About Us:

• Firm Overview
• Locations
• Firm History
• Representative Clients
• Key Management
• Diversity
• Affiliates
• Pro Bono
  • Recognition and Awards
  • Recent Participation
  • Community Service

Recent Participation

Highlights of Our Pro Bono Legal Services

• Journey Forward
  In 2009, the New York office has represented Boston-based JoFo on its non-local issues, like IRS and other tax issues including its corporate formation, acquisition of non-profit tax status, its fundraising efforts, various legal disputes and general business advice. JoFo is a special facility, one of only a handful in the country, that provides specific rehabilitation services for people that have suffered catastrophic spinal injuries.
• Pete Williams Wrongful Imprisonment
  In 2008, the Georgia State Senate passed HR 178 (previously passed by the House) which will award Pete Williams $1.2 million for wages and other potential benefits lost during the almost 22 years he spent in prison for a crime he did not commit. As documented by the firm in February 2007, the firm assisted in Pete’s release through our pro bono efforts with the Georgia Innocence Project.
• Marcus Dixon and the NFL Draft
  In 2004, based on the pro bono efforts of Atlanta partner David Balser and a team of MLA attorneys, the Supreme Court of Georgia reversed Marcus Dixon’s conviction for aggravated child molestation and ordered his immediate release from prison, where he had served 15 months for his mandatory 10-year sentence. In 2008, we were pleased to report that Marcus has made the most of his second chance.
• Bangladeshi Man Wrongly Sentenced to Death
  In spring of 2008, efforts were made by an MLA pro bono team to assist a former Bangladeshi diplomat, who fled his country in 1996 to avoid prosecution and seek political asylum in the U.S. Attorneys in LA, Atlanta and Washington, DC continue to endeavor to secure his release from prison and removal from Canada.
• U.S. Supreme Court Amicus Curiae Brief
  Washington attorneys recently filed an amicus curiae brief in the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of pro bono clients Violence Policy Center and the Police Chiefs for the cities of LA, Minneapolis and Seattle. The brief supported the District of Columbia’s challenge to a recent DC Circuit – Court of Appeals’ ruling that invoked the Second Amendment to strike down several gun control laws, specifically DC’s handgun law (see District of Columbia v. Heller).
• Points of Light Foundation & Hands On Network
  In August 2007, MLA attorneys served as Hands On Network’s pro bono advisors in its merger with Points of Light Foundation. Together, these two charities have created the country’s largest volunteer network of 370 affiliate organizations. MLA attorneys guided the merger, advising on key issues, including overall strategic planning, insurance matters and employee benefits. 
• Washington Pro Bono Criminal Project
  During 2008, litigation associate Brad Samuels played a critical roles in the creation and success of this project. With the assistance of partner Will O’Brien and associate Megan Kinsey-Smith. A sample of victories include: U.S. v. Bryant Washington and U.S. v. Charles Payne.
• EastWest Institute
  Since 2002, the Firm, led by partner Bill Ide, has acted as the EastWest Institute’s pro bono general counsel, overseeing all legal matters. EWI is an international, non-partisan, non-profit global organization that promotes peace and stability by building trust and collaborative action between world forces that must work together.
• Atlanta University Center Consortium and University Community Development Corporation
  In January 2009, Atlanta associates Jonathan Hunt, Samantha Rein and Kathleen Lentz assisted both organizations in separate real estate and litigation matters. The AUCC is a non-profit consortium of Atlanta’s historically black colleges and universities that provides services and programs to its member institutions.
• Hope for Hannah Fund
  Albany Of Counsel Kelly Lamendola hosted its first board meeting in Albany office to assist the organizing of a corporation. She prepared the detailed application to the IRS to recognize Hannah’s Hope as a 501(c) (3) or not-for-profit organization. Since it’s incorporation, Hannah’s Hope has mobilized numerous business and community members in the Albany/Saratoga area.
• The Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia (MOCA GA)
  MLA recently negotiated a new lease for The Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia, “MOCA GA,” increasing its space from 4,500 square feet to 15,000 square feet. Founded in 2002, MOCA GA is the only museum with a permanent collection exclusively devoted to Georgia artists. The new space will accommodate ongoing displays of the permanent collection, as well as temporary shows. It will also house an educational resource center, which will be the only existing entity devoted to the study and documentation of Georgia art history. The museum will also permit public access to its archives and growing library.
• Supreme Court
  On January 11, 2008, MLA filed an amicus curiae brief in the Supreme Court case District of Columbia v. Heller, No. 07-290, which involves a constitutional challenge to several of the District of Columbia’s gun control laws. As pro bono counsel for the Violence Policy Center, a national non-profit research and advocacy group, and for the Police Chiefs of Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and Seattle, MLA filed the amicus brief in support of the District of Columbia’s handgun ban.