2023 Neal Gerber Eisenberg Corporate Social Responsibility Report

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 2023 Report

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2 0 2 3 BY THE N U M BER S

SUSTAINABILITY In 2023, the firm composted

11,310 pounds of organic waste We implemented a firmwide printer and fax return project during which 200 printers and 11 fax machines were removed and recycled, resulting in over

50,000 kWh saved The sole use of digital business cards reduced the firm’s carbon footprint by saving the paper and energy expended in printing

25,000 business cards In April 2023, the firm downsized our vending machines program from 8 to 1, resulting in

12,250 kWh saved In January 2023, the firm switched to touchless faucets in all kitchens, cutting down our water consumption by as much as

50% N G E | COR P O R AT E S O C IA L R E S P O N S IBIL IT Y R E P O R T

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIB ILI T Y

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PRO BONO *reporting period defined as October 2022 to September 2023

5,773

$3.64 million

pro bono hours

hours valuation

100%

of attorneys donated to the Chicago Bar Foundation Investing in Justice Campaign

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

100%

75%

of associates promoted to partner as of January 1, 2023 belong to underrepresented demographic groups

of the first-year associate class belong to underrepresented demographic groups

60%

54%

of lateral hires in 2023 belong to underrepresented demographic groups

of firmwide committee chairs belong to underrepresented demographic groups

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CO RP O R ATE S O C IAL R ES PO NSIBILITY

Neal Gerber Eisenberg is a values-driven business. As Managing Partner, I work to guide our firm according to our core values of respect, collaboration, sustainability and inclusion. Consistent with our values, this year we made strides to promote environmental sustainability, advance diversity, equity, belonging and meaningful inclusion, improve access to justice and support community initiatives at the local level and beyond.

At NGE, we leverage our collective strengths to effect positive change in our communities. This past year, we championed environmentally responsible initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, divert waste from landfills and decrease our energy usage; we hosted interactive discussions around meaningful inclusion and belonging; and we channeled our legal expertise into meaningful social impact through our pro bono and community service work.

ROBERT G. GERBER Managing Partner

Our business is highly interpersonal and is grounded in trusting relationships. We are grateful for the continued trust from you, our friends and clients. Your support provides us with the opportunity to make this world a better place and we hope you enjoy the opportunity to learn more about our efforts.

The post-pandemic hybrid environment has provided us with an opportunity to build upon the gains we made in emissions reduction when we were working remotely, by developing new approaches to limiting our leading sources of emissions, including electricity, purchased goods and services, waste and business travel. We are immensely proud that our active efforts to operate our business more sustainably were recognized by the All Legal Industry Sustainability Standard (ALISS) Assessment with our achievement of a Platinum rating – the highest ALISS certification level possible. We are grateful to be recognized among the leaders in sustainable practices in the legal industry.

SONIA MENON

Sustainability Committee Chair, Chief Operating Officer

In this report, you will learn about the sustainable practices we have embedded into all areas of the firm’s operations. With data management tools to collect and benchmark key sustainable performance metrics, we are committed to significantly reducing our Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions by further integrating sustainability practices in our everyday activities. We are immensely proud of the tangible results we have achieved through our sustainability initiatives over the past few years.

But perhaps even more impactful are the ways our attorneys and staff embody the value of sustainability every day. Our people are devoted to waste diversion from landfills through our composting and recycling programs. They showed up to clean local nature preserves and willingly relinquished their printers and other equipment in favor of energy efficiency. Through these and other thoughtful acts, NGE’s people are creating lasting positive change in our communities. I hope the data and stories in the pages that follow will inspire you as we work towards a greener and more prosperous future. Together we can be better.

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Inflation has taken its toll this year. Prices for nearly everything have increased, and legal services have become unaffordable for an even larger percent of our population. With government budgets under strain and resources stretched thin, access to justice remains limited for both charitable organizations and the individuals they serve. But one thing has held steady: the legal aid provided to those organizations and individuals by Neal Gerber Eisenberg.

