Chantale Fiebig, with Gibson Dunn & Crutcher in Washington, D.C. April 12, 2019.

Describe your firm's philosophy on pro bono service.

At Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, we believe that our lawyers have a duty to contribute to society through pro bono work, including in the courts and through leadership in institutions that promote the rule of law and human rights. We strongly encourage pro bono work by all of our attorneys. Last year, we devoted over 145,000 pro bono hours worldwide to causes like immigration advocacy, protecting civil liberties and nonprofit corporate governance.

Of the big cases your firm recently worked on, you represented Aaron Cantu, a young journalist who was arrested while covering the demonstrations at the 2017 Presidential Inauguration. Tell us more about the case and how you reached the outcome.

Our client was a freelance journalist who had a long history of providing front-line coverage of significant historical events, including demonstrations and protests of important political and social issues. Despite his attendance at the demonstration in his capacity as a reporter, he was arrested and charged with felony riot. We viewed his arrest and prosecution as a double affront to the First Amendment because it not only threatened journalism, but specifically journalism covering political dissent that is itself protected by the First Amendment. We moved to dismiss the charges against him on First Amendment grounds and while our motion was pending, the government voluntarily dismissed all charges against him. It was a victory for him and freedom of the press.

What was the most satisfying aspect of that key case?

The unprecedented nature of the charges against our client—which were also filed against  hundreds of others who protested the Inauguration—really threatened fundamental principles of democracy. It was incredibly empowering to see that risk and to be able to step into the ring on the right side of history. It was gratifying to contribute to a legal battle that truly touched on who we are as Americans.

Discuss other key pro bono matters recently completed by the firm.

Our pro bono matters are incredibly diverse, and reflect Gibson Dunn's commitment to principles of justice. In 2018, we continued to fight on behalf of immigrants across the United States. For example, our lawyers were able to obtain a nationwide preliminary injunction that stopped interference with DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), and responded immediately to help reunite immigrant families who were separated at the U.S.-Mexico border or affected by the travel ban.

We have also helped achieve justice for domestic violence survivors, regularly helping clients obtain protection orders against abusers, and we led the successful efforts in England and Wales to criminalize upskirting, the intolerable practice of taking photographs up women's skirts without their consent.

Why does your pro bono work matter to you as a lawyer?

I believe it is important to lead by example, including through pro bono work. By volunteering on these matters—which include some of the leading social and legal issues of our day—we help raise the bar, and hopefully increase the number of talented attorneys throughout the industry who become engaged on civic, social and political issues that affect all of us. I'm proud to contribute to that public service.

Responses submitted by Chantale Fiebig, a partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher whose practice focuses on complex civil litigation.