Champions for Children Winners Announced
It takes more than passion and determination to fight for children recovering from abuse or struggling in school. It takes financial resources.
Champions for Children is a friendly competition that encourages firms to match their commitment to the DC community with the resources needed to fight for DC’s most vulnerable citizens: its children. Children’s Law Center’s Advisory Board, which includes rising leaders at law firms and corporations in DC, spearheads the fundraising contest that raises money for Children’s Law Center and our work.
Throughout the past year, more than 30 dedicated law firms across DC took part in the campaign and today Children’s Law Center has announced the winners.
The three 2015 Champions for Children winners based on firm size are:
- Latham & Watkins LLP (With 250+ attorneys in their DC office)
- Dentons (100-249 attorneys in the DC office)
- Clifford Chance US LLP (1-99 attorneys in their DC office)
This year’s winning firms are long-time supporters of Children’s Law Center, demonstrating consistent, high-levels of support for at-risk children in the District.
“The generosity of these firms means children recovering from trauma or struggling with unmet health or educational needs can have someone in their corner to help them overcome life’s toughest hurdles,” said Judith Sandalow, Executive Director of Children’s Law Center.
Latham & Watkins LLP, a repeat winner in this category, has been a strong partner with Children’s Law Center since 1999, when it made its first donation. Since then, Latham has grown to be one of Children’s Law Center’s most important supporters, advocating and fighting for children in more ways than one.
PHOTO (left to right): Latham & Watkins Partner Peter L. Winik, also on Children’s Law Center’s Board of Directors; DC Office Managing Partner Alice Fisher; and Attorney Liz Richards, also a member of our Advisory Board.
Separate and apart from Latham & Watkins’ financial support, it is an incredibly strong pro bono partner. Children’s Law Center turns to Latham attorneys to represent families whose children face tough, complicated matters. In recognition of this dedication, Latham & Watkins took home the 2015 Children’s Pro Bono Champion Award at last year’s Helping Children Soar Benefit.
“Latham is proud to have a longstanding partnership with Children’s Law Center and the opportunity to support the DC area’s most vulnerable children,” said Alice Fisher, Managing Partner at Latham & Watkins’ DC office.
Dentons US LLP is the winner in the mid-size category. The firm is a strong supporter of DC children and an important strategic advisor. It has partnered with Children’s Law Center to help implement innovative solutions to seemingly intractable problems – like ensuring grandparents can afford to raise their grandchildren. That’s why Dentons’ attorneys dedicated many pro bono hours to take on grandparent caregiver cases after DC established the Grandparent Caregiver program in 2006.
PHOTO (left to right): Dentons’ Joanne L. Zimolzak, Co-managing Partner of the DC and Tyson’s Offices; Partner Jessica Abrahams, also on Children’s Law Center’s Board of Directors; and Attorney Katherine Veeder, also a member of our Advisory Board.
“We are exceptionally proud to be honored with this recognition, as our important partnership with Children’s Law Center reflects Dentons’ commitment to advocate on behalf of those in need in our communities,” said Dentons US LLP managing partner Mike McNamara.
Clifford Chance US LLP, also a repeat winner, has been a Children’s Law Center partner for nearly 10 years through both pro bono and financial support.
The firm’s fundraising efforts are among the most creative of their peers. Each year, Clifford Chance gets their entire staff excited about the Champions for Children campaign by hosting a carnival, including a pie throwing contest. The firm promotes competition among practice groups during the event and gets Clifford Chance attorneys from outside of DC involved.
PHOTO (left to right): Clifford Chance Partner and Children’s Law Center Supporter David Evans; DC Office Managing Partner David DiBari; and Attorney Adam Goldstein, also a member of our Advisory Board.
“Through pro bono work, I have witnessed the profound effect that Children’s Law Center has on countless individuals and families. I am proud to work for a law firm that invests so much to support this incredible organization and it is humbling to work with partners willing to do anything – including taking dozens of pies to the face – to help better our community,” said Clifford Chance Associate Adam Goldstein.
This year, Children’s Law Center celebrates 20 years of fighting so every child in DC can grow up with a loving family, good health and a quality education.
The generosity of the Champions for Children winners will be put to work immediately to allow Children’s Law Center to reach more than 5,000 children and families each year – this includes 1 out of 8 children in DC’s poorest neighborhoods. You can read some of their stories here.
Congratulations to the 2015 Champions for Children winners. Their support will have a lasting impact on DC’s children.
You can learn more about Children’s Law Center’s supporters here.
To join the Champions for Children campaign, contact Erica Kaufman.