E. Martin Estrada, with Munger, Tolles & Olson.

Describe your firm's philosophy on pro bono service.

Service to the community through pro bono work is one of Munger, Tolles & Olson's core values. Our firm dedicates more than 3 percent of all attorney time to pro bono work each year on cases covering a wide spectrum. In addition, the firm's partner-funded MTO Foundation contributes significantly to providers of legal ­services to underserved communities.

Of the big cases your firm recently worked on, one included a landmark trial victory in New Mexico. Tell us more about that case and how you reached the outcome.

As co-counsel to MALDEF and New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty, Munger Tolles won a landmark trial demonstrating that the state of New Mexico's inadequate education system deprives children of the educational opportunities needed for college, career and civic life, thereby denying them due process and equal protection. During the two-month trial, educational experts testified about the needs of New Mexico students and systemic deficiencies undermining student success; school superintendents testified that their districts lack resources, quality programs and state support; and families testified about the lack of educational opportunity in the state's schools. The state's experts and officials were forced to concede that, while students at high-poverty schools have less access to effective teachers, the state has failed to provide adequate resources to improve teacher training, compensation, recruitment and retention.

What was the most satisfying aspect of that key case?

We pride ourselves on handling the most complex cases in the country and offering assistance to those most in need. This case was the perfect marriage of those two aims. Routinely ranked at the bottom in terms of academic performance and graduation rates, New Mexico is a state desperately in need of educational reform. While much work remains to be done, this case will have a profound impact on the future of New Mexico, and thus, our country.

Discuss other key pro bono matters recently completed by the firm.

As co-counsel to the ACLU, Munger Tolles obtained a classwide preliminary injunction barring the city of Los Angeles from enforcing "gang injunctions," which the city uses to prevent individuals the city has decided are gang members from participating in various ordinary, legal activities. As co-counsel to the Native American Disability Law Center, Munger Tolles obtained a landmark federal court ruling that schools run by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) are obligated to address the mental health and wellness needs of all students. As co-counsel to Public Counsel, Munger Tolles obtained a settlement calling for the county of Los Angeles to implement new policies to prevent inmates with mental illnesses from being released without arrangements for managing their mental health.

Why does your pro bono work matter to you as a lawyer?

As professionals and officers of the court, we owe a duty to contribute to the public good. While there are many lawyers in the profession, too many individuals in need lack access to the legal system and access to justice. Helping people overcome disadvantages through the law not only fulfills a moral duty, it is deeply rewarding. Whether through impact litigation or representing an individual client, this type of work can fundamentally change people's lives for the better.

Responses submitted by E. Martin Estrada, a litigator at Munger, Tolles & Olson, and lead trial counsel on the New Mexico educational rights case.