2022-2023 Pro Bono Program Review

O’Melveny Partners with Oceana to Protect Right Whales

At Stake

Collaborators

The Outcome

The fate of one of the world’s most endangered species of whales–the North Atlantic right whale

Oceana

A federal court found current regulations insufficiently protected these majestic mammals

O’Melveny has been representing Oceana—the largest international advocacy organization focused solely on ocean conservation—in connection with its efforts to protect the critically endangered North Atlantic right whales, which weigh up to 140,000 pounds and can live up to 70 years. North Atlantic right whales once numbered in the thousands before being hunted to near extinction in the early Twentieth Century. The population rebounded after whaling was banned in 1935, but has been decimated again in recent years by vessel strikes and entanglements in fishing gear, including lines attached to lobster traps. Today, fewer than 350 right whales remain. O’Melveny assisted Oceana in drafting comments on a major rulemaking effort aimed at reducing threats from entanglements in New England lobster gear and other fixed fishing gear. After that rule was remanded by a federal court and determined by the regulatory agency to provide inadequate protection in light of current data, new rulemaking was initiated to better protect the right whales.

O’Melveny Serves as Pro Bono Counsel for the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra

The Outcome

At Stake

The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra continues to benefit the community through its music, education initiatives, and community programs

Meeting the legal needs of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra so it can focus on its charitable mission

Photo: O’Melveny attorneys Cherry Ma (center) and Kiernan Humphrey (right) accept a plaque for their pro bono work from Benedikt Fohr, chief executive of the Hong Kong Philharmonic.

O’Melveny’s Hong Kong office serves as preferred pro bono counsel for the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. Counsel Kieran Humphrey, who has advised the orchestra on various legal matters for many years, leads O’Melveny’s team in this effort. A charitable organization, the Hong Kong Philharmonic is regarded as one of Asia’s foremost classical orchestras. It also provides extensive education and community programs in Hong Kong.

117

number of referring organizations through

which O’Melveny opened matters in 2023

The orchestra values its relationship with O’Melveny and has praised the Hong Kong office’s lawyers. “We are very appreciative of O’Melveny and the support of Kieran Humphrey and his team,” said Benedikt Fohr, the orchestra’s chief executive, “They have provided us with excellent counsel over many years on a pro bono basis.”

PRO BONO PROGRAM REVIEW 2022-2023

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