Hogan Lovells Cadwalader: First Firm to Embed Pro Bono in Partnership Deed

• Hogan Lovells Cadwalader has become the first global law firm to embed a pro bono commitment directly into its partnership deed.
• This move follows the merger of Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, which became effective in July this year.
• The firm's CEO, Miguel Zaldivar, stated this action clarifies that creating positive impact is fundamental to their identity and success.
• In 2025, the firm's staff contributed over 174,000 hours specifically to pro bono work, out of more than 256,000 total responsible business hours.
• Lord Peter Goldsmith KC, former UK Attorney General, praised the initiative as an excellent example for UK lawyers.

By embedding pro bono in our constitution, we are making clear that creating positive impact is a fundamental part of who we are and how we define our success.

Hogan Lovells Cadwalader, the recently formed global legal powerhouse, has announced a groundbreaking initiative by formally incorporating a commitment to pro bono work directly into its partnership deed. This strategic move, which the firm asserts is a first for any global law firm, elevates pro bono engagement from a mere policy guideline to a foundational element of its operational and governance structure. The firm's constitution now explicitly mandates dedication to both pro bono and broader community service, reflecting a deep-seated institutional value.

This significant development follows the successful merger between Hogan Lovells and the US-based firm Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, a union that officially commenced in July of this year. The newly combined entity has seized this opportunity to redefine its core principles, ensuring that its dedication to social impact is enshrined within the very document that dictates its ownership, leadership, and overall management. This integration signifies a profound shift in how the firm views its societal responsibilities, making them an intrinsic part of its identity.

The decision to embed pro bono work within the partnership deed distinguishes Hogan Lovells Cadwalader from other firms, which typically address such commitments through internal policies or mission statements. By making it a constitutional requirement, the firm has positioned pro bono as an indispensable component of its operational framework, rather than an optional endeavor. This formal inclusion dictates how the partnership is structured and managed, ensuring that pro bono contributions are considered a fundamental aspect of its success and identity.

Miguel Zaldivar, the firm's Chief Executive Officer, articulated the rationale behind this pioneering step. He stated, "By embedding pro bono in our constitution, we are making clear that creating positive impact is a fundamental part of who we are and how we define our success." This statement underscores the firm's intention to integrate social responsibility into its core business model, signaling a long-term commitment that transcends fluctuating priorities or leadership changes. The constitutional mandate ensures that pro bono remains a central pillar of the firm's ethos.

The firm's commitment is not merely theoretical; it builds upon a substantial history of service. In the preceding year, 2025, the collective efforts of the firm's personnel resulted in an impressive accumulation of over 256,000 hours dedicated to responsible business initiatives worldwide. A significant portion of this total, exceeding 174,000 hours, was specifically channeled into pro bono activities, demonstrating a robust and active engagement with community needs even before this constitutional amendment.

This innovative approach has garnered significant praise from prominent legal figures. Lord Peter Goldsmith KC, a former UK Attorney General and the current chair of LawWorks, commended Hogan Lovells Cadwalader's initiative. He remarked that the firm's action "sets an excellent example for all lawyers operating in the UK," suggesting that this model could inspire broader adoption across the legal profession. The endorsement highlights the potential for this constitutional embedding of pro bono to influence industry standards and practices.

Source: Original reporting via Legal Cheek