This episode captures the breadth of Curtis's pro bono work, spanning human rights and refugee asylum cases to estate planning for artists and arguing constitutional challenges before the U.S. Supreme Court. Curtis attorneys champion the legal interests of both individuals in need, and charitable organizations that serve the public good. The firm's commitment to pro bono is evident in its 200-year history, through historic cases such as the representation of third-class passengers in what became a US$2.5 million class action lawsuit against the White Star Line, operator of the Titanic, which sank in April 1912.
Host Kate Fairweather hears from lawyers in New York, Mexico City, and London about how Curtis approaches pro bono work today, and the meaningful impact it creates.
[01:43] New York based Turner Smith, chair of Curtis's Pro Bono Committee oversees the firm's pro bono activities across all offices. He has worked on a wide range of pro bono matters and represented diverse not-for-profit organizations, including the New York Transit Museum, Society for International Humanitarian Surgeons, and the Autism Society of America. He emphasizes the importance of treating pro bono clients with the same dedication and resources as paying clients. He notes how, for young lawyers, pro bono work offers invaluable experience. Turner reflects on how pro bono work took him to Sudan's highest court, and acknowledges the firm's unwavering support.
[09:36] Mexico City based Santiago Corcuera-Cabezut, a corporate partner, focuses his pro bono work on human rights, particularly cases involving enforced or involuntary disappearances under the auspices of the United Nations, as well as extensive work in refugee law. His commitment began as an academic interest while at Cambridge and remains a lifelong passion. Santiago discusses maintaining a thriving corporate practice alongside his international human rights pro bono work, describing the latter as a personal privilege. He encourages junior lawyers to embrace multiple practice interests and emphasizes strongly that his pro bono work stems not from charity but from conviction, and commitment to making a lasting impact on the legal landscape.
[14:52] London based Harry Draper, an associate, explains how his interest in pro bono began during his training and continues to be supported by senior lawyers at the firm. Harry describes his volunteering at the Waterloo Action Centre in London, where individuals seek assistance with personal suits, employment disputes, housing and tenancy issues, and other matters. He explains why he values the hands-on experience of pro bono work: directing case strategies and taking ownership of matters from start to finish and how his pro bono work directly informs and enriches the counsel he provides to corporate clients.
