A Million (Plus) Reasons to Thank D.C. Lawyers
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Updated August 4, 2014 (5:23 PM): Legal Aid's record-breaking campaign covered by National Law Journal.

After six suspenseful weeks, the 2014 Generous Associates Campaign has concluded with another record-shattering result. I am pleased to announce that this year’s Campaign has raised $1.2 million – surpassing the million-dollar mark for the first time ever in the Campaign’s history – and beating last year’s record by more than 20 percent.

Legal Aid is deeply grateful to all who helped make justice real this summer – most of all, to our Co-Chairs and Coordinators – who devoted a tremendous amount of time and energy to this important campaign. This campaign has exceeded Legal Aid’s fundraising record set by the Servant of Justice Awards Dinner earlier this year, now making the Generous Associates Campaign the most successful campaign ever in Legal Aid’s history.

Gregory B. Craig, Partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Gregory B. Craig, Partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

As Honorary Chair Greg Craig put it, “I am so proud and inspired by what these associates have been able to do for D.C.’s most vulnerable residents in just six weeks. Knowing what a life-changing difference this makes to the clients that Legal Aid serves, I can only say that I am honored to have been part of this effort to help make justice real for D.C. residents living in poverty.”

This year’s Campaign was suspenseful – but exciting – from beginning to end, with the competition between firms being more fierce than ever. The top six firms ended up raising more than $50,000, each. Indeed, two firms this year raised over $100,000 – a feat that has never been accomplished by any firm before. That distinction goes to WilmerHale and Latham & Watkins, which both placed first in their firm size categories and are now guaranteed slots in the CulinAerie Cooking Competition. Kirkland & Ellis had a late surge for the third highest total overall, followed closely by Paul Weiss, which despite being in one of the smallest (but most competitive) firm size categories (51 – 100 attorneys), was able to raise over $59,000 – a record for their firm and for their size category. Notable mentions also go to the law firms of Williams & Connolly and Skadden, which both raised more than $50,000 each this year.

Also worthy of special mention are top firms in their respective size categories: Gilbert LLP, Paul Weiss, Dickstein Shapiro, Pillsbury, Kirkland, Latham & Watkins, and WilmerHale. Legal Aid congratulates these firms and all the firms that placed in the Top Fundraising Firms competition this year.

In addition to the firm competitions, Legal Aid also created the Outstanding Generous Associates! recognition program this year to recognize non-partner donors who give a cumulative total of $250 or more to the Campaign. Legal Aid congratulates and thanks the almost 500 members of Outstanding Generous Associates! recognition program for their support.

In addition to recognizing these firms and generous individuals, these will also be considered as part of the criteria to qualify for the second ever CulinAerie Cooking Competition this year. In addition to WilmerHale and Latham and Watkins, all qualifying firms will be entered into a drawing, from which eight firms will be chosen at random to participate in the cooking competition scheduled for October 1st at 6:30 PM at CulinAerie. The drawing will be held on Wednesday, August 6th, and participating firms will be announced on Thursday, August 7th.

It is truly extraordinary that D.C.’s generous associates (and partners and others) have now not only surpassed the million-dollar milestone, but also made this the most successful Campaign in Legal Aid’s history. This Campaign raised approximately a quarter of Legal Aid’s budget, so it is no exaggeration to say survivors of domestic violence will get to safety, families will remain safe in their homes, elderly D.C. residents will receive the health care they need and to which they are entitled under the law, because of what was accomplished by D.C.’s generous lawyers this summer.

Press Release for the 2014 Generous Associates Campaign

Final Results of the 2014 Generous Associates Campaign

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