Describe your firm's philosophy on pro bono service. 

Arnold & Porter's philosophy of pro bono is simple: everyone should have equal access to justice, and our society should be governed by the rule of law. To that end, all of our lawyers are encouraged to spend 15% of their time on pro bono work. We represent not only sympathetic clients but also those who may be unpopular and for whom the vindication of civil rights and justice is most elusive. —Dan Cantor

What are the two biggest cases your firm worked on in 2019? Tell us more about those cases and how you reached the outcome. 

In June 2018, the firm filed two suits—separate challenges to the Trump administration's decision to add a citizenship question to the decennial census and to terminate the Central American Minors (CAM) program (a family reunification immigration program). The census strategy was to go fast (to trial) and big by building an unassailable factual record demonstrating political motivation and arbitrariness, to be able to sustain the trial court victory from inevitable appeals. We never stopped building that record, and made further submissions to strengthen our case even after the Supreme Court argument. The court ruled in our favor 5-4, and the administration gave up.

The CAM strategy was to stay small and focus on the families that had a clear right to relief. After we obtained a preliminary injunction, the administration decided to settle, paving the path for 2,700 Central American children to be reunited with their families. —John Freedman

What was the most satisfying aspect of that work? 

Winning in these cases made a tremendous difference for our clients. For CAM, that meant we were able to help reunite 2,700 children with their families. For census, it meant that all our clients' members could participate and be counted free from fear the information they provide to the government would be abused to enforce immigration laws; this ultimately will mean more resources and political power for the communities our clients serve. —John Freedman

What other pro bono matters is the firm working on? 

Arnold & Porter continues its innovative work in voting rights, winning a major victory in voter suppression in North Carolina. We defeated a motion to dismiss in a groundbreaking case on behalf of families separated at the border seeking compensation for their emotional trauma, and we obtained a significant jury verdict for Planned Parenthood in a case against anti-abortion activists. In response to COVID-19, we have filed lawsuits in Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Colorado to reduce the risk in jails and detention centers, and more than 70 of our lawyers are advising restaurant workers and other employees in unemployment benefits. —Dan Cantor

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

Our firm recognizes that it is a privilege to be able to partner with incredible legal service providers to use our skills to represent courageous clients who are fighting injustice and unfairness. Fighting for these clients gets me up in the morning and keeps me working late into the night. —John Freedman

Responses submitted by Dan Cantor, chair of the pro bono program, and John Freedman, senior pro bono counsel, at Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer.