Purpose in Practice: How Manatt Integrates Pro Bono into Its Mission and Culture
At Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, pro bono service is not a side project—it’s a central pillar of the firm’s identity. Woven into its mission, values, and daily operations, Manatt’s pro bono program reflects the firm’s deep commitment to using its legal and consulting expertise in service of the public good.
A Thoughtfully Structured Program
Manatt’s pro bono efforts are led by a dedicated internal team that manages every stage of a pro bono case—from intake and attorney matching to ongoing support and resolution. Attorneys are connected to opportunities that align with their interests and professional strengths, ensuring both meaningful impact and sustainable engagement.
Behind the scenes, the firm maintains a centralized database to track active matters, monitor progress, and allocate resources effectively. Regular training sessions and team check-ins help foster collaboration, address challenges, and ensure that everyone involved in pro bono work feels supported.
Focused Impact: A Commitment to Immigration Justice
While the firm’s pro bono program spans a wide range of causes, immigration justice has emerged as a particularly strong area of focus. Manatt has built strong partnerships with leading nonprofits to provide critical legal support for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers—especially those facing complex, high-stakes situations.
Whether representing unaccompanied children, transgender immigrants, or survivors of gender-based violence, Manatt attorneys are making a difference. A dedicated pro bono attorney specializing in humanitarian immigration helps support lawyers who are working outside their usual practice areas, ensuring that clients receive high-quality, informed representation.
Embedding Service in the Firm’s Culture
Pro bono work is more than encouraged—it’s celebrated and expected at Manatt. From new associates to senior leadership, participation is viewed as a professional responsibility and an opportunity to live out the firm’s values.
Service is integrated into firm-wide initiatives, and pro bono achievements are regularly recognized, helping to build a culture where public service is not only supported but also central to what it means to be part of the Manatt community.
A Story of Impact: FireAid and the LA Wildfires
One standout example of Manatt’s pro bono impact was the firm’s work in the wake of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. When the nonprofit FireAid formed to lead recovery efforts, Manatt’s Entertainment team stepped in with legal support that helped turn a vision into reality.
The firm advised FireAid on its five-hour benefit concert, negotiating more than 100 agreements with sponsors, vendors, and production partners—all within weeks of the disaster. The event raised over $100 million, providing both immediate relief and long-term recovery funding for communities affected by the fires.
With deep roots in Los Angeles, this work represented more than just legal assistance—it was a chance for Manatt to give back to a community it’s been part of since its founding.
Professional Growth Through Service
Pro bono work at Manatt also serves as a powerful professional development tool. Attorneys gain early leadership opportunities by managing cases, interfacing with clients, and making strategic decisions that might not come as quickly in billable work.
These cases often bring together professionals across departments and offices, creating collaborative learning opportunities and a stronger, more connected firm. Manatt’s unique hybrid model—combining law and consulting—means that its pro bono projects can draw on a rich set of interdisciplinary skills, expanding the impact even further.
Service at the Core of Manatt’s Identity
Manatt’s pro bono program is more than a reflection of legal ethics—it’s a demonstration of the firm’s enduring commitment to justice, community, and leadership. Through a well-organized structure, targeted areas of focus, and a strong internal culture, Manatt empowers its professionals to serve—and grow—while making a real difference in the world.
Whether helping immigrants navigate a complex legal system, rebuilding communities after natural disasters, or developing future legal leaders through hands-on experience, Manatt continues to prove that purpose-driven practice can be transformative—for clients, communities, and attorneys alike.