Page 11 - Katten 2024 Pro Bono Annual Review

CROSS-PRACTICE PRO BO NO EFFORTS
BRING ARTIST’S MIXED MEDIA
CLIMATE PROJECT TO FRUITION

Katten played a crucial role in bringing an innovative mixed Ms. Szaggars-Redford’s project, which uses nature as a
media project to life by providing pro bono legal counsel on co-creator by exposing watercolors to New Mexico’s rare
complex copyright and licensing issues for artist Sibylle rainfall, evolved into a unique artwork addressing climate
Szaggars-Redford and her foundation, The Way of the Rain. change. The project premiered in Monaco with support from
Introduced to the project by Janet Goelz Hoffman, a Katten The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and later in
team led by Intellectual Property Partner Terence Ross, Dallas, featuring a live performance by the Dallas Symphony
Washington, DC, and including Investment Management Orchestra and narration by the artist’s husband, Robert
and Funds Associate Meghan Iannarone and Financial Redford. The film, The Way of the Rain: Hope for Earth — A
Markets and Funds Associate Elise Michael, both from our Symphony for Our Planet, then premiered to much acclaim at
New York office, and Corporate Associate Yaesul Park, the Festival del Sole in Napa Valley. Katten was instrumental
Chicago, helped ensure that The Way of the Rain retained in negotiating multiple licenses among the film’s contribu-
copyright in the film and could use it for educational and tors. Looking ahead, the organization aims to screen the film
fundraising purposes worldwide. at other festivals and on the DISH network’s Earth Channel,
with plans already in place for a sequel.

CHARLOTTE ATTORNEYS
HELP ENTREPRENEURS QU ALIFY
FOR FUNDING WITH THE CLIMB
CORPORATE HYGIENE CLINIC

At the Charlotte Legal Initiative to Mobilize Businesses’ (CLIMB) Corporate Hygiene
Clinic, Charlotte Litigation Partner Lindsey Smith and Real Estate Associate Luz Solano-
Flórez provided crucial assistance to minority and underrepresented business owners,
helping them comply with North Carolina Secretary of State standards to qualify for
funding. They offered detailed recommendations on corporate hygiene necessary for
grant applications, such as the North Carolina Idea Grant and Beyond Open Grant, and
advised on various legal issues including intellectual property, corporate entity struc-
ture, formation and governance, agreement reviews, and business practices such as
name selection and branding. Their efforts ensured that these businesses were better
positioned to secure funding and achieve long-term success.

Katten 2024 PRO BONO ANNUAL REVIEW 9