MIKE R. TURNER Pro Bono Committee Chair

One of the primary things that made Neal Gerber Eisenberg stand out among the firms I considered as a law student so many years ago was its commitment to pro bono service. Now as the firm’s new Pro Bono Committee Chair, I am proud to say that commitment has never wavered.

As you peruse these pages, you will see but a glimpse of our pro bono accomplishments over the past year. For the third year in a row, 100% of our attorneys helped support the Chicago Bar Foundation’s Investing in Justice campaign, and they collectively donated thousands of hours of their time toiling in issues of prisoners rights, healthcare access, disability rights, exoneration, organizing and defending charitable organizations and so much more. I hope you enjoy reading the content as much as we did assembling it. As you do so, rest assured we have already set to work generating more for the next edition.

Neal Gerber Eisenberg’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is rooted in certain convictions. One is that a workplace culture where people are seen, heard and valued, and where they receive the support they need to thrive, is not just a moral imperative; it is a competitive advantage. Another is that we promote the highest standards and ideals of our legal system when we help to diversify and make more inclusive the legal profession and our broader community.

MARLON LUTFIYYA Director of Talent & Diversity

Events this past year, including geopolitical conflicts and challenges to DEI efforts, have not dampened those convictions. Instead, they have validated our focus on human-centered conversations and initiatives. This year, we continued to dig into the concepts of belonging and empathy through programming and open dialogue. We hosted speakers who exposed us to new ideas and perspectives and challenged us to move beyond our comfort levels. We also redoubled our efforts to develop a diverse pipeline to the legal profession through community outreach and partnerships with clients and nonprofit organizations.

Although we have devoted space in this report to identifying DEIfocused initiatives, we hope it is evident that DEI permeates everything we do. It is a lens through which we view our responsibilities to our people, our clients and our community. We find purpose not just in grand gestures but in the daily work that makes a difference in the lives of individuals. Thank you for joining us on our journey and for your continued support.

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S U STA I NABIL ITY

NAVIGATING THE NEW NORM: Adapting to Hybrid Work, Creating Culture and Thoughtful Partnerships This year, we forged and deepened strategic partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to sustainability, made continual progress to reduce our energy consumption in this new hybrid environment and further educated our colleagues about sustainability efforts to drive positive change.

NGE EARNS PLATINUM RATING IN SUSTAINABILITY In 2023, NGE earned a Platinum rating for the All Legal Industry Sustainability Standard (ALISS) assessment, the highest certification possible. NGE is one of only four law firms globally to earn this rating. To achieve this Platinum rating, NGE partnered with Vorgate in the ALISS – E, an online self-assessment tool that measures law firms’ environmental sustainability and ESG efforts.

NGE was among the original 15 law firms to participate in the ALISS assessment at its launch in 2015. NGE previously earned a Gold rating in the ALISS assessment in 2021, and this year we improved our rating to Platinum. By participating in the ALISS assessment process, we continue to measure the success of our environmental sustainability programs, benchmark our growth, gain strategic insight and identify opportunities to intelligently advance our ESG goals.

WORK WITH GREEN PROJECT TECHNOLOGIES TO MEASURE OUR PROGRESS We recognize that we cannot achieve our goals alone. That is why we forge strategic partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. These collaborations have been instrumental in advancing our sustainability initiatives and achieving meaningful impact. One example is our partnership with Green Project Technologies, a carbon accounting platform that helps law firms and other private entities to better track their emissions. This partnership has allowed us to calculate our emissions quickly and accurately to better report our improvements and set future goals. We are encouraged by our progress. For example, we reduced our overall emissions by 1,282 metric tons from 2019 to 2022. Below and throughout this report are more examples of the ways NGE has reduced our emissions this year.

1,282 metric ton emissions reduction 2022 - 1,345mt | 2021 - 1,392mt | 2019 - 2,627mt

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COLLABORATING TO DRIVE ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS This year, we deepened our existing sustainability partnerships and created new connections.

