The firm sought to explore opportunities to do more to substantively contribute to the advancement of racial equity in our communities. The firm focused on the barriers faced by many early-stage Black business owners that often cannot afford the sophisticated legal services to launch and grow a business. The firm sought to address that need by connecting these businesses with legal professionals through the Legal Equity Advancement Program or “LEAP.”  After an application and interview process, the firm awarded five Black-owned businesses $50,000 each of pro bono legal services.

The impacts of the program are captured through comments from involved attorneys and recipients. Firm member and LEAP co-chair Adeolou Bakare discussed the firm’s support and goals of the program.