National law firm Husch Blackwell presented its annual Pro Bono Impact Award to Washington, DC-based partner Cormac Connor as part of National Pro Bono Week observances.
Connor leads the firm's pro bono partnership with the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation (LBHF), advancing critical mental health advocacy for healthcare workers. The foundation honors Dr. Lorna Breen, a New York City emergency physician who treated waves of COVID-19 patients, was herself treated for COVID and mental health issues, but then died by suicide on April 26, 2020. Dr. Breen had been hesitant to seek mental health support due to concerns that treatment would lead to the loss of her medical license.
In the months after her death, Dr. Breen’s family was shocked to discover that she hadn’t been wrong: state licensing boards across the country require physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers to disclose any current or past treatment for mental health issues.
“Under Cormac's leadership, Husch Blackwell has successfully teamed with LBHF to advocate for the modification of State Licensure Questionnaires in 10 states, eliminating mandatory disclosure requirements for mental health treatment,” said Margaret Richards, Husch Blackwell’s Director of Pro Bono Services. “Most recently, the firm worked with LBHF to help Missouri become the third state to receive LBHF's ALL IN Champions Challenge badge for licensing.”
Established in 2018, the firm’s Pro Bono Impact Award is presented annually to an attorney who has made a significant pro bono impact on behalf of those unable to afford legal representation and who made a special contribution to the establishment or enhancement of pro bono programs at Husch Blackwell.
Prior recipients of Husch Blackwell’s Pro Bono Impact Award are:
During Pro Bono Week observances October 20-26, 2024, Husch Blackwell is celebrating the ways the firm has put justice in action lifting the less fortunate and bridging gaps in our communities through pro bono service. In recognition of over 600 attorneys and other professionals who individually contributed pro bono hours from October 2023 through September 2024, the firm has issued Pro Bono Badges that distinguish the various levels of pro bono contributions:
- Contributor (up to 24 hours)
- Achiever (24-49 hours)
- Champion (50 or more hours)
In 2023, Husch Blackwell donated approximately 27,000 pro bono hours equaling $12.5 million of legal services to important pro bono causes with every industry group and practice participating in the firm’s pro bono efforts. This year, Husch Blackwell professionals have donated thousands of pro bono hours to help meet a wide variety of needs across the country, including, but not limited to:
- Fighting for justice for the wrongfully convicted
- Assisting with rent and lease issues for tenants
- Taking on legal work in association with the Law Firm Antiracism Alliance
- Providing advice to small businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits facing various legal challenges
- Bringing families together through adoption
View a listing of our pro bono successes.