Associates have provided transactional advice to non profit organizations, and they
have worked on precedent setting litigation in areas that range from civil rights to copyright law. From
defending one of the first Native Americans tried for the murder of a white man in New York to helping
establish the Miranda doctrine, our attorneys have achieved landmark victories in civil rights cases that
have changed society for the better. Pro bono opportunities are readily available to lawyers in all the
Firm’s practice areas.

Cravath dedicates significant resources to assisting individuals who are incarcerated—the stories of impact
are remarkable, with life-changing outcomes for our clients. This holistic work, encompassing both direct
representations and systemically focused class actions, constitutes a major portion of our broader pro
bono program.

Earlier this year, the New York State Appellate Division, First Department, reversed the convictions of our
client TD, who was simultaneously prosecuted for two unrelated incidents involving firearms. Cravath
represented TD on a pro bono basis alongside co counsel at the Office of the Appellate Defender. We are
honored to be recognized by OAD for our work, and look forward to our continued partnership.

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