The legal sector has seen exceptional commitment to pro bono work from numerous law firms, but few have matched the impact of Arnold & Porter’s recent initiatives, which have seen them recognized as a 2024 Pro Bono Innovators honoree by Bloomberg Law. This accolade highlights the firm’s legal achievements in two complex and significant cases: C.M., et al. v. United States and Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County v. Talevski.
- C.M., et al. v. United States: Arnold & Porter played a pivotal role in advocating for migrant families affected by one of the most controversial policies in recent U.S. history. The firm pursued compensation for families separated under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) at the U.S. southern border, navigating complex legal challenges to ensure that victims could seek damages for the intentional infliction of emotional distress. Their innovative approach involved collaborating with nonprofit organizations, law firms, and law school clinics to broaden legal aid across the nation. As a result, they not only secured compensation for hundreds of affected families but also contributed to establishing a comprehensive record of governmental actions during the family separation crisis.
- Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County v. Talevski: In defending the rights of Medicaid recipients, Arnold & Porter secured a landmark 7-2 Supreme Court decision. The firm successfully argued that beneficiaries under federal programs, including Medicaid, have the right to sue under 42 U.S. Code §1983 when their rights are infringed. Utilizing extensive legal research and forming coalitions with advocacy groups and health care organizations, their strategic approach underscored the critical role of public-interest litigation in safeguarding millions of Americans’ access to essential health care services.
These cases underscore the firm’s unwavering dedication to civil and human rights. As noted in the Bloomberg Law report, Arnold & Porter’s strategic litigation efforts not only achieved notable legal victories but also propelled systemic change, reinforcing the vital infrastructure of rights-based advocacy within the legal field. Their ability to galvanize resources across the legal ecosystem exemplifies the transformative potential of pro bono work when aligned with keen legal expertise and moral urgency.