We know that even small changes can have big impacts, and with these partners, we have seen year-over-year progress. Our commitment to sustainability, backed by measurable data, has led to significant reductions in our environmental footprint and improved social impact.

INCREASED COMPOSTING We continued our partnership with Collective Resources Compost, a woman-owned compost and scrap pickup cooperative in Chicagoland. In 2023, we expanded our composting program to collect and compost paper towels from our restrooms. Since the launch of our composting program in 2022, we have successfully diverted over 15,000 pounds of organic waste away from landfills. This accomplishment not only reflects our commitment to reducing waste but also has significant positive implications for our sustainability goals.

CLEAN UP GIVE BACK Through our longstanding partnership with local nonprofit Clean Up Give Back, a group of NGE attorneys, staff and summer associates collected 450 pounds of trash from the Schiller Woods nature preserve. Through several park cleanups from 2021 to 2023, NGE has collected 1,225 pounds of trash from local nature preserves. We also continued to upcycle plastic bags in partnership with Clean Up Give Back. Since we began collecting plastic bags in 2022, we collected and diverted 450 pounds of plastic bags and soft plastic from the landfill, which were then upcycled into park benches.

NGE employees and summer associates gathered to collect trash in Schiller Woods, a local nature preserve.

EPA GREEN POWER PARTNERSHIP We continued our commitment to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Green Power Partnership. Through this partnership, we remain committed to buying 100 percent of our energy needs from green power sources, with 750,000 kilowatthours of our annual energy needs coming from 100 percent wind renewable energy credits (RECs), purchased in partnership with the EPA from Constellation NewEnergy Inc. N G E | COR P ORAT E S O C IA L R E S P O N S IBIL IT Y R E P O R T

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S U STA I NABIL ITY

OUR WORK ENVIRONMENT & ITS IMPACT In response to the evolving landscape of post-pandemic work, we embraced hybrid work arrangements. NGE recognizes that increasing work flexibility can help balance work with life’s other obligations. Our flexible work environment also has had significant positive effects on our resource management.

ENERGY REDUCTION THROUGH EQUIPMENT We reduced Scope 2 emissions, which are indirect emissions stemming from our energy consumption.

Even with increased demand, from 2021 to 2022, we had a Scope 2 reduction of 135 mtons, which is the equivalent of: •

CO2 emissions from 16 million smartphones charged.

•

CO2 emissions from 26 average home electricity consumption.

TO CONTINUE THIS PROGRESS, IN 2023 WE REMOVED: •

11 fax machines, resulting in a reduction of 30,000 kWh per year.

•

200 office printers, resulting in a reduction of 20,000 kWh per year.

•

8 non-energy-certified vending machines, and replaced with one Energy Star-certified machine, resulting in the firm saving over 12,250 kWh in a 6-month period.

WATER CONSERVATION Switching the remainder of our faucets to be touchless in January of 2023 created a noticeable reduction in water usage. Not only did this improve hygiene, but we were also able to conserve both water and energy.

9 faucets were updated in 2023, for a total of 25 touchless faucets firmwide.

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REDUCED EMPLOYEE COMMUTE We are committed to carefully monitoring and managing our Scope 3 emissions, which are carbon emissions not produced by NGE directly, but are indirectly caused from sources not owned or controlled by NGE. Our goal is to strike a balance between the benefits of in-person interactions and the environmental benefits of reduced business travel, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future.

From 2019 to 2023, on average, our employees commute 3 days less per week. This shift results in an average carbon footprint reduction of 20% per year.

BUSINESS TRAVEL One category of Scope 3 emissions is business travel: the transportation of employees for business-related activities in vehicles not owned or operated by the NGE.

149 mtons

10 mtons

32 mtons

(2019)

(2021)

(2022)

We reduced our business travel emissions by 117 mtons from 2019 - 2022, the equivalent in greenhouse gas emissions from 1,099,762 miles driven by an average gasolinepowered passenger vehicle.

