In an era when billable hours often dominate conversations about Biglaw culture, a select group of elite firms continues to stand out for their deep commitment to pro bono work — providing free legal services to individuals, nonprofits, and causes that would otherwise go unrepresented.
The American Lawyer’s 2025 Pro Bono Scorecard, which ranks Am Law 200 firms based on pro bono hours performed in the previous year, once again highlights firms where lawyers are logging significant time on public interest matters. These rankings reflect not just volume of work but also participation rates across attorneys.
The 2025 Pro Bono Landscape
Pro bono work remains a cornerstone of many top firms’ cultures. It serves multiple purposes: fulfilling ethical obligations, enhancing firm reputation, aiding recruitment and retention, and allowing lawyers to develop skills while giving back.
According to available data from the 2025 Scorecard and related analyses:
- Firms are measured primarily on average pro bono hours per lawyer and the percentage of lawyers who complete at least 20 hours of pro bono work annually.
- Many leading firms encourage or even tie pro bono participation to bonus eligibility.
- National leaders often combine high average hours with broad participation across their attorney base.
Standout Performers in the 2025 Rankings
Here are some of the firms that earned top recognition in The American Lawyer’s 2025 Pro Bono Scorecard and related evaluations:
| Rank (where available) | Firm | Key Highlights | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| #3 | WilmerHale | Ranked #3 nationally for second consecutive year | Strong consistent performance in hours and impact |
| #5 | Munger, Tolles & Olson | Ranked No. 5 nationally | High per-lawyer commitment |
| Top 20 | Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld | 17th nationally in one reporting | Average 88.2 hours per lawyer; 68% of lawyers did at least 20 hours |
| Top 25 | Lowenstein Sandler | Recognized in top tier | Strong national showing |
| Top 40 | Alston & Bird | Ranked among top 40 nationally | Consistent pro bono leader |
Other firms frequently cited in composite rankings combining American Lawyer data with Law360’s Social Impact Leaders include Covington & Burling, Arnold & Porter, O’Melveny & Myers, Dechert, Orrick, and Morgan Lewis.
What the Numbers Reveal
High-performing firms often share common traits:
- Strong internal culture around public service
- Dedicated pro bono coordinators and robust infrastructure
- Broad participation — not just a handful of dedicated lawyers carrying the load
- Strategic focus on high-impact matters (civil rights, immigration, environmental justice, veterans’ issues, and access to justice)
For example, Akin Gump’s reported average of 88.2 hours per lawyer with strong participation demonstrates how top firms integrate pro bono into daily practice rather than treating it as an afterthought.
Why Pro Bono Matters in Biglaw
Beyond rankings, pro bono work delivers tangible benefits:
- For lawyers: Skill development, meaningful work, and resume-building in a competitive market.
- For firms: Enhanced reputation, better associate satisfaction, and appeal to clients who value social responsibility.
- For society: Critical legal support for underserved communities, nonprofits, and important causes.
Many firms now view robust pro bono programs as essential to their identity and long-term success, especially as younger lawyers increasingly prioritize purpose-driven work.
Broader Trends in 2025
The 2025 data shows continued strength among traditional public interest powerhouses while also highlighting firms that have built impressive programs more recently. Midsize standouts like Jenner & Block also frequently appear in broader public-interest evaluations.
As the legal industry evolves, firms that successfully balance high-stakes commercial work with meaningful pro bono commitments are positioning themselves as employers of choice and leaders in corporate responsibility.
Looking Ahead
The American Lawyer Pro Bono Scorecard remains the gold standard for measuring Biglaw’s contribution to the public good. While exact full rankings for every firm are detailed in the complete report, the firms highlighted here consistently demonstrate that elite legal talent can — and does — make a significant difference beyond the billable hour.
For law students, lateral candidates, and clients evaluating firms on more than just profits per partner, these pro bono leaders offer compelling reasons to pay attention.
Stay informed on the latest developments in Biglaw, legal industry trends, and professional news. Follow us on X @realnewshubs and subscribe for push notifications to get breaking updates and in-depth analysis delivered straight to you.
Jerry O’Connell Likes Rebecca Romijn’s Body Odor Smell