PALO ALTO, July 5, 2022 – Today, Baker Botts, L.L.P., an international law firm, announced the launch of a new initiative aimed at formalizing and expanding its current LGBTQ+ pro bono practice: Pride In Action.

Pride In Action comprises a diverse group of the firm's highly engaged lawyers, paralegals and administrative staff who have committed thousands of hours to pro bono matters in pursuit of justice and equality for LGBTQ+ people. The initiative aims to provide additional structure for the firm’s LGBTQ+ pro bono advocacy, including by creating space for lawyers to share resources and knowledge across different matters, and by establishing a network of volunteers eager to assist on new LGBTQ+ pro bono matters. Pride In Action also leverages the firm’s resources to deepen relationships with non-profit advocacy organizations and to explore opportunities for collaboration with firm clients on LGBTQ+ pro bono matters.

“Today’s launch of Pride In Action is the culmination of many years of LGBTQ+ pro bono advocacy by Baker Botts lawyers,” said John Martin, Managing Partner of Baker Botts. “The firm is grateful for these lawyers’ work and is proud to recognize their work as part of the firm’s commitment to LGBTQ+ diversity and civil rights.”

Baker Botts’ recent LGBTQ+ pro bono advocacy has been focused on protecting and expanding the rights of individuals who identify as transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC), including:

• Representing clients in impact litigation cases that seek to protect trans rights and civil liberties;
• Representing TGNC clients in immigration courts, federal courts, and before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS);
• Drafting comments in opposition to proposed federal regulations that would limit access to social benefits, such as asylum protections and shelters; and
• Assisting with petitions for name and gender marker changes.

“Our focus on TGNC and immigrant communities is not happenstance—trans people and LGBTQ+ people of color continue to bear the brunt of anti-LGBTQ violence and discrimination,” said senior associate Maddy Dwertman. “Pride In Action will enable Baker Botts to continue serving marginalized LGBTQ+ communities.”

“The creation of Pride In Action was possible in large part due to the trust placed in us by our non-profit partner organizations, such as Lambda Legal, the ACLU, American Gateways, Casa Marianella, and Immigration Equality,” said senior associate Brandt Thomas Roessler. “We are excited that Pride In Action will allow Baker Botts to continue partnering with these organizations in the future as we pursue justice and equality for all LGBTQ+ people.”

For more information on Pride In Action and Baker Botts’ LGBTQ+ pro bono advocacy, click here. 

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Baker Botts is an international law firm whose lawyers practice throughout a network of offices around the globe. Based on our experience and knowledge of our clients' industries, we are recognized as a leading firm in the energy, technology and life sciences sectors. Since 1840, we have provided creative and effective legal solutions for our clients while demonstrating an unrelenting commitment to excellence. For more information, please visit bakerbotts.com.