Pro Bono
Providing Pathways to Justice Through Pro Bono Commitment
The bedrock of any pro bono practice is providing legal services to clients who are unable to pay for the kind of legal assistance they need. Such clients may be individuals or organizations, may be from the United States or abroad, and may seek our assistance in any of our many practice areas. But they all have one thing in common: They are clients of the firm. Once we agree to represent a client on a pro bono basis, we expect our attorneys to provide high-quality legal services to that client with the same determination, dedication, efficiency and teamwork that are the hallmarks of our service to our fee-paying clients.
Poll monitoring with Asian Americans Advancing Justice
SF Marin Food Bank Volunteer Day
At Sideman & Bancroft, our commitment to justice extends beyond our day-to-day legal work. We believe in the fundamental principles of equality and fairness and strive to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who face barriers to legal representation. Through our pro bono efforts, we provide vital support to individuals and communities in need.
From protecting individual rights to supporting organizations that advance social justice, our work is driven by a commitment to creating meaningful change. In working with clients, nonprofit groups, and community initiatives, we aim to uphold dignity, defend fundamental freedoms, and contribute to a more equitable society for all.
Our Work
At Sideman & Bancroft, our pro bono work spans a broad range of subjects, including immigration, employment discrimination, constitutional violations, and disability rights. Some of our pro bono matters have included:
- Provided legal support to individuals and families who needed assistance with U.S. immigration processes, including urgent support for Afghan refugees seeking Humanitarian Parole status and Special Immigrant Visas. Successfully obtained visas through USCIS IRAD during a period of procedural uncertainty, with continued efforts underway to support related immigration cases.
- Provided trademark guidance to low-income start-up founders on brand naming and protection.
- Participated in non-partisan election protection programs to observe polling locations across the Bay Area.
- Represented a San Francisco non-profit who was named Executor of an estate.
We partner with local and international organizations to assist underserved communities, protect fundamental rights, and advance social equity. Organizations we work with include:
- Justice & Diversity Center of the Bar Association of San Francisco (Federal Pro Bono Project)
- Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area
- Law Foundation of Silicon Valley
- PARS Equality Center
Since 2019, the Firm has dedicated over 2,800 hours to pro bono services.In addition to our Firm’s robust pro bono efforts, our Community Engagement Committee organizes meaningful, hands-on opportunities for attorneys and staff to give back—both locally and beyond. In recent years, we have worked with organizations such as the SF-Marin Food Bank, the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, and the San Francisco SPCA, volunteering on-site to support their vital missions. The Firm encourages the team to take time outside of the office to attend volunteer opportunities. Our commitment to community service also extends to donation drives, including annual collections for One Warm Coat and the Bar Association of San Francisco’s Head Start Holiday Gift Program.
