Latham Honored as 2019 Champion for Children

Latham & Watkins’ fundraising efforts for D.C.’s Children’s Law Center (CLC) in 2019 has once again earned the firm recognition as a Champion for Children, which recognizes the generosity of law firms and corporations whose total 2019 annual giving to Children’s Law Center exceeded that of their peers. This is the second year in a row the firm has been recognized, and the fifth time since the fundraising competition’s inception in 2012, a record. 

The CLC provides free legal services so every child in D.C. can grow up with a loving family, good health, and a quality education. Judges, pediatricians, and families turn to the CLC to advocate for children who are abused or neglected, who aren’t learning in school, or who have health problems that cannot be solved by medicine alone. With nearly 100 staff and hundreds of pro bono lawyers, the CLC reaches one out of every nine children in D.C.’s poorest neighborhoods – more than 5,000 children and families each year. In addition, the CLC multiplies this impact by advocating for city-wide solutions that benefit all children. 

“Latham & Watkins’ record-making fifth Champions for Children win underscores the firm’s absolute commitment to improving the lives of D.C. children,” said CLC Executive Director Judith Sandalow. “Not only is the Latham team one of our most longstanding community partners – they are also passionate advocates and leaders in many of the issue areas that affect DC’s children including special education and housing conditions. CLC’s life-changing work would not be possible without their sustained support.” 

The CLC’s Board of Directors, on which Latham partner Manu Gayatrinath sits, along with the Board of Advisors, lead the Champions for Children Campaign. These leaders work hard advocating for the well-being of children and support continued and greater giving within their respective firms to support children in need.