To aid in the continued management of sustainable travel, the firm partnered with Corporate Travel Management (CTM), a company dedicated to reducing the impact of business travel on the environment, by providing innovative and sustainable travel solutions. CTM’s reporting tool gives us visibility into our travel program’s carbon footprint enabling us to better understand the environmental impact of our travel and support us in reaching our climate neutrality goals.

PURCHASED GOODS & SERVICES, LOGISTICS & WASTE Other categories of Scope 3 emissions are the emissions associated with the production, purchase, transportation and disposal of goods and services. One of the most tangible benefits of remote working through the pandemic and now in the hybrid model has been the shift in most processes to digital workflows which has caused a significant reduction in purchased goods and services, logistics and waste. This reduction lowers our carbon footprint by reducing the logistics emissions associated with the production and transportation of products and waste collection and transportation.

424 mtons 285 mtons 255 mtons (2019)

(2021)

(2022)

A 169 mtons reduction from 2019 - 2022 is the equivalent in greenhouse gas emissions from 433,240 miles driven by an average gasoline-powered passenger vehicle.

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S U STA I NABIL ITY

DECREASED ENERGY USAGE OUR SUSTAINABILITY PARTNERS

Over the past two years, NGE has been closely monitoring its electricity consumption. In the first 12-month cycle, from August 2021 to August 2022, we used 709,068 kWh, despite being out of the office until March 2022.

In the current 12-month cycle ending in August 2023, we anticipated a substantial increase in usage being back in the office. However, electricity consumption only rose slightly to 746,855 kWh.

WHAT IS THE SECRET BEHIND THIS MINIMAL BUMP IN ENERGY USAGE? NGE led an empowering effort to educate employees about the importance of turning off electrical devices before leaving for the day and switching to Energy Star-rated devices. This proves that even small changes can yield significant energy-saving results.

WASTE DIVERSION Independent Recycling Services (IRS) conducts an annual 24-Hour LEED Waste audit where they provide a comprehensive overview and statistics of the building’s waste stream and diversion ratio. We use these audits to create a benchmark for continuous improvement in recycling, waste diversion, waste reduction and source reduction. Our ongoing education has proven impactful as we have made substantial strides in proper waste diversion.

RESULTS FROM IRS 24-HOUR LEED WASTE AUDIT

Together, we continue to innovate, share knowledge and drive positive change, realizing that our collective efforts are greater than the sum of their parts.

AUDIT DATE: 11/15/22

AUDIT DATE: 7/25/23

Total Weight of Trash

110.4 lbs.

202 lbs.

Total Weight of Recycling

48.3 lbs.

381 lbs.

Total Weight of Compost

30.8 lbs.

67 lbs.

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SUSTAINAB ILIT Y

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EDUCATING OUR COLLEAGUES & ITS IMPACT We recognize the power of education in driving positive change, both within our organization and in the broader community. Below we highlight how these efforts to educate our employees have inspired them to make small sustainable changes in their personal lives.

DISTRIBUTION OF NEWSLETTERS From tips on reducing light pollution, practicing clothing sustainability or making eco-conscious fashion choices, our bi-monthly newsletters provide actionable steps and information that can lead to positive changes in behavior.

These internal newsletters align with NGE’s commitment to sustainability and foster a sense of community where we can engage in discussions, work towards common sustainability goals and serve as a valuable platform for disseminating knowledge on sustainability issues.

LIVING OUR VALUES: Planting a Memorial Tree

SUSTAINABLE SWAPS BRIAN J. CRUMP

Partner in the Corporate & Securities group

Grows vegetables and plants at home using Gardyn.

ANGELA R. ELBERT

Partner in the Litigation & Disputes group

Saves and separately recycles all plastic and composts at home.

