About Jonathan K. Baum
As the firm's director of pro bono services, Jonathan Baum coordinates the firm's entire pro bono portfolio. He identifies pro bono work that complements Katten's diverse areas of practice, going beyond just traditional litigation to include nonprofit corporate governance, affordable housing and community development transactions, and trust and estate planning to underserved populations.
A pro bono innovator
Jonathan has served in his role since 1993, when he became one of only a handful of law firm partners in the nation to focus exclusively on the delivery of pro bono work. He matches pro bono opportunities with the best-suited attorneys and monitors each pro bono matter at the firm. He also personally represents pro bono litigation clients. He frequently represents refugees seeking asylum in the United States and individuals experiencing racial discrimination in housing or public accommodations. In collaboration with Illinois' largest legal aid provider, Jonathan launched one of the first legal aid clinics in an urban public school, an initiative that has served hundreds of low-income clients and was recognized with an ABA pro bono publico award. In another ongoing effort, Jonathan has represented the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence in its defense of state and local gun regulations against constitutional challenges.
Practice Focus
- Pro bono
- Appellate and Supreme Court litigation
News
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October 25, 2024
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August 27, 2024
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November 3, 2023
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November 3, 2023
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October 30, 2023
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May 9, 2023
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April 19, 2023
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April 7, 2023
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November 18, 2022
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Publications
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April 4, 2024
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December 19, 2023
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December 19, 2022
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December 17, 2021
Presentations and Events
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May 14, 2015Panelist | Standard of Review in Second Amendment Litigation
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March 4–6, 2015Speaker | Law Firm IdeaLab
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February 6, 2009Speaker | What Did Brown Do For You? Brown v. Board 50 Years Later
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June 24, 2008Speaker | How to Succeed in a Law Firm While Doing Pro Bono
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April 3, 2008Panelist | Working with pro bono attorneys and developing pro bono resources
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February 25–27, 2008Presenter | The Value of Public Service
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February 23, 2008Panelist