WASHINGTON–LAWFUEL – Law Firm Newswire – Steve Brogan, Managing Partner of international law firm Jones Day, announced that Laura Tuell Parcher, a Trial Practice partner, has become the first full-time Partner in Charge of Firmwide Pro Bono. He also announced the Firm’s initiative to extend its strong institutional commitment to pro bono by growing its programs internationally.
“Jones Day has been at the forefront of the process of globalization and it has benefited enormously from the capital flows that it is creating,” said Mr. Brogan. “The opportunities ahead for the Firm around the globe are extremely exciting, both professionally and financially. But with privilege comes responsibility, and those responsibilities have now acquired a worldwide dimension. In a Firm governed by a commitment to teamwork and the advancement of institutional achievements, a mission of broad and deep service to all of the communities in which we practice — including a focus on the authentic advancement of the rule of law — is an essential part of our commitment to the profession and to the law. This institutional opportunity and responsibility of the Firm is as critical to our character as are the professional achievements on behalf of paying clients that give us our financial strength.
“This aggressive view of our pro bono commitment requires a full-time partner to lead it, develop it and ensure it achieves the benefits that we hope to come from it. Laura is extremely knowledgeable about the various initiatives nationwide to increase the profession’s pro bono services. She will bring a high level of energy and creativity that will allow the Firm to cut its own path here rather than simply follow others. We are fortunate that Laura has agreed to accept the challenge and will give her our full support.”
Ms. Parcher has long been one of the Washington office’s most active pro bono practitioners, particularly in the areas of immigration and asylum, housing discrimination, voting rights, and the death penalty, and sits on the boards of directors of the Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights Coalition and Bread for the City. Among many awards for her efforts, she was named D.C. Bar Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year.
As a litigator, Ms. Parcher had significant international experience, including complex international, multijurisdictional, and multiparty matters before federal and state courts and before the International Chamber of Commerce. She is a graduate of George Mason University (B.A. 1991) and Georgetown University (J.D. magna cum laude 1996).
Mr. Brogan also thanked Don Ayer, a prominent appellate lawyer, who has served as the Firmwide Pro Bono Chair on a part-time basis for the last several years. During Mr. Ayer’s tenure, Jones Day increased overall participation in pro bono matters, undertook groundbreaking and high-profile representations, designated partners-in-charge of pro bono in every office, including the international offices, and organized the first firmwide meeting to address pro bono issues. He will continue to be involved in the firm’s pro bono efforts.
Jones Day is an international law firm with 30 locations in centers of business and finance throughout the world. With more than 2,300 lawyers, including more than 400 in Europe and 200 in Asia, it ranks among the world’s largest law firms. Jones Day acts as principal outside counsel to, or provides significant legal representation for, more than half of the Fortune Global 500 companies.