MICHAEL B. GRAY

Partner in the Corporate & Securities group

This year, NGE’s Chief Operating Officer and Chair of the firm’s Sustainability Committee Sonia Menon suffered a deep loss when her brother, Ravi Nair, passed away suddenly. To honor Sonia’s brother and bring solace to Sonia and her family, the firm planted a weeping willow tree in a local park near Sonia’s home. This meaningful, lasting tribute to Ravi is an example of NGE aligning its core values with compassionate action. The memorial willow tree is a living testament to our firm’s commitment to sustainability. Sonia shared “I was overwhelmed with gratitude by the firm’s touching and resonant gift. Planting this tree aligns with my passion for sustainability and our firm’s sustainability values and goals. I will visit this living memorial often.”

Rides his bikes (a Rodeo Labs single speed and an Otso Fat Bike for the winter) to work in all weather.

CLINT KEHOE Director of Information Technology

Traded in his Hummer for an electric car, the Rivian.

DOUGLAS J. LUBELCHEK Partner in the Real Estate group

Has a smart home with an ecobee smart thermostat system, including timed outdoor lights and sensored temperature adjustments.

Sonia Menon with the memorial tree planted in honor of her brother, Ravi Nair.

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D I V E R S ITY EQ U ITY IN C LU S ION

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging have been, and continue to be, central to our firm’s mission. We remain committed to fostering an environment where anyone with talent can thrive, and to promoting DEI at our firm, in the legal profession and in our broader communities. We appreciate the attention and investment that the commitment requires, and embrace the hard work necessary to meet the commitment.

CREATING A CULTURE OF BELONGING NGE welcomed Dr. Arin Reeves for an interactive workshop designed to help all attorneys and staff dig into the concept of belonging. She explained that, while each of us strives to be more inclusive of our colleagues, understanding belonging helps us to recognize that feeling included may feel different for different people, given what they are going through in their own lives. Feeling included can even vary for us at different points in our lives. Dr. Reeves shared specific steps that individuals can take to foster feelings of belonging in others so they feel seen, heard and valued.

Dr. Arin Reeves

GENERATIONAL DIVERSITY Organizational behavior speaker and consultant Chris DeSantis returned to NGE in June to lead an interactive discussion about generational differences in the workplace. During the program, Chris discussed commonalities within each generation with respect to beliefs, values and priorities; how people from one generation sometimes misinterpret the ways that those in another express their values; and how NGE attorneys and staff can “flex” their working styles to be better colleagues and communicate more effectively in a hybrid environment. He also discussed perceptions, biases and generalizations related to generational differences, and how they limit our ability to draw value from different perspectives.

Chris DeSantis

GENDER IDENTITY FOR CAREGIVERS NGE’s Parenting, Lawyering, and You (PLAY) Group hosted an all-firm interactive program entitled “Gender Identity for Caregivers.” Dr. Katya Viswanadhan, a licensed clinical psychologist and clinical assistant professor at New York University, led this dialogue about caring for and mentoring gender non-conforming children. They shared research around current norms and practices related to gender affirming care, expression and exploration. Dr. Viswanadhan reviewed definitions of important gender expansive constructs and discussed why validating language and pronouns matter. They also shared practical ways we can support youth in our lives around topics related to gender.

Dr. Katya Viswanadhan

DIVERSITY POTLUCK At NGE, we strive to be a place where all employees are visible and valued, and where differences are celebrated. This summer, as part of the firm’s summer associate program, NGE’s Diversity Equity & Inclusion Committee hosted a “Potluck Throwdown” event for the entire firm. NGE attorneys and staff showcased their culinary and baking talents—and their personal stories—by sharing their favorite cultural or family dishes. Through this event, employees connected and learned more about their colleagues’ diverse cultures and social identities.

NGE attorneys and staff at the 2023 Potluck Throwdown.

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HONORS AND AWARD S

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NGE NAMED ONE OF THE “BEST LAW FIRMS FOR WOMEN AND DIVERSITY” Seramount named NGE as one of the 50 Best Law Firms for Women and Diversity in 2023. The list recognizes firms that use best practices in recruiting, retaining, promoting and developing women lawyers and lawyers from underrepresented groups, including people of color.

“We are honored that Seramount has identified us as one of the Best Law Firms for Women and Diversity. This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to an inclusive and equitable workplace and to the hard work required for real progress.

