Simpson Thacher & Bartlett has recruited a Columbia Law School dean to fill a newly created pro bono counsel position.
Harlene Katzman was previously the dean of Columbia's Center for Public Interest Law, which assists students exploring careers and clinical opportunities in public interest law.
Earlier in her career, Katzman was a plaintiffs civil rights lawyer in New York City, where she litigated employment and housing discrimination cases.
Katzman will be responsible for coordinating the firm's ongoing pro bono efforts and exploring new opportunities.
The move by Simpson Thacher follows that by Davis Polk & Wardwell, which last month hired former federal prosecutor Ronnie Abrams to fill a similar role.
