Global law firm Baker McKenzie has been named an 'ESG Impact' Honoree by the Daily Business Review (DBR), which recognizes the leading law firms and practitioners in Florida with its annual Florida Legal Awards. The ESG Impact award honors law firms that demonstrate social responsibility through client-focused efforts, pro bono work, charitable drives, special projects or other avenues.
DBR recognized Baker McKenzie's work in launching Justice in Action, a first-of-its-kind initiative that engages an international network of stakeholders, involving 4,000+ global volunteers, including 800+ in-house team members from 35+ leading multinational companies. Through the initiative, the Firm's lawyers, business professionals and clients have successfully delivered meaningful contributions to several high-impact projects related to racism, mental health, justice crossing borders and child welfare.
"We are humbled to be recognized for the important work that the Firm is doing in Florida and throughout the world to support our communities and build a sustainable future for all," said Angela Vigil, the Firm's Executive Director of Pro Bono who is based in Miami. "Seeing busy lawyers and professionals pledge their time to serve vulnerable populations seeking access to justice is truly rewarding. Only through the commitment of hundreds of selfless and passionate volunteers is our work possible, and I am honored to oversee and lead such impactful projects."
"We are extremely proud to be the leading global law firm in Miami for pro bono work and social impact," said Scott Brandman, Managing Partner of Baker McKenzie's Miami and New York offices. "Thank you to the Daily Business Review for recognizing our commitment to harnessing the Firm's global platform and legal acumen to help our local communities."
Summer LePree, co-leader of Baker McKenzie's Miami and New York pro bono initiatives, added, "I am honored to be a part of a Firm that is deeply invested in giving back to our communities, providing opportunities for all our people to participate. It is extremely gratifying to have worked alongside colleagues and clients on the Justice in Action project and see our efforts acknowledged."
The Firm's Pro Bono Practice focuses on helping the underserved and disadvantaged through strategic programs and initiatives that make a positive and lasting impact on critical social issues affecting the communities in which we live and work.
The Justice in Action project has been repeatedly recognized for its innovative approach, earning the prestigious Beacon of Justice Award in 2022 from the National Legal Aid & Defender Association. In 2021, Baker McKenzie became the first law firm to be awarded first place at the Design Management Institute's Design Value Awards for our work on the Justice in Action project. Additionally, Justice in Action was featured in the Financial Times' 2021 North America Innovative Lawyers Special Report as a model for Innovation in Social Justice.
Baker McKenzie will be recognized at the Florida Legal Awards ceremony on May 17 at the JW Marriott Marquis in Miami, Florida.