– The Contributions Benefit the EJI, the NAACP LDF, and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights –
PALO ALTO, CA (August 18, 2020)—Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati announced it has raised more than half a million dollars to support organizations that are focused on promoting racial justice and ending racial discrimination. The firm’s employees and the Wilson Sonsini Foundation raised a total of $510,845 in a matching-funds campaign that began on June 5. The contributions have been sent, in varying amounts, to the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF), and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area (LCCR).
“We’re pleased to support the EJI, the LDF, and LCCR and their important pursuits to end racial injustice and discrimination in communities throughout our country,” said Wilson Sonsini Foundation Chair David Steuer, a partner with the firm. “The foundation proudly matched the extraordinary efforts of the firm's employees. Their participation reflects not only our firm's shared interest in achieving racial justice and supporting causes that are driven by principles of fairness, equality, and humanity—it’s also an example of Wilson Sonsini’s commitment to the community and helping to bring about positive and meaningful changes.”
Wilson Sonsini launched the matching-funds campaign in early June as part of the firm’s commitment to community and change efforts, which were inspired by the senseless and tragic killings of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, and Breonna Taylor in Kentucky. In July 2020, Wilson Sonsini announced it was one of 34 law firms joining the ACLU of Louisiana’s campaign to dismantle racially discriminatory policing practices.
“It was inspiring to see the incredible support from our attorneys and staff during the matching-funds campaign,” said Gail McFall, senior manager of community affairs. “We’ve been fortunate in that we’ve had many successful fundraising efforts in the past, particularly during times of significant need, and this was no exception. The outstanding effort by the firm’s employees, along with the support of the foundation, will help make a difference to these organizations that are dedicated to racial justice initiatives.”
In 2019, Wilson Sonsini attorneys and staff participated in more than 95 community service projects. The Wilson Sonsini Foundation contributed almost $1.4 million to nearly 90 law-related organizations and more than 140 community organizations last year. Visit the firm’s website for more information about Wilson Sonsini’s community service and pro bono efforts. The firm also published its FY2020 Pro Bono and Community Service Annual Report earlier this year.
About the Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Foundation
Established in November 1990, the Wilson Sonsini Foundation provides a vehicle for the firm’s members to make financial contributions to the community. Recognizing our professional responsibility to help those without means or with only limited resources gain access to the legal system, the foundation’s primary focus is to provide critical funding for nonprofit, legal service, and law-related organizations. The Wilson Sonsini Foundation is led by a board of trustees and an administrator.
About Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Wilson Sonsini represents clients in a broad range of legal disciplines that address the principal challenges faced by the management and boards of directors of business enterprises. Known worldwide for its representation of technology and life sciences clients, Wilson Sonsini is a leading corporate law firm, representing clients in capital markets, M&A, private equity, venture finance, and technology transactions. The firm’s recognized litigation and trial practice represents clients in antitrust, class action, commercial, governance, IP, privacy, securities, and other types of contested matters. Wilson Sonsini also has a substantial and growing regulatory and compliance practice, advising clients as to antitrust, consumer products, CFIUS and FCPA, FDA, international trade, privacy, and other matters. With deep roots in Silicon Valley, Wilson Sonsini has offices in Austin; Beijing; Boston; Brussels; Hong Kong; London; Los Angeles; New York; Palo Alto; San Diego; San Francisco; Seattle; Shanghai; Washington, D.C.; and Wilmington, DE. For more information, visit www.wsgr.com.