2024-2025 Pro Bono Review

2024–2025 Pro Bono Program Review

Recent Honors O’Melveny Ranked #1 for Pro Bono in Vault’s

O’Melveny Named ‘Law Firm of the Year’ by the

O’Melveny Received Volare’s ‘Systemic Impact Award’

Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program

‘Best Law Firms to Work For’ List

O’Melveny Honored with the ‘Crystal Award’ by the Justice & Diversity Center of the Bar Association of San Francisco

O’Melveny’s Dallas Office Received the State Bar of Texas’s ‘W. Frank Newton Award’ for Pro Bono Excellence

O’Melveny Attorneys Received the International Municipal Lawyers Association’s ‘Amicus Service Award’

O’Melveny Named a Houston Volunteer Lawyers ‘Equal Access to Justice Champion’

O’Melveny Pro Bono Counsel Laura Burstein Receives the Texas Access to Justice Commission’s ‘Harry M. Reasoner Justice for All’ Award

O’Melveny Pro Bono Managing Counsel David Lash Honored as a Los Angeles Business Journal ‘Top 100 Lawyer’

O’Melveny Attorneys Named to DC Court’s ‘Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll’

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LETTER FROM THE CHAIR

We’ve long told the O’Melveny story by repeating the same refrain: pro bono is in our DNA. It’s shorthand for something foundational about our firm, for commitments that run deeper than a mere program or policy. Pro bono is central to who we are—to how we think of our obligations as lawyers—no matter what market conditions or industry dynamics might bring. It’s ingrained, instinctive, and constant. Despite an incredibly busy 2025, our US attorneys donated 70,000+ hours of life-altering legal services to individuals and communities seeking justice and protection. I’m so proud to be part of this great firm and to help carry its essence forward. To Our Clients and Friends,

Bradley J. Butwin Chair , O’Melveny & Myers LLP

PRO BONO PROGRAM REVIEW 2024-2025

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PRO BONO PROGRAM REVIEW 2024-2025 4 CIVIL RIGHTS & RACIAL JUSTICE • CRIMINAL JUSTICE • FIRST AMEND JUSTICE • APPELLATE • HOUSING • IMMIGRATION • VETERANS & M • GUN SAFETY • VOTING RIGHTS • INTERNATIONAL • CIVIL RIGHT FREE EXPRESSION • RELIGIOUS LIBERTY • REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE FAMILIES • NON-PROFIT & CORPORATE • ENVIRONMENTAL • GU RACIAL JUSTICE • CRIMINAL JUSTICE • FIRST AMENDMENT & FREE APPELLATE • HOUSING • IMMIGRATION • VETERANS & MILITARY F SAFETY • VOTING RIGHTS • INTERNATIONAL • CIVIL RIGHTS & RA EXPRESSION • RELIGIOUS LIBERTY • REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE • FAMILIES • NON-PROFIT & CORPORATE • ENVIRONMENTAL • GU RACIAL JUSTICE • CRIMINAL JUSTICE • FIRST AMENDMENT & FRE • APPELLATE • HOUSING • IMMIGRATION • VETERANS & MILITAR

5 PRO BONO PROGRAM REVIEW 2024-2025 DMENT & FREE EXPRESSION • RELIGIOUS LIBERTY • REPRODUCTIVE MILITARY FAMILIES • NON-PROFIT & CORPORATE • ENVIRONMENTAL TS & RACIAL JUSTICE • CRIMINAL JUSTICE • FIRST AMENDMENT & E • APPELLATE • HOUSING • IMMIGRATION • VETERANS & MILITARY UN SAFETY • VOTING RIGHTS • INTERNATIONAL • CIVIL RIGHTS & E EXPRESSION • RELIGIOUS LIBERTY • REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE • FAMILIES • NON-PROFIT & CORPORATE • ENVIRONMENTAL • GUN ACIAL JUSTICE • CRIMINAL JUSTICE • FIRST AMENDMENT & FREE APPELLATE • HOUSING • IMMIGRATION • VETERANS & MILITARY UN SAFETY • VOTING RIGHTS • INTERNATIONAL • CIVIL RIGHTS & EE EXPRESSION • RELIGIOUS LIBERTY • REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE ARY FAMILIES • NON-PROFIT & CORPORATE • ENVIRONMENTAL • PRO BONO MATTERS

O’Melveny helped families—primarily Black, Latino, and Native American—who had been forced from their Palm Springs, California, homes in the 1960s because of racial animus, to secure a historic US$5.91 million settlement agreement CIVIL RIG RACIAL J

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GHTS & JUSTICE O’Melveny obtained a significant settlement for Kathryn Wade,

whose son was brutally beaten by the Antioch, California, police. The outcome affirmed her pursuit of justice for her family and community and provided a measure of accountability for years of racially discriminatory and retaliatory policing.

