Robert M. Dell Prize for Extraordinary Pro Bono Service

The growth of our pro bono program and the firm’s deep, unwavering commitment are a testament to Bob Dell’s decision early in his tenure as the firm’s chair and managing partner to integrate pro bono into our culture. His inherent belief in the importance of pro bono to our profession and to our firm has been critical to our success.

In honor of Bob’s retirement at the end of 2014 and in recognition of his tremendous legacy, we established the Robert M. Dell Award for Extraordinary Pro Bono Service. The award is given annually to a Latham lawyer or legal team who makes exceptional contributions to pro bono, and it comes with a directed donation to a legal aid organization chosen by the recipient(s) of the prize.

We were thrilled to name Bob as the inaugural recipient of this award in October 2014. On behalf of Bob, a donation was given to the Legal Aid Society Employment Law Center, which protects the rights of low-income employees to work in a safe, respectful environment that is free from discrimination and in compliance with the law. Bob has long been a friend and supporter of LAS-ELC, serving on its board since 1993 and on its Executive Committee for many years.

In addition, in recognition of Bob’s contributions to the firm, Latham partners made a separate donation in Bob’s name to LAS-ELC. This gift was used to endow the “Robert M. Dell Student Advocates,” funding LAS-ELC’s summer law student program through 2024.

Other winners include teams fighting for minority voting rights, advising a nonprofit using cutting-edge technology to protect our oceans, and advocating for US veterans. Please click on the videos below to learn more.

The Jason Sissel Team (2023)

A cross-office team secured a precedent-setting victory that will have a widespread impact on veterans seeking disability ratings and medical retirements in the US.

The Cory Maples Team (2022)

A Washington, D.C.-based team led a long, labyrinthine effort on behalf of an inmate on Alabama’s death row to ensure he received his constitutional right to effective legal representation.

Advising the Elijah McClain Investigative Panel (2021)

The team who served as outside pro bono counsel to the independent panel charged with investigating the circumstances surrounding the 2019 death of Elijah McClain at the hands of police and paramedics in Aurora, Colorado.

US Census Litigation Team (2021)

A large, cross-office team who spearheaded litigation to ensure a fair and accurate Decennial US Census, and whose work helped guarantee an equitable distribution of political representation and trillions of dollars in federal funding.

East Ramapo Litigation Team (2020)

The team of litigators who secured a major victory on behalf of the Spring Valley NAACP, Black and Latinx voters, and public school students in upstate New York. The lawsuit challenged the East Ramapo Central School District’s at-large method for school board elections under the federal Voting Rights Act.

Bob Sims For His Commitment to Pro Bono (2019)

Bob Sims is a Litigation & Trial partner in our San Francisco office, and a steadfast advocate for social justice around the globe. Since joining Latham as a lateral partner in 2002, he has worked on more than 100 pro bono matters, including helping victims of human trafficking and advising the government of South Sudan on its constitution.

The Ocean Cleanup (2018)

Led by partner Mike Carroll, counsel Nikki Buffa, and associates Taiga Takahashi and Bobbi-Jo Dobush, a team of Latham lawyers advised The Ocean Cleanup as it navigated regulatory matters, and continues to advise the organization as it develops and pilots its technology.

US Veterans Pro Bono Program (2017)

Led by San Francisco partner Andrea Hogan, together with associates Taiga Takahashi and Shira Epstien, senior paralegal Susan Omokawa, and legal secretary Linda Mihalik, more than 400 Latham lawyers have taken on over 200 matters on behalf of US veterans in the last five years.

Refugee Crisis Project For The International Rescue Committee (2016)

Led by London partner Helena Potts, a team of more than 30 lawyers and professional staff from around the world worked tirelessly day and night to provide the International Rescue Committee with real-time answers to pressing questions concerning domestic and international law.

The Signal Litigation Team (2015)

Latham lawyers represented 47 plaintiffs in a part of the largest human trafficking civil action in US history.