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Partners at some of the most successful Biglaw firms in the world have decided to do their part to support relief efforts in Israel in the wake of the deadly Hamas terror attack that killed more than 1,200 Israelis.
Kirkland & Ellis, the world’s wealthiest firm, is leading the pack in donations, having with partners having pledged more than $1.5 million. The American Lawyer has additional details:
“Collectively, we can really do some good,” the statement said, which was forwarded to equity partners in New York to generate more donations. “There is absolutely no pressure to donate, and we recognize that many of you may have already donated to separate charities. If you decide to make a donation, any amount that you feel comfortable with is great.”
Once partners determine the aggregate amount of pledged money, they will allocate the funds “across a few charities we are currently evaluating,” the email said. Organizations that will receive the financial support focus on providing “emergency medical care, post-trauma mental health support, emergency equipment and supplies and sanitation and hygiene solutions.”
Other Biglaw firms have also joined the cause to support Israel, with important charitable donations being made to support on-the-ground aid. Partners at Quinn Emanuel, for example, have pledged $300,000 to “organizations that support Israeli hospitals, ambulances, paramedics and search and rescue operations, and that provide food and other support.” As noted in an email circulated at the firm, those who donate funds “are sending a clear signal that we stand united against terror.”
Last, but certainly not least, Paul Weiss has made a “significant donation” to the UJA Emergency Fund, “among other relief organizations.” Just hours after the attack, chairman Brad Karp asked colleagues firmwide to donate to relief efforts in Israel — to United Hatzalah (the country’s nonprofit volunteer EMS) and American Friends of Magen David Adom (which supports Israeli first responders), in particular — noting that the firm would match up to $1,500 annually. Am Law has a snippet of the touching email Karp sent to the firm while encouraging donations:
“For now, while we watch the horror unfolding from afar, our thoughts are with the State and people of Israel and we pray that our support of these organizations will make a difference on the ground,” Karp wrote. “And, as with past humanitarian and traumatic crises, we intend to do everything we possibly can to provide relief to those desperately in need.”
These Biglaw firms are doing incredibly important work when it comes to supporting relief efforts in Israel — and you can too. Please stand with Israel. Please donate. Please support your Jewish friends and colleagues. Am Yisrael Chai.
Big Law Partners Start Fundraising Drive for Israel Relief [American Lawyer]
Staci Zaretsky is a senior editor at Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Twitter and Threads or connect with her on LinkedIn.
