On November 2, 2023, Silicon Valley Business Journal honored Wilson Sonsini's Gail McFall among corporate philanthropists, nonprofit institutions, and individuals who are creating change in the region. Gail is one of eight Community Impact honorees for 2023.

In Gail's feature profile, she discusses how she "thought [she] was going to go to law school" when she began her career as a paralegal 35 years ago. As it turns out, she instead would become a pioneer in community involvement among law firms. Before being named the head of community impact for Wilson Sonsini in February, Gail held another role created just for her: In 2008, she began to oversee community affairs, including serving as the administrator for the Wilson Sonsini Foundation, a nonprofit that last year gave away almost $1.8 million to 95 law-related organizations and more than 140 community organizations.

“Gail has such a passion for community service and she has an incredible ability to get things done,” says Wilson Sonsini Pro Pono Partner Luke Liss, who’s worked with Gail since 2008. “She has unmatched energy and positivity and the ability to connect people across the firm all the way up to the senior partners and the same ability to connect with people in the community.”

Since 1990, Gail and her team have raised more than $1.3 million for Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, helping the nonprofit provide enough food for nearly three million meals. “She is a huge advocate and has this innate ability to rally the troops. When I think of Gail’s impact, I really think about the culture of giving back she has helped create within Wilson Sonsini," says Alicia Ruiz, senior corporate philanthropy manager for Second Harvest.

The profile also mentions Luke and Gail's efforts to launch a Juneteenth Service and Celebration Initiative, in addition to Gail's leadership in establishing a Women's History Month program this year. Gail says she's the lucky one. "It’s very rewarding. I do like coming to work every day. I feel I’m so energetic because I feel energized by the work that we’re doing.”

Click here to read Gail's complete profile (subscription required).