We have worked diligently to recruit, retain, promote, and develop women lawyers and lawyers from underrepresented groups,” said Managing Partner Robert G. Gerber. “Our focus on increasing representation in leadership, expanding familyfriendly benefits, and prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion has been integral to our firm’s success. We are proud of our accomplishments and will continue to hold ourselves accountable for results.”

MANSFIELD CERTIFICATION FOR THE FIFTH STRAIGHT YEAR NGE is proud to announce that it has attained Mansfield Certification for a fifth straight year. The Mansfield Rule is a structured certification process designed to ensure all talent at participating law firms and legal departments have a fair and equal opportunity to advance into leadership. NGE has achieved certification in every year that it has participated.

Managing Partner Robert G. Gerber recognized the achievement as a validation of the firm’s preexisting and ongoing commitment to diversity, inclusion and equitable leadership. “With diverse leadership, we are better equipped to address the needs of our entire workforce and to provide the highest levels of service to our clients,” he said.

To achieve Mansfield Certification, NGE confirmed that at least 30% of the candidates it considered for leadership and governance roles, equity partner promotions, formal client pitch opportunities and senior lateral positions were attorneys from historically underrepresented groups, including women, attorneys of color, LGBTQ+ lawyers and lawyers with disabilities.

Robert G. Gerber

NOTABLE LEADER IN DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION The firm’s Director of Talent & Diversity Marlon Lutfiyya was named to the 2023 Crain’s Chicago Business’s Notable Leaders in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion list. This recognition honors senior executives who help their organizations create a workplace that represents all people, regardless of skin tone, gender, age bracket or physical and neurological characteristics.

Marlon shapes NGE’s training curricula for programs centered around antiracism, allyship and inequity. He leads the development of the firm’s Heritage Month communications to foster understanding and education about individuals from diverse demographic backgrounds. Marlon works tirelessly to identify and present a diverse pool of candidates for open positions, and he works on the seamless integration of new attorneys from underrepresented groups. Marlon also advances the firm’s Sponsorship Initiative and affinity groups. NGE salutes Marlon for his commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion at our firm and in the legal field.

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D I V E R S ITY EQ U ITY IN C LU S ION

PROVIDING MENTORSHIP FOR GIRLS

Elizabeth E. Radichel

Angela R. Elbert

Sonya Rosenberg

Andrea S. Fuelleman

Alfred C. Tam

Elaine M. Taussig

Madison C. “Madi” Schmid

Olivia Luk Bedi

Christina W. DeMento

Step Up believes girls deserve to define and pursue success on their terms. By bringing girls together in inspired spaces—on and offline—Step Up sparks exploration and discussion of what’s possible. With structured support and access to a strong community, Step Up guides girls towards their individual goals by identifying those goals and then building the roadmap to get there.

NGE has long supported Step Up and its mission. Partner Elizabeth E. Radichel serves on the national Step Up board of directors, and Partners Angela R. Elbert and Sonya Rosenberg previously served on the board. In addition, more than 40 NGE attorneys have spent time providing legal advice to Step Up over the past 10 years.

This year, our firm partnered with Step Up to provide pro bono service and mentorship to the girls whom Step Up serves. For example, Partners Andrea S. Fuelleman, Elizabeth E. Radichel, Sonya Rosenberg, Alfred C. Tam, Elaine M. Taussig and Associate Madison C. “Madi” Schmid provided pro bono counsel to Step Up on legal issues related to corporate, intellectual property and employment law.

