Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
e-mail: communications@probonoinst.org
website: www.probonoinst.org

PBI Announces New Law Firm Pro Bono Project Advisory Committee Co-Chair

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Pro Bono Institute (PBI) announced today that Kim Koopersmith, chairperson of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, has become co-chair of PBI’s Law Firm Pro Bono Project Advisory Committee effective immediately. Koopersmith joins Advisory Committee co-chair Regina Pisa, chairman emeritus, Goodwin Procter LLP, succeeding Robert Sheehan, of counsel, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.

“Kim is an excellent leader and a natural choice for this role,” Law Firm Project Director Tammy Taylor said. “Her expertise, experience, and longtime commitment to pro bono and the work of the Project is highly valued, and we are grateful for her continued support.”

As chairperson of Akin Gump, Koopersmith guides the strategic direction of the firm and heads its management committee. She is also a driving force in strengthening the firm’s dedication to diversity and pro bono work. Her commitment to creating and expanding opportunities for women and minorities has earned her several awards and accolades including Law360’s “2012 Most Innovative Managing Partner.” Her leadership also contributed to the firm being named in 2014 to The American Lawyer’s A-List, an annual ranking of the country’s 20 leading law firms – the second time in three years that the firm has been named to the list.

“I am honored and eager to step into this role advising PBI’s Law Firm Pro Bono Project, which has been such a positive force for change in pro bono at large law firms, including my own, over the past two decades,” Koopersmith said. “Bob has been an innovative leader, exceptional advisor, and great friend. His presence and contributions to the Advisory Committee will be missed but certainly not forgotten.”

Sheehan had been co-chair of the Law Firm Pro Bono Project Advisory Committee since 2001. He served as executive partner at Skadden from 1994 to 2009 and currently oversees the firm’s pro bono program.

“I’m grateful for Kim’s support in this transition and am confident that her wealth of knowledge and superior leadership will be put to good use on the Advisory Committee,” Sheehan said.


About the Law Firm Pro Bono Project
The Law Firm Pro Bono Project is the only global effort designed to support and enhance the pro bono culture and performance of major law firms in the United States and around the world. The Project’s goal is to fully integrate pro bono into the practice, philosophy, and culture of firms so that large law firms provide the institutional support, infrastructure, and encouragement essential to fostering a climate supportive of pro bono service and promoting partner and associate participation.

About Pro Bono Institute
Founded in 1996, Pro Bono Institute (PBI) is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization. With an unparalleled depth of knowledge, resources, and expertise, PBI is the respected resource for all things pro bono. Through our work with law firms, legal departments, the courts, and public interest organizations, PBI is the global thought leader in exploring, identifying, evaluating, catalyzing, and taking to scale new approaches and resources for the provision of legal services to the poor, disadvantaged, and other individuals or groups unable to secure legal assistance to address critical problems.

About Akin Gump
Founded in 1945, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.