For the
Public Good

This collection shares stories of pro bono work that meets real people where they are, expanding access to justice, protecting human rights, and supporting communities. Through compassion and practical legal help, these efforts show how meaningful change happens.

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A Message From Our Members

Mark Ruge

Amy Groff

Camilla De Moraes

“The stories shared in For the Public Good reflect what pro bono means at our firm in practice—not as an abstract ideal, but as sustained, hands-on engagement with people and communities facing real and often urgent challenges. Across regions and disciplines, our lawyers and allied professionals are applying their skills to protect human rights, expand access to justice, leverage technology responsibly, and support those who might otherwise be left without a voice. What unites these efforts is a deep sense of responsibility and shared purpose: a belief that our work as lawyers carries with it an obligation to serve the public good. I am continually inspired by the commitment, creativity, and compassion our people bring to this work, and proud that, together, we are making a meaningful and lasting difference.”

Mark Ruge

Chair, Firmwide Pro Bono Committee

Partner, Washington, DC

“Many disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals worldwide lack access to the legal support they need to address critical issues in their lives. Through pro bono legal services and technology, we are working to address this ever-widening gap in access to justice. We are excited about the potential for generative AI to help close this gap, and eager to continue collaborating across organizations and sectors to responsibly deploy AI to increase access to justice.”

Amy Groff

Vice Chair, Firmwide Pro Bono Committee

Partner, Harrisburg

“Pro bono matters because it addresses unmet legal needs, helping to break down barriers to justice and opportunity. It also strengthens the skills and confidence of the lawyers involved. By drawing on our global resources and working collaboratively, often across international projects, we can create meaningful, lasting impact while fostering a shared sense of purpose around critical societal issues. It has been personally rewarding to work on an immigration application, through our partnership with Kids in Need of Defense, and to see first-hand the truly life-changing impact that a successful outcome will have on the family concerned.”

CAMILLA DE MORAES

Pro Bono Counsel, London

Dedicating the time and resources of our firm and our lawyers to pro bono work is not simply a point of pride—it reflects our responsibility to the broader community. The examples that follow illustrate how we are advancing access to justice through technology and AI, protecting human rights, supporting individuals with disabilities, assisting veterans, promoting equal justice, providing safe haven, and strengthening the communities we serve. We are pleased to share these stories with you.

Reflecting on Our Legal Aid Secondment to the Indian Ocean Territories

By Mikhail Safarudin (Lawyer, Melbourne) and Natalia Tan (Lawyer, Perth)

We received an exciting opportunity from Legal Aid Western Australia to advise on and draft wills for the disadvantaged and culturally and linguistically diverse in the Indian Ocean Territories of Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island. For one week, we had the privilege of offering free services to draft wills for elders and other residents with limited access to legal support, an initiative that proved both rewarding and impactful.

Wills Clinic: Making a Tangible Difference

Community Outreach: Supporting the Next Generation

Amid the legal clinic and community visits, we were honored to be invited to share breakfast with the Year 11s and 12s on Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Together, we shared some reflections and practical advice on life after school, adjusting to new places and people, and learning to navigate independently. The key takeaway for the students was that life does not follow a straight path; sometimes your direction becomes clearer only after trying a few things that do not work.

Final Thoughts and Reflections

Our secondment reinforced the importance of culturally sensitive, community-based legal outreach. The experience was deeply rewarding, both professionally and personally. Of course, this would not have been possible without Perth partner Adam Levine, who worked behind the scenes to ensure everything ran seamlessly, from coordinating logistics to securing the necessary supports, making the entire initiative a success.

Walking for a cause

The walks in Australia were held in May to mark National Pro Bono Day, raising funds for LawRight through the Queensland Legal Walk 2025, Law Access WA via Perth’s Walk for Justice, and the Refugee Advice & Casework Service through the Walk for Justice NSW.

19,000
Participants

The largest turnout yet

150+
Walkers

Over the last two decades

£11.5m+
Raised

By London Legal Walk

Awards and Recognitions

ALDF Advancement in Animal Law Pro Bono Achievement Award

For the fourth consecutive year, the Animal Legal Defense Fund recognized K&L Gates for our dedication to protecting the lives and advancing the interests of animals through the legal system.

Pro Bono SG Top Volunteer Award

Singapore partner Joan Lim-Casanova received this prestigious recognition and was invited to serve as chairperson of the Clinics Committee for 2026.

Chicago Bar Foundation Leadership

Chicago partner Sang-yul Lee completed his term as president, working to improve access to justice for people in need and make the legal system fair and equitable.

Criminal Records Expungement Clinics

Monthly clinics in New Jersey assist individuals with expunging decades-old criminal records from minor crimes, providing a path to a second chance and removing barriers to employment.

Stanford AI + Access to Justice Summit Sponsor

Founding sponsor of the inaugural summit with Stanford Law School Legal Design Lab, which doubled in size and welcomed cross-sector participants.

Hear Me Out Platform Launch

AI-assisted platform supported 2,500+ people navigating discrimination complaints, expanded to Victoria, and continues mapping complaint pathways across sectors.