July 8, 2025

As the bustling summer season approaches, law students aren't just soaking up the sun—they're keenly focusing on their future careers and the values they aspire to uphold. In a professional landscape often characterized by the pursuit of profit, distinguishing one law firm from another can be a daunting task. However, a key differentiator lies in the commitment to pro bono work, a sector that not only challenges the balance between money and morals but also defines a firm’s dedication to societal impact.
Pro bono services have dramatically evolved in their scope and significance, especially with the political climate shaped by Trump's presidency. The legal industry finds itself at a crossroads, with some firms hesitating to engage in potentially controversial cases, while others boldly commit substantial resources to causes they believe in. In 2024, amidst these complexities, many lawyers have risen to the occasion, dedicating their expertise to critical issues such as immigration, racial justice, and reproductive rights, particularly in the wake of the pivotal *Dobbs* decision affecting the legal landscape around such rights.
The American Lawyer's recent 2025 Pro Bono Scorecard has shed light on the Am Law 200 firms that have not only pledged but actively delivered substantial pro bono services. This comprehensive ranking, which factors in both the average number of pro bono hours per lawyer and the percentage of lawyers contributing over 20 hours of service, reveals the leaders in the legal community's push for justice and equity.
The top ten firms excelling in pro bono work in 2024 are:
1. Jenner & Block
2. Covington & Burling
3. WilmerHale
4. Patterson Belknap
5. Munger Tolles
6. O’Melveny & Myers
7. Arnold & Porter
8. Dechert
9. Gibson Dunn
10. Hogan Lovells
Each firm listed has achieved the remarkable feat of having their average attorney perform over 100 hours of pro bono work in the past year. Although the total 5.12 million hours of pro bono work recorded across the Am Law 200 in 2024 slightly decreased from previous years, it remains a testament to the legal profession’s resilience and commitment to justice.
This year's figures may not have reached the peak seen in 2020, but the enduring spirit of pro bono dedication continues to thrive, offering hope and much-needed legal assistance to those in need. Aspiring lawyers looking to make a real difference in the world should take note of these firms, where the pursuit of justice isn’t just a professional obligation but a passion.
For further details on pro bono contributions and rankings, the full 2025 Pro Bono Scorecard is available [here](https://www.law.com/2025/07/08/the-2025-pro-bono-scorecard-national-report/). Congratulations to these Biglaw firms for another year of remarkable contributions to society through diligent and compassionate legal work. Their efforts in championing causes that matter remind us all of the powerful role lawyers can play in shaping a more just world.