Page 18 - Katten 2025 Pro Bono Annual Review

DALLAS OFFICE TEAMS UP WITH ELF SOCIETY TO PROVIDE
CHRISTMAS TOYS TO CHILDREN IN SOUTH DALLAS

During the 2024 holiday season, Katten’s Dallas office teamed up with the Elf Society to help
provide toys to 1,500 children in the South Dallas area, continuing the firm’s tradition of being
the single-largest contributor to the event since the office opened in 2018. In addition to receiv-
ing gifts, the children and their families also had an opportunity to take photos with Santa,
played by a lifelong friend of Corporate Partner J. David Washburn, Private Equity and
Mergers & Acquisitions co-chair and event volunteer. In December 2024, the
Dallas office also collected donations for the Dallas Bar Association’s
food drive and its Santa Brings a Suit drive.

“ Our partnership with José de Diego Community Academy goes far
beyond school supplies. Katten is deeply invested in serving the community
through legal assistance at the Katten Legal Clinic based at the school.
In fact, we often refer to the clinic as the ‘crown jewel’ of our pro bono program.”

JONATHAN K. BAUM, Katten’s Director of Pro Bono Services

KATTEN REINFORCES CHICAGO COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT WITH BACKPACK DONATIONS FOR STUDENTS

Katten donated nearly 200 backpacks to students at Chicago Public Schools’ José de Diego Community Academy
— home to the award-winning Katten Legal Clinic — further strengthening the firm’s long-standing commitment
to the school, its families and the community. The backpacks were distributed on August 15 at the elementary
school’s Back-to-School event before students returned to the classroom for the new year. Paralegal Matthew
Doran coordinated the donation. Among the first school-based clinics of its kind, the Katten Legal Clinic has
served approximately 1,500 individuals and families, providing not only school supplies but also legal services
related to public benefits, housing disputes, family law, expungements and consumer protection.

“By providing free backpacks, we’re helping ease the cost of school supplies for families and supporting students
so they can start the school year prepared,” said Managing Partner of Katten’s Chicago office Jennifer I. Wolfe.
“We’re proud to be a strong community partner whose culture of service is reflected in projects like this.”

16
16