Biglaw

Kirkland & Ellis Brings Together Pro Bono Client And Attorneys For Actually Enjoyable Networking Event

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BAME illustration concept shows the difference of ethnicity of people who have different skin tone and appearance smiling happily with the pink background for creating the different ethnicity background.Like all Biglaw firms, Kirkland & Ellis pours resources into its pro bono efforts. And though attorneys have an opportunity to expand their legal acumen through the program, its not everyday attorneys get to actually bond with their clients.

One of Kirkland’s pro bono clients is The Brave House. It’s a NYC-based non-profit that works with immigrant and refugee girls and young women, with a focus on survivors of gender-based violence. They use a holistic model that offers free legal aid, educational and job advocacy, leadership training, mental health services, and community events—all within a safe and supportive environment built on friendship, resilience, and trust. Last month, the firm hosted an event to bring together the members of Brave House and the attorneys that work on their behalf.

The event was a signature of The Brave House — called I Know Her, that’s designed to make networking events fun.

One of our signature programs, I Know Her, is a fun and inclusive networking event designed to make networking approachable and accessible. The evening includes a hands-on training session followed by guided activities such as speed-dating, discussion groups, and a platform where our members can get on the mic and ask for connections, advice, or mentorship to help achieve their goals. Networking is a skill that isn’t typically taught, so we aim to provide a welcoming space where members can learn concrete strategies, practice them, and connect with our network of volunteers who are eager to give back.

I attended the November 14th event, and I have to say — it was actually a good time. Networking often feels like a necessary evil for professional growth, but the folks at Brave House turned the concept on its head and made everyone feel welcome.

Victoria J. Ryan, Partner at Kirkland and Brave House Board Member, said, “It’s such a unique opportunity for us as attorneys to get to know our pro bono clients in a new, more personal way by hosting the Brave House and its members for this event. It’s so important to engage with our neighbors here in New York City and I am grateful to be able to work with The Brave House and share that relationship with my colleagues at Kirkland & Ellis.”

While Lauren Blodgett, Executive Director & Founder of The Brave House, noted how special the event was, “Hosting I Know Her at Kirkland & Ellis, one of our dedicated pro bono partners, was especially meaningful. Many of our members are aspiring lawyers or are interested in legal careers, and this event allowed them to practice networking in a space directly aligned with their dreams. It’s an honor and joy to connect our members with tailored, dignified resources like these, and we look forward to creating more opportunities like this in the future. If you’re interested in partnering with us, we’d love to hear from you!”

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Kathryn Rubino HeadshotKathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, host of The Jabot podcast, and co-host of Thinking Like A Lawyer. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter @Kathryn1 or Mastodon @[email protected].

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