World-Renowned Law Firm to be Honored at Houston Gala
Tahirih Justice Center is proud to announce that Baker & McKenzie has been named Houston Firm of the Year, and Tahirih will present the global law firm with its award at the 4th Annual Houston Gala, “The Goodfellas: Recognizing the Critical Role of Men in Ending Violence Against Women,” on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015 at The Houstonian Hotel in Houston, TX.
“Tahirih is incredibly grateful to Baker & McKenzie for their tireless commitment to justice,” said Anne Chandler, Director of Tahirih’s Houston office.
“Our work wouldn’t be possible without compassionate professionals who donate their time and expertise to create a world where women and girls enjoy equality and live in safety and with dignity,” Chandler said.
Since 2009, Baker & McKenzie has been an integral member of Tahirih’s Pro Bono Network, which is made up of more than 1,800 attorneys from 450 top law firms across the country who are committed to helping immigrant women and girls flee extreme violence, including rape, female genital mutilation, domestic violence, human trafficking, honor crimes, and forced marriage.
Last year, Baker & McKenzie co-sponsored a U visa clinic in Tahirih’s Houston offices and invited local in-house lawyers from the Association of Corporate Counsel. This year, over 20 Baker & McKenzie lawyers devoted hundreds of hours of pro bono time to help survivors of gender-based violence. In addition to their pro bono legal efforts, Baker & McKenzie lawyers currently volunteer on the Tahirih Pro Bono Legal Committee and the Tahirih Gala Host Committee.
“We are so proud of our partnership with Tahirih,” said Louis Davis, a Baker & McKenzie Partner and Houston Pro Bono Committee Co-Chair. “Our firm has a deep respect for the courage and perseverance of survivors of violence. Their determination to break generational cycles of abuse and build a better world for themselves and their children is nothing short of awe-inspiring.”
Baker & McKenzie has a long-standing commitment to pro bono initiatives in Houston and around the world. The law firm understands the importance of expanding civic engagement and volunteerism, and regularly seeks opportunities to serve with the most vulnerable of the global community.
“It is humbling to witness a woman or a girl persevere for herself and her family in the face of unconscionable violence. We are grateful for our partnership with Tahirih and for the opportunity to advocate for these women and girls,” said Matthew Mauney, a Baker & McKenzie Associate and Houston Pro Bono Committee Co-Chair.
“Tahirih doesn’t just transform its clients’ lives, it transforms our lives, too,” Mauney said.
The 4th Annual Houston Gala will raise vital funds for the non-profit to continue its lifesaving mission. Tickets to the September event are available at Tahirih.org/HoustonGala.
