2024 Samuel E. Klein Pro Bono Awards

Justin Gdula is a partner in the finance and real estate group based in the Philadelphia office, where he runs Dechert’s involvement in Philadelphia’s Eviction Diversion Program. The Eviction Diversion Program allows landlords and tenants, in cases where a tenant is experiencing financial hardship, to participate in a free mediation prior to an eviction complaint being filed so the parties can try to resolve their issues without having to go to court. Since 2021, under Justin’s leadership, Dechert has handled over 230 mediations.

Doug Getter is a partner in the firm's corporate practice based in London. Since 2015, Doug has worked with Cocoa360 – a nonprofit based in Ghana – which leverages revenues from community-run farms to improve education and health outcomes for the local cocoa-growing community. Doug has played an indispensable role not only with respect to Cocoa360’s establishment but also with its continued growth and development, helping it to become a case study for sustainable development.

Representing survivors of domestic violence, advocating for voting rights and prisoner’s civil rights, and screening cases for the Innocence Project, are only a few of the pro bono projects Mary Kim has handled since joining Dechert. Mary, an associate in the products liability group based in the San Francisco office, is truly someone who has led by example over the years, providing pro bono services to both individuals and handling cases focused on systemic change.

The Center for Reproductive Rights (CRR) is a legal advocacy organization that, working with local partners, is dedicated to advancing reproductive rights and protecting maternal health worldwide. Since 2019, a cross-office, multi-disciplinary team has worked with CRR, helping them gain a better understanding of the global legal landscape for reproductive rights and maternal health. Led by Maria Pedersen, the team included Charlotte-based Israel Rodriguez Rubio; Hong Kong-based Andrew Singer; New York-based Marcela Gómez Morin Cuevas and Juan Zambon; and Singapore-based David Good and Alan Zhang.