In response to the recent spate of deadly attacks in Israel by Hamas, numerous “BigLaw” law firms and their legal professionals have reportedly mobilized their resources to provide financial aid to the victims. Among these firms is Paul Weiss Rifkind & Garrison LLP, which has announced its initiative to match the charitable donations of its personnel, up to $1,500 annually, excluding partners.
Brad Karp, the chair of Paul Weiss, expressed the firm`s solidarity via an internal memo. He conveyed the firm’s shock and outrage at the sudden and unwarranted attack on Israel by Palestinian militants, and committed their support to the state of Israel and their community in crisis. The firm is actively seeking relief organizations best positioned to assist those in dire need.
Other law firms have joined this charitable initiative, including Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP, and Mayer Brown LLP. Over 100 partners from Quinn Emanuel pledged more than $300,000 within 24 hours to charities that are assisting Israeli hospitals, ambulances, paramedics, and the victims of the attack. Isaac Nesser, Chair of the firm’s banking and financial institutions, relayed this information via an email to the firm’s attorneys and executive committee.
Meanwhile, Jon Van Gorp, the chair of Mayer Brown, issued a statement revealing the firm’s inferred contributions to Magen David Adom, which operates similarly to Israel’s Red Cross and Natal, an organization that helps victims dealing with trauma resulting from terror and war-related incidents, and those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. The firm continues to explore opportunities for pro bono and charitable support to organizations aiding the relief effort.
The detailed account is available on Law360.