Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is part of a group of seven leading law firms whose collaboration in the Domestic Abuse Response Alliance (“DARA”) has been named as Pro Bono Initiative of the Year at The Lawyer Awards, 2023.

The Awards recognize legal excellence in the UK, with winner carefully chosen by an esteemed judging panel from the Bar, private practice, and in-house sectors. Judges meticulously score each entry, crafting a shortlist of the finest in each category and ultimately crowning the champions.

Launched in February 2022, DARA is an alliance of seven firms who provide pro bono legal advice and representation to survivors of domestic abuse in need of protective injunctions. The firms involved represent individuals who are not eligible for legal aid but who cannot afford to pay for private representation, providing them with help, support and representation from the outset to the conclusion of the case (see more detail here).

The awards also saw recognition of two other Debevoise pro bono projects in London.

The judges highly commended The Afghan Pro Bono Initiative, which brings together 14 firms including Debevoise to provide pro bono legal representation to Afghan refugees needing legal advice and support following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021.

The judges also commended the Windrush Legal Initiative. Run by the Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit, the initiative brings together eight leading firms, including Debevoise, to helps survivors experiencing barriers accessing compensation as a result of the Windrush scandal.

Since the firm’s founding in 1931, Debevoise’s pro bono work has been central to its culture. The firm focuses on helping underserved and vulnerable communities tackle social problems and solve complex legal issues.