On October 19, 2019, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati was recognized as 2019 La Mancha Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year by Casa Cornelia Law Center. (See page 11 of our recent Diversity Newsletter.) The award event took place at Casa Cornelia Law Center's 12th Annual La Mancha Awards event at the University of San Diego's Shiley Theatre. The Annual La Mancha Awards celebrates the dedication of exceptional members of the legal community who are committed to the success of Casa Cornelia's clients and their cases. The Wilson Sonsini Foundation was a sponsor of the event.

Partner Doug Carsten accepted the award on behalf of the firm. Associate Taylor Dimler was also individually recognized as one of the Pro Bono Publico Awardees. San Diego associates Peter Kang, Rhyea Malik, Laurie McNamara, and Aaron Parker also attended the event.

A video, Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year, was produced for the event, featuring Taylor, Laurie, and Wilson Sonsini Litigation Of Counsel and Pro Bono Counsel Luke Liss.

Founded in 1993, Casa Cornelia Law Center is a public interest firm providing quality pro bono legal services to victims of human and civil rights violations. The organization has a primary commitment to indigent persons within the immigrant community in Southern California and seeks to educate others regarding the impact of immigration law and policy on the community and the public good.

Since 2010, Wilson Sonsini has provided pro bono legal services to referrals from Casa Cornelia Law Center in various immigration matters. According to Casa Cornelia's Executive Director Carmen Chavez, in 2018 alone, the firm provided more than 1,000 hours of pro bono-dedicated hours to the organization's clients.

"Casa Cornelia is indebted to WSGR's pro bono service, leadership, and contributions to further our mission to provide quality pro bono services to those fleeing persecution, torture, and abuse," Carmen said. "For several years now, WSGR has provided outstanding, high-quality, and passionate support of our legal programs."