poverty

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Over the past few months, attorneys, staff, summer associates and interns across Proskauer’s U.S. offices have been volunteering with organizations to address food insecurity in their communities, a central focus of the Firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts. Partnering with organizations like New York Common Pantry (New York City), D.C. Central Kitchen (Washington, D.C.), The People Concern (Los Angeles), Rosie’s Place (Boston), and Chicago Common Pantry (Chicago), Proskauer’s volunteers contributed over 300 hours of service, helping to distribute over 64,000 meals. In addition to supporting these impactful organizations, volunteers had the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the growing issue of food insecurity in the communities where they live and work.

Our longstanding, non-profit partner, The People Concern, is one of Los Angeles County’s largest social services agencies, providing a wide array of wrap around services for those with nowhere else to turn, including mental and medical health care, housing, domestic violence services, substance abuse treatment and free care for those with furry companions. They meet the challenges inherent in homelessness and domestic violence with evidence-based solutions and, in so doing, transform lives with care and compassion.

We have seen a dramatic increase in housing insecurity among our pro bono clients in recent years. Unfortunately, it’s part of an alarming nationwide trend. According to a recent report issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), homelessness reached a record high in 2024. Indeed, the report found that the number of people experiencing homelessness in the United States – more than 770,000 – grew by 18% from the previous year, while the number of people in families with children experiencing homelessness increased by 39%. In a post-pandemic economy that is generally considered to be doing well, it seems counterintuitive that we would now be experiencing such growing hardship. The report points to several factors driving these numbers:

On October 22, Proskauer partner Ron Franklin was honored at the Habitat for Humanity of New York City and Westchester County’s 40th anniversary celebration. Ron, a Habitat Board member, is co-head of the Firm’s Finance Group and leads the Fund Finance practice. Over the years, he has volunteered around the world with Habitat and has distinguished himself at the Firm and in his community through pro bono work. At the event, Habitat CEO Sabrina Lippman, summed it up well when she noted that, “Ron’s dedication goes far beyond funding — he actively volunteers on local build sites and abroad, demonstrating a deep commitment to our cause. As a devoted board member, his thoughtful leadership has been a guiding force, setting a tremendous example of service.” Below, we asked Ron to reflect on his work for the organization and the importance of public service. 

Pro bono work regularly makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives, whether by securing a favorable outcome for an individual or resolving a class action case affecting thousands. While it’s important to recognize and support pro bono efforts in and of themselves, we also need to be able to take a…