Daily Journal Profiles Akin Gump/KIPP LA Public Charter Schools Pro Bono Relationship

Akin Gump’s pro bono relationship with KIPP LA Public Schools was the focus of the Daily Journal article “Akin Gump supports schools client with pro bono service.” The article profiled the firm’s long-term legal partnership with the organization.

The relationship between Akin Gump and KIPP dates back more than 10 years, during which time the nonprofit public charter school organization “discovered a reliable hand for pro bono services to support the school’s academic program,” according to the article.

Frank Reddick, a corporate partner in Akin Gump’s Los Angeles office, said the partnership has significant benefits for both sides “that are not available in traditional one-engagement pro bono matters.” Lawyers working with KIPP, he said, are able to develop strength in a particular area that is useful, not just as part of the ongoing work with KIPP, but also to one’s practice as a whole. At the same time, he noted, “KIPP obtains the benefit of lawyers who have developed a knowledge of the organization and its industry.”

Reddick, who serves on the KIPP board of directors along with fellow corporate partner Carlos Bermudez, said he usually puts in about 250 hours of pro bono work each year, with the majority of it in on behalf of KIPP.

“These are the schools where you get the sense that something very special is being done with an inviting culture and in an environment where kids will be able to find true opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have. They’re saving lives as far as I’m concerned.”

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