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After more than four years of legal work, O’Melveny helped win the release of Gilbert Mendez, who had spent three decades in prison under California’s former felony-murder framework. After California raised the culpability standard for felony murder, our team navigated complex post-conviction proceedings and parole advocacy to secure his freedom. CRIMINAL

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L JUSTICE Partnering with The Bronx Defenders, O’Melveny aided a survivor of extensive mental and physical abuse who has been accused of attempting to kill her abuser. Under New York’s Domestic Violence

Survivor Justice Act, she received a probationary sentence instead of seven years in prison—a result that reflects growing recognition of survivor-centered justice.

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Working with the Human Rights Defense Center, O’Melveny challenged a North Texas jail’s censorship of publications that educate incarcerated individuals about their legal rights. Before the court ruled on a preliminary injunction request, the jail agreed to change its mail procedures—a meaningful step toward protecting access to information and First Amendment free-expression rights. FIRST AMEN FREE EXPR

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NDMENT &

RESSION

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On behalf of the Anchor Stone Church—a Chinese- and Taiwanese American congregation in Santa Ana, California—O’Melveny secured critical protections for minority congregations facing discriminatory land-use barriers. We won a preliminary injunction against the city after it refused to grant a permit for the church to use its property for religious assembly. The court found the city treated religious use less favorably than comparable uses. Our work reinforced vital protections for faith communities. RELIGIOUS

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S LIBERTY

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After an Idaho bench trial in which O’Melveny teamed with the Center for Reproductive Rights, the court clarified that physicians may provide abortion care pursuant to the state’s “medical emergency” exception. Under that standard, a physician may provide abortion care after determining that a patient faces a non-negligible risk of death without treatment. This significant achievement strengthens potentially life-saving access to care and provides clearer guidance for providers. REPRODU

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UCTIVE

JUSTICE

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O’Melveny secured a 6-3 victory in the US Supreme Court for pro bono client Paul Erlinger, strengthening core constitutional protections tied to due process and the right to a jury trial in the context of mandatory sentencing. O’Melveny’s victory earned a Law360 “Legal Lions of the Week” honor. APPEL

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LLATE

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Collaborating with the ACLU of Southern California and the Elder Law and Disability Rights Center, O’Melveny secured a first-of-its-kind settlement with the City of San Bernardino to protect unhoused residents’ personal property and require reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities during HOUS

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PRO BONO PROGRAM REVIEW 2024-2025

SING encampment-clearing operations. The agreement established a new citywide policy designed to protect the safety and dignity of people who are disabled and unhoused by preventing the loss of essential belongings and medical equipment.

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O’Melveny secured asylum for a former Afghan government official who had fled the country because the Taliban threatened him after seizing power. The successful outcome allowed him to remain in the United States and begin rebuilding his life. IMMIGR

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PRO BONO PROGRAM REVIEW 2024-2025

RATION

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Working with the Brennan Center for Justice, O’Melveny filed an amicus brief defending protections for overseas voters— including members of the armed services—in litigation challenging Pennsylvania’s ballot-verification process. The court cited this brief in a decision that helps safeguard the voting rights of tens of thousands of eligible voters abroad. VETERAN MILITARY

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NS &

FAMILIES

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O’Melveny represented USA Water Polo in negotiating a five-year Olympic sponsorship agreement, helping to secure highly visible support for the men’s and women’s national water polo teams. NON-PRO COR

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OFIT & RPORATE

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O’Melveny is helping Friends of Oxnard Beaches, a nonprofit protecting California’s ‘olołkoy Beach Park (formerly Oxnard State Beach Park), with its application for federal and state tax-exempt status. ENVIRON

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On behalf of the non-profit California Marine Sanctuary, O’Melveny drafted agreements with shipping companies that will reduce vessels’ speeds, protecting whales and improving West Coast air quality. NMENTAL

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O’Melveny represented the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence in an amicus brief supporting the City of Philadelphia’s effort to restrict key materials used to manufacture untraceable “ghost guns.” The filing underscored the public-safety issues at stake for communities confronting the dangers of illegal firearms. GUN SA

