Katten Law Firm Gives Back to Chicago Students with 200 Backpacks

Katten’s Impact on Chicago Students: A Generous Donation

In a heartfelt initiative, Katten, a renowned law firm, has donated nearly 200 backpacks to students at the José de Diego Community Academy, part of the Chicago Public Schools system. This donation aligns with Katten's ongoing commitment to supporting the school and its surrounding community, enhancing the educational experience for students.

On August 15, 2025, the school hosted a Back-to-School event where these backpacks were eagerly handed out to students. Jennifer I. Wolfe, managing partner of Katten’s Chicago office, expressed the firm’s motivation, stating, "By providing free backpacks, we're helping ease the cost of school supplies for families and supporting students so they can start the school year prepared. We're proud to be a strong community partner whose culture of service is reflected in projects like this."

This generous donation is just one aspect of Katten's broader community involvement. The firm has a longstanding partnership with José de Diego Community Academy, which goes beyond mere supplies. Katten also operates the Katten Legal Clinic at the school. Jonathan K. Baum, Katten's director of pro bono services, emphasized the importance of this initiative, calling it the “crown jewel” of their pro bono efforts. Since its inception in 2013, the clinic has provided legal assistance to approximately 1,500 individuals and families, addressing a variety of legal challenges such as housing disputes, family law matters, public benefits, and consumer protection.

Notably, Katten collaborates with Legal Aid Chicago, the largest provider of civil legal aid in Cook County, Illinois, to operate this clinic. This partnership has been vital in ensuring that the community's most vulnerable individuals have access to necessary legal resources. The clinic stands out as one of the first school-based legal clinics of its kind, highlighting Katten's dedication to addressing both educational and legal needs within the community.

Katten’s contributions have made significant strides in enhancing the legal landscape for many disadvantaged families. The firm's attorneys frequently volunteer at the clinic, dedicating substantial time to provide legal help, thus marking a record year for Katten’s pro bono program. Their efforts have resulted in an all-time high in attorney participation rates, elevating Katten’s standing in the AmLaw 200 Pro Bono Rankings.

Katten is recognized as a full-service law firm, employing around 700 attorneys across the United States and in cities like London and Shanghai. The firm specializes in corporate, financial markets, intellectual property, and numerous other legal areas. Their commitment to serving the community, both through educational support and pro bono legal services, underscores a significant dedication to social responsibility and community engagement.

For individuals seeking more information about Katten and its initiatives, additional resources and details can be found at katten.com. Katten's efforts in supporting local schools and communities highlight a role model for corporate responsibility, showcasing how law firms can affect meaningful change in their localities.

In conclusion, through initiatives like the backpack donation and the operation of the legal clinic, Katten demonstrates a profound commitment to the welfare of Chicago's students and families, paving the way for a more educated and legally aware community.