In this year’s Pro Bono Innovators issue, Davis Wright Tremaine (DWT) and Microsoft Corp. have been recognized by Bloomberg Law for their exemplary pro bono work. They have made significant strides in providing free legal services, particularly to independent journalists and newsrooms in underserved areas.
In six states across the U.S., DWT and Microsoft have created a free legal network under the ProJourn program. This initiative addresses the issues faced by many newsrooms and journalists who do not have access to affordable legal services. This lack of access often leads to stories of corruption going unpublished and accountability in powerful circles being neglected due to the legal risks involved. The ProJourn program aims to reduce these barriers, hence enabling journalists to report on crucial matters that may otherwise be overlooked.
The ProJourn program was conceptualized by an assistant general counsel at Microsoft and a senior DWT media partner, and developed by Joanna Plichta Boisen, DWT’s chief pro bono and social impact officer. It was executed thanks to DWT and Microsoft’s strong in-house pro bono programs.
Furthermore, before the ProJourn program came into existence, DWT acquired a victory on behalf of the Center for Investigative Reporting in a libel lawsuit at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. This legal battle, which began as a paid engagement led by Thomas R. Burke, a veteran First Amendment attorney at DWT, transitioned to pro bono after years of expensive proceedings for the client. This victory was a collective effort, in collaboration with attorneys at Covington & Burling.
Consequently, the victory for the Planet Aid anti-SLAPP matter and the creation of ProJourn are prime examples of DWT and Microsoft’s innovative and strategic approach to advancing justice for journalists. Their work is instrumental in enhancing government accountability, supporting values like transparency, and protecting democracy.
The ProJourn program is not only beneficial for the legal sector but is also a key player in promoting innovation across the media industry. The program supports the development and success of essential new journalism tools and outlets which, in turn, enriches the information ecosystem. This program has taken the lead in innovative legal services delivery.
Since starting as a pilot, ProJourn has gradually expanded its impact over the last 18 months. It has been recognized for its expansion efforts with a $1.3 million grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. This funding has allowed ProJourn to hire full-time staff and expand into Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, and New York. The program also gained several new corporate and law firm participants. ProJourn is currently expected to handle up to 300 legal matters annually, contributing an estimated $3.5 million in pro bono services.
The anti-SLAPP case against Planet Aid has had significant national implications. The case served as a rallying cry highlighting the importance of reinforcing anti-SLAPP laws, which are key to protecting against lawsuits aiming to obstruct free speech. The case resulted in a published 9th Circuit opinion, which documented the Plaintiff’s wrongdoings and should act as a deterrent for future unfounded lawsuits.