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AFETY

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With the ACLU of Florida, O’Melveny served as lead plaintiffs’ counsel in a significant challenge to Florida’s legislative maps under the 14th Amendment and the Voting Rights Act. During a week long bench trial, the O’Melveny team used expert testimony and legislators’ statements to show racial motivation in the redrawing of several South Florida districts. A decision is pending. VOTING

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RIGHTS

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In a landmark South Korea case that extended national health insurance coverage to same-sex couples, a global O’Melveny team helped the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association with an amicus brief in South Korea’s Supreme Court. The decision is an important step toward equal treatment under South Korean law. INTERNA

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ATIONAL

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PRO BONO PROGRAM REVIEW 2024-2025 34 CIVIL RIGHTS & RACIAL JUSTICE • CRIMINAL JUSTICE • FIRST AMEND JUSTICE • APPELLATE • HOUSING • IMMIGRATION • VETERANS & M • GUN SAFETY • VOTING RIGHTS • INTERNATIONAL • CIVIL RIGHT FREE EXPRESSION • RELIGIOUS LIBERTY • REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE FAMILIES • NON-PROFIT & CORPORATE • ENVIRONMENTAL • GU RACIAL JUSTICE • CRIMINAL JUSTICE • FIRST AMENDMENT & FREE APPELLATE • HOUSING • IMMIGRATION • VETERANS & MILITARY F SAFETY • VOTING RIGHTS • INTERNATIONAL • CIVIL RIGHTS & RA EXPRESSION • RELIGIOUS LIBERTY • REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE • FAMILIES • NON-PROFIT & CORPORATE • ENVIRONMENTAL • GU RACIAL JUSTICE • CRIMINAL JUSTICE • FIRST AMENDMENT & FRE • APPELLATE • HOUSING • IMMIGRATION • VETERANS & MILITAR

35 PRO BONO PROGRAM REVIEW 2024-2025 DMENT & FREE EXPRESSION • RELIGIOUS LIBERTY • REPRODUCTIVE MILITARY FAMILIES • NON-PROFIT & CORPORATE • ENVIRONMENTAL TS & RACIAL JUSTICE • CRIMINAL JUSTICE • FIRST AMENDMENT & E • APPELLATE • HOUSING • IMMIGRATION • VETERANS & MILITARY UN SAFETY • VOTING RIGHTS • INTERNATIONAL • CIVIL RIGHTS & E EXPRESSION • RELIGIOUS LIBERTY • REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE • FAMILIES • NON-PROFIT & CORPORATE • ENVIRONMENTAL • GUN ACIAL JUSTICE • CRIMINAL JUSTICE • FIRST AMENDMENT & FREE APPELLATE • HOUSING • IMMIGRATION • VETERANS & MILITARY UN SAFETY • VOTING RIGHTS • INTERNATIONAL • CIVIL RIGHTS & EE EXPRESSION • RELIGIOUS LIBERTY • REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE ARY FAMILIES • NON-PROFIT & CORPORATE • ENVIRONMENTAL • PRO BONO PROFILES

94.8 Average pro bono hours per attorney

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I’m drawn to pro bono work for organizations including the ACLU, Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program, Advocates for Community Transformation, Volunteer Legal Services, Houston Volunteer Lawyers, Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts, the Abortion Defense Network, and The Lawyering Project because, through them, I can provide direct

client service while working alongside talented advocates tackling some of the most pressing legal issues in Texas and across the country. Attorneys have the privilege and responsibility to use our skills in service to others, and I am fortunate to work at a firm that invests meaningful time, resources, and support in making that possible. Brennan Rachel Wong Associate, Mergers & Acquisitions

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6.1 Percent of total billable hours dedicated to pro bono work in 2025

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I’ve represented churches in religious liberty cases, prisoners and publishers in free-speech issues, and a non-profit children’s theater in a real estate dispute. I greatly value the diversity of issues pro bono allows us to handle and the opportunities pro bono work provides for our younger lawyers to expand their experience. I enjoy impact cases and really appreciate the chance to get involved in constitutional issues. I also feel rewarded by representing clients in economic need.

Tim Durst Partner, Intellectual Property & Technology

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73,000 Total pro bono hours: Approximately

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Many nonprofits don’t have the funds to hire large legal teams to handle crises such as internal investigations, regulatory compliance issues, or responses to cybersecurity incidents and data breaches. These situations can be highly disruptive and costly, and many nonprofits lack the resources to retain large legal teams when urgent concerns arise. My pro bono work helps community service groups, legal aid organizations, and advocacy groups focus on what they do best instead of being overwhelmed by complex legal issues.

