Latham Tops Wilmer in Fundraising Campaign for Legal Aid

Private law firms engage in a friendly battle over fundraising for local civil legal aid program.

News Story (District of Columbia)

Zoe Tillman
National Law Journal
August 6, 2015
READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Tags: Funding: State & Local, Law Firms

Organizations mentioned/involved: Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia


DETAILS

The Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia is reaping the benefits of lawyers’ inherently competitive nature.The group’s annual “Generous Associates” fundraising campaign—organized by associates from D.C. firms—brought in a record-breaking $1.36 million this year.

Latham & Watkins raised the most money, toppling Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr from the top spot for the first time in 12 years. Latham raised $165,025, while Wilmer brought in $136,295. Seventy-one law firms participated.

“It is a hazard of the profession that we are extremely competitive, and so we are pleased to have finally bested WilmerHale–which had a remarkable twelve-year streak as the top fundraising firm in the campaign and another spectacular showing this year,” Latham partner David Dantzic said in a statement. “However, the bottom line for all participating firms is that Legal Aid and its clientele benefit from our collective efforts and that is our highest priority.”