We believe that having a positive impact on our community means going beyond the billable hour. That’s why our attorneys contribute their time and skill to lend a helping hand. Our pro bono efforts are directly linked to fostering diversity and inclusion. Examples of our recent pro bono efforts include the Hastings Appellate Project, BASF Volunteer Legal Services Program, Verbum Dei Corporate Work Study Program and Western Justice Center Foundation. Descriptions of our involvement in these programs are included below.

Hastings Appellate Project

• Direct Hastings Appellate Project
  Through his involvement in the Hastings Appellate Project, partner and Adjunct Professor Gary Watt helps educate future generations of California lawyers. The Hastings Appellate Project allows Hastings students to handle real appeals in the Ninth Circuit, providing legal representation to low-income plaintiffs in their immigration and civil rights appeals. Teresa Li, a third year law student and Archer Norris law clerk argued a case in the Ninth Circuit as part of the Hastings Appellate Program, where, upon completing her argument, was told by Judge Smith that he thought her client had a “slam dunk” case.

Verbum Dei Corporate Work Study Program

• Participate in Verbum Dei Corporate Work Study Program
  Verbum Dei High School is a Catholic, Jesuit, college and career preparatory, complemented by a corporate internship program, serving young men of Watts and the surrounding communities. Archer Norris participates in Verbum Dei’s Corporate Work Study Program and has hired high school interns for the past several years. Our support is spearheaded by partner Rich Vanis who is a long-standing supporter of the school and a member on its governing board. This year’s Verbum Dei interns include Jorge Nava, David Pelayo and Fernando Urena.

Western Justice Center Foundation

• Advise Western Justice Center Foundation
  As a board member for the Western Justice Center Foundation, partner Bob Hinton supports the WJCF mission to increase the opportunity for peaceful conflict resolution and displace the power of violence in our society. The WJCF designs, implements, evaluates and promotes innovative methods of conflict prevention and resolution for children, communities and courts.