Pro Bono

At Stradley Ronon, we're dedicated to ensuring equitable access to justice. We understand that being able to provide representation to those who cannot otherwise obtain legal counsel is a unique responsibility that is conferred on all lawyers. Our lawyers routinely provide free legal services to low-income individuals as well as small businesses and nonprofits/organizations in need in a wide variety of areas.

Our Work

“By offering our time and experience, we help ensure equal access to legal support, and, as a result, public confidence in the legal system." — Mike Engle, co-chair, Pro Bono Committee

Our lawyers are encouraged to devote meaningful time to pro bono matters, including those involving:

Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings
Criminal justice and advocacy for prisoners' rights
Domestic violence
Expungement petitions
Green card clinics
Homelessness and housing
Legal advocacy for children
Small businesses and nonprofits, providing advice on tax-related issues

We regularly host firmwide clinics in which our firm partners with pro bono legal organizations to educate our lawyers and represent clients in various areas of need. Our firm also hosts yearly events with summer associates, allowing for further development of legal skills and experience practicing in a new area of law.

Our Impact

Partner Mike Engle, left, with client Bruce Murray, who spent more than four decades in prison for a crime he did not commit.

A sampling of our engagements include:

Partnered with South Jersey Legal Services to secure a “clean slate” expungement for a client who maintained a clean record for more than a decade, allowing him to access gainful employment and other opportunities.
Along with longtime pro bono partner Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), secured lawful permanent resident status (green card) for a longtime firm client. The team navigated complex immigration policy, which was particularly difficult since the case involved an unmarried client under the age of 21.
Assisted in the release of a client wrongfully convicted of murder who spent more than four decades in prison. Sentenced to life on charges of second-degree murder, conspiracy and robbery at age 22, the client had been fighting for his innocence since 1982.
Partnered with the Pro Bono Action for Community Impact in Pennsylvania Initiative — an innovative partnership between the SeniorLAW Center, AARP and Legal Counsel for the Elderly — in a research initiative addressing systemic issues impacting older populations.

Our Recognitions

Our firm and our lawyers have been honored for various representations and efforts on behalf of underrepresented populations and legal services organizations, including:

Associate Alex Reilly was featured by Volunteer Legal Advocates in a Volunteer Spotlight recognizing her commitment to pro bono work and advocacy.
Partner Mike Engle was honored with the Alan Jay Josel Advocacy Award by the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL) in recognition of his outstanding advocacy and leadership on behalf of his client, which resulted in the release of a wrongfully convicted man after more than 40 years of imprisonment.
Our firm was named Law Firm of the Year by Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (PVLA) in recognition of our steadfast dedication to pro bono work.
Partner Jennifer Gniady was named to the Virginia Access to Justice Commission’s Pro Bono Services Honor Roll.
Due to associate Jeremy Miller’s longtime commitment to Legal Services of Long Island, our firm was recognized by the Nassau County Bar Association.
Partner David Roeber was presented with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Medal by Camden County, New Jersey, for his extensive volunteer efforts.

We have an annual Pro Bono Service Award that recognizes an individual or team who has made a profound impact in the community or achieved a significant legal victory. Lawyers are also honored for their outstanding contributions to the firm’s pro bono program.

Organizations We Support

"What I find so rewarding about pro bono work is connecting with local organizations and community partners to not only make a meaningful impact on those in need but also to impact our lawyers and business professionals in a profound way." — Ashley Shapiro, co-chair, Pro Bono Committee

In ensuring we broaden our reach in advocating for low-income populations, our firm cultivates and maintains partnerships with pro bono legal services organizations across the United States. We regularly host Pro Bono Fair events that allow Stradley Ronon lawyers, alumni and clients to learn more about the firm’s regional pro bono partners and the significant value they provide for their respective local communities.

Some of our partner organizations include: