Page 16 - Katten 2024 Pro Bono Annual Review

KATTEN KICKS OFF SCHOOL YEAR
WITH BACKPACK DONATION IN CHICAGO

Katten donated nearly 150 backpacks to students at Chicago Public Schools’ Jose de Diego Community Academy,
home of the award-winning Katten Legal Clinic. The backpacks were distributed on August 23 at the elementary
school’s Back to School BBQ, coordinated by Matthew Doran. “Our backpack donation not only reinforces our long-
standing partnership with Chicago’s Wicker Park and Humboldt Park communities
but also highlights our ongoing commitment to supporting them beyond our pro
bono legal services provided at the clinic,” said Jonathan Baum. Managing Partner
of our Chicago office Jennifer Wolfe agreed, stating, “Katten supports the com-
munities in which our attorneys and business professionals live and work and
is committed to giving back and fostering a culture of service.”

Last year, Katten celebrated the 10th anniversary of the legal aid clinic, an
initiative that is recognized with an American Bar Association Pro Bono
Publico Award, operates in partnership with Legal Aid Chicago, and has
served more than 1,200 clients on various legal issues. Additionally,
the Chicago Bar Association recently honored Katten with a Civic
Education Appreciation Award for our participation, led by
Chicago Real Estate Associate Kristen Froese, in the Lawyers in
the Classroom program, which enhances students’ critical
thinking, collaboration and civil discourse skills.

LONDON OFFICE’S BOOK
LAUNCH EVENT RAISES FUNDS
FOR UK AUTISM RESEARCH
CHARITY AUTISTICA

On September 12, Katten’s London office hosted a book launch
event for “Autism and the Law: Navigating a Legal Minefield” by
autism historian Adam Feinstein, with London Managing Partner
Christopher Hitchins and Private Credit Senior Associate
Ekaterina (Katya) Harrison in attendance. As part of her pro
bono commitment, Katya assisted the author in writing the
book, the proceeds of which will go toward supporting
Autistica, a leading UK autism research charity. The
book is sponsored by philanthropist Dame
Stephanie Shirley, who acknowledged Katya’s
involvement, thanked Katten in the book’s
foreword, and specifically requested that
the launch event be held in our London
office as a gesture of appreciation for our
contributions to the project.

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