Loeb in Action: Highlights from Our Pro Bono Clinics in Early 2025

Loeb & Loeb’s pro bono program kicked off 2025 with a powerful start, partnering with clients and legal service organizations to support entrepreneurs, LGBTQ+ individuals, families navigating conservatorships and those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires. The firm also launched its inaugural Pro Bono Fair in Chicago, laying the groundwork for expanded collaborations and new opportunities to give back. Read on to learn more about our impact.

January

Loeb and Paramount Global Assist Low-Income Entrepreneurs at Start Small Think Big Clinic

On Jan. 21, Loeb lawyers partnered with in-house counsel at Paramount Global to assist Start Small Think Big clients with trademark searches for their small businesses. Founded in 2010, Start Small Think Big supports entrepreneurs from marginalized communities who have limited access to the resources needed to build and grow their businesses. During the clinic, volunteers worked with a nail technician, a fashion designer inspired by her cancer survival, a local New York artist and a musician teaching 1990s-inspired hip-hop through educational programs. Each entrepreneur was paired with a team of Loeb and Paramount volunteers to ask questions and receive guidance on the use of their proposed trademarks.

Loeb’s pro bono team included partner Sara Crisafulli; senior counsel Emily Rakowicz and Shu-Ping Shen; and associates Sarah Rubenstein Polak, Sam Raffa and Lisa Wiznitzer.

Loeb Provides Legal Relief and Resources in Wake of Los Angeles Wildfires

In response to the devastating wildfires that swept through Los Angeles in January, Loeb swiftly activated its pro bono resources to assist those impacted. Over the past few months, Loeb lawyers and staff volunteered their time at a series of in-person and virtual legal clinics organized by local partners, including Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles, Bet Tzedek, the Veterans Legal Institute and Pepperdine Caruso School of Law.

Through these efforts, the Loeb team has supported wildfire survivors by helping them apply for FEMA assistance, resolve landlord-tenant issues—especially for those forced from uninhabitable homes—and navigate insurance, employment and other legal challenges arising from the disaster. Loeb lawyers also collaborated with Bet Tzedek to create and deliver a “Know Your Rights” presentation tailored to displaced tenants.

Loeb remains committed to aiding communities in need and continues to look for additional ways to support ongoing wildfire recovery efforts. If you're interested in joining an upcoming disaster relief clinic, please reach out to Loeb Pro Bono Director Meredith Madnick.

March 

Loeb Partners with Bet Tzedek on Conservatorship Petition Clinic

On March 20, Loeb partnered with Bet Tzedek to host a virtual Self-Help Conservatorship Petition Preparation Clinic. Part of a limited-scope initiative, the clinic supports individuals seeking to establish conservatorships for loved ones who require additional assistance. The project focuses on equipping conservators with the tools and knowledge necessary to fulfill their legal responsibilities effectively.

Bet Tzedek’s Self-Help Conservatorship program manages nearly 75% of all conservatorship filings in Los Angeles County, making this clinic a critical component in expanding access to legal support across the region. The session began with a one-hour training on the fundamentals of conservatorship law and step-by-step guidance for preparing petitions. Seven teams, made up of 10 volunteers, completed the preparation of 13 petitions.

The firm's pro bono team included partner David Nelson; of counsel Allison Cohen; senior counsel Jim Prestiano; associates Ryan Kashfian and Rosie Schwarz; assistant Robin Splendore; desktop analyst Nicole Pierre; and marketing assistant ‘Mari Daniel.

Loeb Volunteers Assist with Gender Marker and Name Change Petitions

Loeb hosted a virtual Gender Marker and Name Change Clinic with Inland Counties Legal Services (ICLS) on March 5. As part of ICLS’ broader LGBTQ+ services—which also include our Advance Health Care Directive clinic partnership—this was the first clinic of its kind where ICLS and firm volunteers supported clients through a one-stop-shop format. The clinic ensures that transgender, gender nonconforming and nonbinary individuals in Riverside and San Bernardino counties have culturally informed legal representation as they pursue updates to their identity documents. Following a training by ICLS staff, five Loeb volunteers assisted five individuals with completing their paperwork to update their identity documents.

The firm's pro bono team included partner Ivy Kagan Bierman; senior counsel Sasha Bass; and associates Rosie Schwarz, Erica Stern and Lisa Wiznitzer.

April 

Loeb Helps Legal Services NYC Clients with Legal Name Changes

On April 24, the firm collaborated with Legal Services NYC for a Transgender Name Change Clinic, sponsored by the firm’s Loeb Pride affinity group in the New York office. Founded in 1968, Legal Services NYC is dedicated to fighting poverty and advancing racial, social and economic justice for low-income New Yorkers. The clinic supports transgender and nonbinary individuals in obtaining legal name changes and updating identity documents—critical steps toward ensuring their safety and dignity. Outdated documents can inadvertently out individuals as transgender, leading to discrimination when presenting ID in situations such as traveling, receiving medical care or accessing government benefits.

Loeb volunteers provided legal assistance throughout the process, from preparing and filing petitions to securing court orders. Six firm volunteers assisted with three name change cases, helping clients take important steps toward affirmation and legal recognition.

The pro bono team included partner David Kostman; senior counsel Sasha Bass and Katie Gauthier; and associates Ava Badie, Tyler Downing and Erica Stern.

Loeb Hosts Inaugural Pro Bono Fair in Chicago

Loeb & Loeb hosted its inaugural Pro Bono Fair in Chicago on April 8—bringing together clients, professional contacts and the firm’s Chicago-based lawyers to connect with leading local legal service organizations. Designed to spark collaboration and expand access to justice, the event offered attendees the opportunity to engage directly with representatives from impactful nonprofits, including Cabrini Green Legal Aid, Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, Lawyers for the Creative Arts, Legal Aid Chicago and Prairie State Legal Services. Guests networked over appetizers and giveaways while exploring meaningful ways to contribute to the Chicago community through pro bono service. 

As a direct result of the fair’s success, the firm is partnering with client The Kraft Heinz Company for a pro bono clinic this fall benefiting clients of Lawyers for the Creative Arts. Building on this momentum, we also plan to hold Pro Bono Fairs in our Los Angeles and New York offices this June.