#United States #Chicago #Katten Law Firm #Pro Bono Service #Legal Awards

Katten Law Firm Honors Dedicated Legal Professionals

On October 23, 2025, Katten, a prominent law firm, proudly announced the recipients of its esteemed Pro Bono Service Awards. This annual recognition honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to providing essential legal services to those facing hardships. This year, 18 extraordinary recipients were acknowledged for their relentless advocacy and contribution to enhancing access to justice within their communities.

A Celebration of Service

As part of the American Bar Association's weeklong National Celebration of Pro Bono, Katten celebrated the achievements of these legal advocates during ceremonies held at their offices in the United States and the United Kingdom. Jonathan K. Baum, Katten's director of pro bono services, emphasized the profound impact that pro bono work has on people's lives, stating, "Our honorees remind us of the significance that pro bono advocacy can bring to individuals in need." This reflection resonates deeply with Katten's mission, underlining its commitment to providing meaningful access to justice.

The firm honored 15 attorneys for their enduring dedication to pro bono work throughout their careers. These individuals showcased exceptional legal skills in assisting vulnerable populations, tackling various legal issues ranging from asylum and immigration to discrimination claims and non-profit counsel on corporate governance. The recipients included:

• - Vinny Baumann - Counsel, Affordable Housing and Community Development, Washington, DC
• - Zachary S. Beal - Associate, Litigation, New York
• - Meena Dev-Sidhu - Counsel, Real Estate, Los Angeles
• - Alex Haddad - Associate, Corporate, Chicago
• - Matthew Hartzler - Associate, Intellectual Property, Chicago
• - Kelly N. Hutchinson - Partner, Government and Public Finance, Chicago
• - Carolyn H. Jackson - Partner, Financial Markets and Regulation, London
• - Carl E. Kennedy - Partner, Financial Markets and Regulation, New York
• - Ian W. Kirk - Associate, Real Estate, Los Angeles
• - Loren M. Lee - Associate, Financial Markets Litigation and Enforcement, Chicago
• - Ryan A. Lilley - Associate, Capital Markets, Washington, DC
• - Yawara Ng - Associate, Financial Markets Litigation and Enforcement, Charlotte
• - Rachel M. Riley - Partner, White Collar and Internal Investigations, Dallas
• - Robert T. Smith - Partner, Litigation, Washington, DC
• - Luz A. Solano-Flórez - Associate, Real Estate, Charlotte.

In addition to the attorneys, three business professionals were acknowledged for their vital contributions to the success of Katten’s pro bono initiatives. They are:

• - Margaret Hamilton - Legal Executive Assistant, Intellectual Property, New York
• - Joshua Upthegrove - Senior Paralegal, Litigation, Dallas
• - Deborah Wing - Paralegal, Trademark/Copyright/Advertising/Privacy, Chicago.

Each recipient was awarded a $1,000 honorarium to donate to a charity of their choice, further amplifying the impact of their service. This gesture reinforces the firm's philosophy of corporate social responsibility and encourages a culture of giving back to the community.

About Katten

Katten is a comprehensive law firm with a workforce of approximately 700 attorneys strategically located in major cities across the United States, London, and Shanghai. Clients seeking sophisticated legal counsel rely on Katten for its expertise in diverse areas including corporate law, financial markets, litigation, and real estate, among others. The firm continuously strives to create positive social change through its pro bono efforts, making significant contributions to legal education, community service, and the advancement of justice.

For additional information about Katten and its mission, visit katten.com.