Sid Mody Partner, White Collar Defense & Corporate Investigations, Data Security & Privacy, Financial Technology

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Percent of lawyers who participated in pro bono matters 97

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I represent individuals and families in immigration and criminal matters, where the stakes—including family unity, personal liberty, and access to opportunity—are life-changing. My legal training helps clients navigate the complexities and inequities of the legal system. It is especially rewarding to build trust with clients, provide practical support, and preserve a sense of humanity and dignity during what can be extremely challenging circumstances.

Allessandra Rose Johnson Counsel, Insurance, General Litigation

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Community Collaborators

ABA Death Penalty Representation Project ABA Immigration Justice Project Abortion Defense Network Advocates for Children The Alliance for Children’s Rights A-Mark Foundation

Bet Tzedek Legal Services Boys & Girls Club of America Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence The Brennan Center for Justice The Bronx Defenders Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS)

American Civil Liberties Union Animal Legal Defense Fund Anti-Defamation League Appleseed Foundation Asian American Justice Center

The California Habeas Project California Rural Legal Assistance California Women’s Law Center Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights Coalition (CAIR) Catholic Charities of Houston

Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California Asian Law Caucus The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) Austin Bar Foundation The Bar Association of San Francisco The Bazelon Center Berkeley Law Death Penalty Clinic

Catholic Charities of Los Angeles Catholic Charities of New York The Center for Constitutional Rights Center for Reproductive Rights Child Justice, Inc. Children’s Institute Children’s Law Center of Los Angeles The Children’s Partnership

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The City Bar Justice Center Community Legal Aid of Southern California Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto Community Organization Representation Project Compassion & Choices Constitutional Rights Foundation Cornell Law School Death Penalty Project Criminal Justice Act Panel Eastern and Southern Districts of New York Northern and Central Districts of California Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program DC Pro Bono Clinic DC Volunteer Lawyers Project (DCVLP) Disability Rights Maryland Lawyers Alliance for New York Lawyers for a Sustainable Economy Lawyers For Good Government Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Pro Bono Asylum Program

Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law LCCR Legal Services for Entrepreneurs Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles Legal Aid Society – Employment Law Center The Legal Aid Society (of New York) Legal Aid Society of San Diego Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia Legal Services NYC (LSNYC) Levitt & Quinn Family Law Center London Legal Advice Centres Los Angeles 2024 (now called Los Angeles 2028) Los Angeles County Bar Association MacArthur Justice Center MAZON The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund Montgomery County Public Defender’s Office MS Center for Justice/MS Volunteer Lawyers Project

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NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund (LDF) National Abortion Federation National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials National Center for Access to Justice National Health Law Project The National Homelessness Law Center National Veterans Legal Services Program National Women’s Law Center Natural Resources Defense Council Neighborhood Legal Services – Los Angeles New York City Law Department New York Civil Liberties Union New York Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI) New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) Ninth Circuit Pro Bono Appellate Project NY Attorney General Task Force on Reproductive Rights Oceana Office of the Appellate Defender National Immigrant Justice Center National Immigration Law Center

Office of the Maryland Public Defender OneJustice Orange County Bar Association Partners for Women & Justice Phoenix House PILnet Planned Parenthood Federation of America Post-Conviction Justice Project Pro Bono Partnership Public Counsel Public Interest Law Initiative Public Law Center Rainbow Services Rainforest Alliance Riverkeeper San Francisco Food Bank Sanctuary for Families SDNY Pro Se Office SEE-LA The Sentencing Project Sixth Circuit Pro Bono Appellate Project Skirball Cultural Center

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SOL-LA Music Academy Southern Poverty Law Center Special Olympics

Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts Volunteers of Legal Services (VOLS) Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless The Weingart Center Western Center on Law and Poverty Whitman-Walker Health The Williams Institute

Start Small Think Big Tahirih Justice Center Teen Court

Texas Defender Service Texas Innocence Network

Third Circuit Pro Bono Appellate Project TMC Development Working Solutions

Women for Women International Women’s Cancer Resource Center The Wunderglo Foundation X-Prize XQ Institute YMCA

Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund Trial Advocacy Prosecution Program (TAPP) TrustLaw United Way Urban Justice Center US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit US District Court, Central District of California, Pro Bono Panel USA Volleyball USA Water Polo The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program VLSP Community Organization Representation Project

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