Luke Liss is the Pro Bono Partner of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. He manages the firm’s global Community Impact program. Under Luke’s leadership, the firm’s Community Impact program has received the following recent recognition:
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Luke and the firm received the James T. Caleshu Award from the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area in 2026.
- The firm was recognized with the Beacon of Justice Award from the National Legal Aid & Defender Association in 2026 for the sixth consecutive year.
- The firm was recognized as a Champion of Justice by OneJustice in 2026.
- The firm received the American Bar Association’s National Public Service Award in 2025.
- The firm received the Community Ally Award from California ChangeLawyers in 2025.
- Luke received the Alfred J. Chiplin Jr. Social Justice and Advocacy Award by the Center for Medicare Advocacy for his dedication to advancing civility and advocating for social justice in 2024.
- The firm was named Outstanding Pro Bono Partner by Lawyers for Good Government in 2024.
- The firm was named Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year by Tahirih Justice Center in 2024.
- The firm was named Pro Bono Champion by Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto in 2024.
- The firm was named Outstanding Law Firm by the San Diego Volunteer Lawyers Program in 2024.
- Luke was named DEI Change Agent of the Year by Everlaw in 2023.
- The firm was named Pro Bono Partner of the Year by Elevate Community Center in 2023.
- Luke was one of 10 attorneys nationwide shortlisted for Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year by Chambers USA in 2023.
- The firm received the American Bar Association’s Pro Bono Publico Award in 2022.
- The firm was one of 15 honorees nationwide named to the inaugural class of Pro Bono Innovators by Bloomberg Law in 2022.
- The firm received the Center for Justice and Accountability’s Partner in Justice Award in 2022.
- Luke and the firm were recognized with the Keta Taylor Colby Award by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area in 2022.
Luke has also played a key leadership role in high-profile pro bono litigation, including a trial win on behalf of one of the largest classes of Medicare patients in history, a historic win on summary judgment against a former Colombian paramilitary warlord on behalf of family members of a murdered community activist, and the settlement of a civil rights lawsuit alleging constitutional violations in Louisiana. Luke remains active in leadership of multiple ongoing impact litigation matters.
Luke currently serves as a member of the firm's Community Service Committee and leads the Pro Bono Committee. In addition, he is a member of the board of directors of the Wilson Sonsini Foundation.
Luke Liss is the Pro Bono Partner of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. He manages the firm’s global Community Impact program. Under Luke’s leadership, the firm’s Community Impact program has received the following recent recognition:
-
Luke and the firm received the James T. Caleshu Award from the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area in 2026.
- The firm was recognized with the Beacon of Justice Award from the National Legal Aid & Defender Association in 2026 for the sixth consecutive year.
- The firm was recognized as a Champion of Justice by OneJustice in 2026.
- The firm received the American Bar Association’s National Public Service Award in 2025.
- The firm received the Community Ally Award from California ChangeLawyers in 2025.
- Luke received the Alfred J. Chiplin Jr. Social Justice and Advocacy Award by the Center for Medicare Advocacy for his dedication to advancing civility and advocating for social justice in 2024.
- The firm was named Outstanding Pro Bono Partner by Lawyers for Good Government in 2024.
- The firm was named Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year by Tahirih Justice Center in 2024.
- The firm was named Pro Bono Champion by Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto in 2024.
- The firm was named Outstanding Law Firm by the San Diego Volunteer Lawyers Program in 2024.
- Luke was named DEI Change Agent of the Year by Everlaw in 2023.
- The firm was named Pro Bono Partner of the Year by Elevate Community Center in 2023.
- Luke was one of 10 attorneys nationwide shortlisted for Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year by Chambers USA in 2023.
- The firm received the American Bar Association’s Pro Bono Publico Award in 2022.
- The firm was one of 15 honorees nationwide named to the inaugural class of Pro Bono Innovators by Bloomberg Law in 2022.
- The firm received the Center for Justice and Accountability’s Partner in Justice Award in 2022.
- Luke and the firm were recognized with the Keta Taylor Colby Award by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area in 2022.
Luke has also played a key leadership role in high-profile pro bono litigation, including a trial win on behalf of one of the largest classes of Medicare patients in history, a historic win on summary judgment against a former Colombian paramilitary warlord on behalf of family members of a murdered community activist, and the settlement of a civil rights lawsuit alleging constitutional violations in Louisiana. Luke remains active in leadership of multiple ongoing impact litigation matters.
Luke currently serves as a member of the firm's Community Service Committee and leads the Pro Bono Committee. In addition, he is a member of the board of directors of the Wilson Sonsini Foundation.
- J.D., Stanford Law School, 2006
- B.A., Political Science, University of Oregon, 2003Cum Laude
- Member, Leaders Council, Legal Services Corporation
- State Bar of California
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- J.D., Stanford Law School, 2006
- B.A., Political Science, University of Oregon, 2003Cum Laude
- Member, Leaders Council, Legal Services Corporation
- State Bar of California
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Through innovative pro bono work, the 2025 Beacon of Justice honorees have demonstrated how legal advocacy can create meaningful, lasting change for individuals, families, and communities. All 2025 Beacon Award winners are being recognized based on their 2024 pro bono achievements.
Ms. Danks alleged that on October 10, 2020, she was in the passenger seat of a car being driven by her brother when a Kenner police officer pulled them over for a traffic violation. While the police engaged with her brother outside the car, Ms. Danks remained in the passenger seat with her hands visible. Despite this, officers violently pulled her from the car and threw her to the ground. Ms. Danks claimed Officer Lawler then stepped on her back, pinning her to the pavement while she was face down.
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