The Justice & Diversity Center (JDC) recognizes and thanks Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton for its notable commitment to pro bono service. Last year, under the leadership of partners Neil Popovic and Peter Carson, Sheppard Mullin helped ensure access to justice through housing cases, federal cases and transactional services for nonprofit organizations.

The firm had already been involved with JDC but has recently greatly extended its pro bono engagement. Last year, Sheppard Mullin took on two full-scope eviction defense cases for low-income tenants in San Francisco.

In one case, special counsel for the firm kept a tenant in her home by sending discovery requests and letters to the landlord, who then dismissed the unlawful detainer case. Though the Sheppard Mullin attorney is not obligated to stay on as counsel, she is willing to take on the case again if the landlord renews eviction attempts.

In federal court, Sheppard Mullin attorneys are representing low-income litigants in two prisoner rights cases through JDC’s Federal Pro Bono Project. Further, the firm is providing limited-scope representation for settlement purposes in six personal injury cases that were consolidated.

On top of pro bono services to JDC’s individual clients, Sheppard Mullin has also provided valuable representation to the Community Organization Representation Project.

Over one calendar year, Sheppard Mullin attorneys took on 16 transactional matters for nonprofit organizations that serve low-income communities.

The varied issues included a finance and bond matter for a nonprofit that provides youth, minorities and homeless people with preventive health education and outreach; and intellectual property for a nonprofit that works to prevent violence and incarceration. Sheppard Mullin also co-hosted and volunteered at a free clinic for nonprofits that provided overall legal and financial wellness assessments.

Many thanks to Sheppard Mullin for its dedication to pro bono and teaming with JDC to serve our community!