Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Pro Bono

Much of the time, the 58 lawyers at Katten Muchin Rosenman's D.C. office discuss real estate and corporate law or client development. Closer to the holidays, their office chatter turns to the best toys for 3-year-olds and what outfits a 6-year-old may want.

Between court dates and filings, lawyers and administrative staff this year have shopped for 50 children in the Salvation Army Angel Tree program, the most in their six years of helping needy families. Participants pick a child in early November and turn in toys and clothes by early December. Judy Brown, the office administrator, sends out reminders, but said, "We do not have to twist any arms."

This year, a few lawyers -- mostly those without their own children -- decided to take on two or three kids, she said.

Staffers spend a day preparing the gifts. This year, that included assembling 10 bicycles.

It's more fun than arranging meetings or proofreading legal briefs, and more rewarding, Brown said. "Lawyers do have hearts; they spend their time and their money making sure these children have what they want for Christmas."

-- Vickie Elmer