Atlanta and Washington, D.C. (July 8, 2009) –  In its 2009 issue of the “Pro Bono 100,” The American Lawyer ranked Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP number 43. The American Lawyer ranks law firms on their pro bono scores, which are developed through the combination of average pro bono hours per lawyer and the percentage of lawyers who perform more than 20 hours of pro bono work. In 2008, Sutherland ranked 65.

“Sutherland has a long-standing commitment to pro bono and community service,” said Partner and Pro Bono Chair Judith A. O’Brien. “I thank the attorneys for their many efforts this year and for realizing the importance of giving back.”

Some of the firm’s highlights for pro bono service in 2008 included:

• Samuel David Crowe Case – In 1996, Sutherland began representing Mr. Crowe in a death penalty case. The Sutherland team represented Mr. Crowe throughout two state habeas proceedings, a federal habeas proceeding including an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, a petition for certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court, and a successful clemency case before the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles, which granted Mr. Crowe clemency and life without parole.
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia – In cooperation with the Advocates for Human Rights, lawyers in Sutherland’s New York, Washington and Atlanta offices supported the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia (TRC) in several ways, including drafting a report on the role of the national and international media in Liberia’s prolonged civil conflict; sending an associate to Liberia to assist the TRC during hearings on the role of the media; sponsoring a panel discussion on the topic at the Carter Center; researching other international law topics; and taking statements from Liberian refugees, including a former child soldier.
• Guantanamo Detainees Representation – Sutherland continues to represent six Yemeni detainees being held at a U.S. military base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Petitions were filed for habeas corpus and other relief on behalf of these detainees, who have been held virtually incommunicado in military custody for several years. Two of the clients have been cleared by the U.S. government for release, and Sutherland attorneys continue to work on the diplomatic front to convince Yemen to accept these individuals.  

“We are proud that the pro bono and public service activities in which we engage are self-directed efforts of the lawyers and staff who choose to become involved, and that the firm provides a positive environment for these activities,” said Ms. O’Brien.

ABOUT SUTHERLAND.
Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP is a law firm with global reach known for solving challenging business problems and resolving sophisticated legal issues for many of the world’s largest companies. Founded in 1924, the firm handles matters throughout the United States and worldwide. Seven major practice areas—corporate, energy and environmental, financial services, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, and tax—provide the framework for an extensive range of focus areas, allowing Sutherland attorneys to serve a diverse client base that ranges from small and medium-sized start-up businesses to a significant number of Fortune 100 companies.

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