Pro Bono Week Spotlight: Law Firms Partner with Appleseed to Protect Children at the Border

DLA Piper: A Longstanding Commitment to Child Protection

DLA Piper’s support for Appleseed Mexico spans more than 15 years, encompassing a variety of pro bono initiatives. Their dedication to child protection is woven into the fabric of the firm. From their involvement in the first iteration of the report back in 2008 to the newly updated 2023 version, DLA Piper has consistently demonstrated a deep sense of responsibility toward unaccompanied children.

Crystal Doyle, Pro Bono Counsel and National Lead for DLA Piper’s Pro Bono Immigration Program, talked about the impact of the report, emphasizing its concrete findings and actionable recommendations. For Doyle, partnering with Appleseed Mexico and Texas Appleseed means being part of real, on-the-ground change. Their ability to investigate, draft, and produce impactful reports is what makes these collaborations so effective.

Akin Gump: Creativity and Dedication in Action

Akin Gump has been a part of this journey since the first report in 2011, and their dedication hasn’t waned. As Dasha Hodge, Counsel in Akin Gump’s Corporate Group, puts it, pro bono work is a core value of the firm. It’s about using their skills and resources to make a difference—and working with Appleseed allows them to do just that.

Hodge also highlighted how working on the report gave them a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by unaccompanied minors, especially the specific challenges faced by Mexican children within the U.S. immigration system. The report doesn’t just shed light on these issues—it also offers practical solutions that can be implemented within the current policy framework.

Hogan Lovells: A Deep Connection to the Cause

Hogan Lovells brought a large team to this project, with 15-20 people from both their Mexico City and U.S. offices contributing to the report. Kelly Tubman Hardy, a Corporate and M&A Partner at Hogan Lovells and long-time board member of Appleseed, talked about the firm’s deep ties to Mexico. With 90 lawyers based in the country, they have a close connection to the issues facing children at the border.

For Hardy, this project was personal. Reflecting on her work on the report, she noted the sobering changes between 2011 and 2023. What was once a migration driven largely by family reunification has increasingly become one driven by danger and insecurity—a stark reminder of how much these children need support.

Pro bono work is part of the DNA at Hogan Lovells. The firm expects at least 25 hours of pro bono work per lawyer each year, but many, including Hardy, go above and beyond—she personally dedicated 200 hours over two years to this project.

A Powerful Collaboration with Real Impact

The “Children at the Border” report is proof of what can happen when dedicated people come together for a cause. DLA Piper’s Crystal Doyle noted how this collaboration brought together nine law firms and nonprofits from the U.S. and Mexico, all of whom contributed their unique expertise to create a comprehensive, 120-page report with concrete recommendations.

While coordinating such a large team wasn’t easy, the Appleseed centers ensured everything stayed organized and on track. Hogan Lovells’ Kelly Tubman Hardy echoed the importance of these collaborations, highlighting how lawyers can bring a distinct perspective—asking tough questions, challenging the data, and making sure the final product is as impactful as possible.

This Pro Bono Week, we’re proud to celebrate the dedication of these law firms and their partnership with Appleseed. Their work is a powerful example of how pro bono efforts can drive meaningful change and protect some of the most vulnerable among us—children at the border.