Southeast Michigan’s auto-dependent economy has suffered devastating blows during the recent recession. The attorneys who work at Ford Motor Co.’s headquarters are acutely aware of the pain many of their neighbors have endured.

“People in this office feel fortunate to be working at Ford Motor Co.,” says David Leitch, Ford’s general counsel. “So there is a real spirit of giving back, particularly at this time and in this community. I’ve been very proud of the professionals for stepping up and pitching in.”