Katten's Jonathan Baum Honored With ABA's Pickering Award for Exceptional Pro Bono Contributions

Celebrating Jonathan Baum: A Beacon of Pro Bono Advocacy

On August 1, 2026, during the American Bar Association's Annual Conference in Chicago, Jonathan Baum, Director of Pro Bono Services at Katten, received the prestigious John H. Pickering Award of Achievement from the ABA Senior Lawyers Division. This award honors his unwavering commitment to pro bono work, reflecting a legacy built on advocating for equal justice and high standards of ethics in law.

Baum joined Katten over thirty years ago, setting the tone for a culture where pro bono work is not merely an initiative but an integral part of the firm's identity. In his role, Baum has successfully coordinated a comprehensive pro bono program that connects attorneys across various legal disciplines to opportunities that aid underserved populations.

As a tireless advocate, Baum represents a wide array of clients ranging from refugees seeking asylum to individuals encountering discrimination in housing and public accommodations. Moreover, he has taken on significant cases defending state and local gun regulations for organizations like the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.

Baum emphasized the collective purpose behind the award, stating, "I see this award as honoring pro bono itself, not me. Refugees fleeing oppression need champions... My hope is that more of us will dedicate more time to give these clients the help they need."

One of Baum's major achievements includes the establishment of the Katten Legal Clinic in collaboration with Legal Aid Chicago at the Jose de Diego Community Academy. This initiative, which opened in 2013, is among the first legal aid clinics situated within an urban public school, having successfully served over 2,000 clients. This impactful project not only showcases the firm's dedication to community service but also earned them the ABA’s Pro Bono Publico Award.

In addition to his groundbreaking work at Katten, Baum has been instrumental in recognizing attorney contributions through the Katten Pro Bono Service Awards, a program that has celebrated exemplary service for over 25 years, along with financial donations to charities of the recipients' choices.

Before his impactful tenure at Katten, Baum gained experience as an associate in two prominent law firms and worked as a staff attorney and clinical fellow at the University of Chicago Law School's Edwin P. Mandel Legal Aid Clinic. His professional journey also includes roles as a legislative aide and a clerk for a federal judge, further broadening his legal expertise.

Baum has received several accolades for his commitment to public service, including the Champion of Justice Award from the Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and the Distinguished Public Service Award from the Public Interest Law Initiative.

Katten is a robust law firm with almost 650 attorneys in various locations, offering a range of sophisticated legal services to clients including public and private companies, government entities, and non-profits. The firm’s commitment to pro bono work, exemplified by figures like Jonathan Baum, highlights the critical role lawyers play in ensuring access to justice for all individuals, regardless of their resources.

For more on Katten's work and their commitment to pro bono efforts, visit katten.com.