The lawyers on this year’s Pro Bono Hot List have taken on some of the biggest issues of our time, including President Donald Trump’s travel ban and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), representing both institutions and individuals. They challenged the money bail system covering the nation’s third-largest jail in Harris County, Texas, and the bond system for noncitizen detainees in Los Angeles. They secured a win in a major case involving Pennsylvania gerrymandering. And when it came to the U.S. Supreme Court, they dominated, with a partner at one firm arguing three pro bono cases in four weeks. The outcome? He won them all—unanimously. These are their stories. — Lisa Helem, Editor-in-Chief
Akerman
Win Allows Inspection of LGBT Bias at Trial
“Winning always feels good, but the main reason we took this case is because lawyers needed to stand up on behalf of this individual who was discriminated against in the jury selection process.” — Whitney Untiedt
Arnold & Porter
Firm Earns Win in Pa. Gerrymandering Case
“Prior to our victory in this case there had never been another case that had successfully struck down and replaced a congressional district map anywhere in the country on the grounds of unconstitutional partisan gerrymandering.” — David Gersch