STEP UP CAREER CAMP Kristin E. Michaels

Tanvi B. Patel

Leah A. Schleicher

Emer Simic

Joan M. Colson

Amanda “Mandi” Wolfman

Kelly W. Bershader Leyens

Kathleen Okon

Jacqueline “Jackie” Romo

Sonia Menon

Rachel Jennings

Several NGE female attorneys and staff participated in Step Up’s Career Camp through an interactive online “Explore Pathways” program. Partners Olivia Luk Bedi, Cristina W. DeMento, Angela R. Elbert, Andrea S. Fuelleman, Kristin E. Michaels, Tanvi B. Patel, Elizabeth E. Radichel, Sonya Rosenberg, Leah A. Schleicher and Emer Simic, Counsel Joan M. Colson and Amanda “Mandi” Wolfman, Associates Kelly W. Bershader Leyens, Kathleen Okon, Jacqueline “Jackie” Romo and Madison C. “Madi” Schmid, and Chief Operating Officer Sonia Menon and Professional Development & Pro Bono Manager Rachel Jennings met with teen girls ages 14-23 to help them learn more about the practice of law and about NGE’s mission, values and work culture. NGE volunteers shared their wisdom, authentic insights about their career journeys and practical advice about the legal industry with the participants. Our attorneys also led a practical “Know Your Rights” exercise to demonstrate the law in action in schools, workplaces and homes.

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DIVERSITY EQUITY INCLUSIO N

2023 STEP UP INSPIRATION AWARD Step Up recognized NGE Chief Operating Officer Sonia Menon as an executive honoree at its Chicago Inspiration Awards in November. Step Up honored Sonia for her commitment to mentorship and gender equity, and her work designing NGE’s corporate social responsibility program, which includes initiatives aimed at enhancing the recruitment, advancement and retention of traditionally underrepresented individuals.

Sonia chairs the firm’s Sustainability Committee and is an active member of NGE’s Hiring, Women’s Network, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committees. She also champions the firm’s wellness efforts, overseeing the development of year-round programming and identifying a suite of benefits that holistically serve NGE employees. NGE salutes Sonia for her continued commitment to mentorship, sustainability and DEI, and congratulates her on this recognition.

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RECIPIENT OF THE STEP UP

INSPIRATION AWARD

SONIA MENON

Step Up Chief Executive Officer Delores Druilhet Morton with Sonia Menon.

NGE attorneys and staff supporting Sonia Menon at the Step Up Inspiration Awards.

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PRO BONO

PRO BONO Michael G. Kelber

Olivia Luk Bedi

Lee Barrington Stark

The firm’s primary pro bono objectives are to improve the lives of the most vulnerable citizens in our community and to help make our societal goal of “justice for all” a reality. To promote these objectives, our attorneys advocate for individuals and nonprofit organizations in our community and beyond, and work to advance legislation and raise funds to support local legal aid organizations. Below and throughout this report are numerous examples of our commitment to provide everyone equal access to justice.

PROVIDING COUNSEL TO THOSE IN NEED

ADVOCATING FOR MEDICAL CARE FOR PRISONERS

NGE recognizes that the privilege of practicing in our courts carries with it the concomitant obligation to answer the call to serve by accepting court appointments to represent those who cannot afford counsel. The firm has 28 attorneys who are members of the Trial Bar for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Collectively, those members have taken on 23 court appointed matters in the past three years, volunteering more than 7,000 hours serving the interests of plaintiffs and defendants unable to afford counsel.

As a member of the Trial Bar for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Partner Michael G. Kelber was appointed to represent a prisoner who had filed suit against Cook County, Cook County Sheriff Thomas Dart and multiple officers and nurses at Cook County Jail for inadequate medical care for a serious medical condition. Michael worked with Partner Olivia Luk Bedi and Associate Lee Barrington Stark to represent the formerly incarcerated individual before and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, ultimately resolving the matter favorably for the client.

Kyle D. Rettberg

HELPING A MINOR INJURED AT SCHOOL

Collette A. Woghiren

Partner Kyle D. Rettberg was appointed by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois to represent a mother who filed a complaint in federal court on behalf of her minor daughter after her daughter suffered a severe injury at her elementary school. The parties ultimately resolved the dispute amicably on behalf of Kyle’s client and her daughter. In addition to his zealous advocacy on behalf of his clients in federal court, Kyle worked for one year after the agreed-to settlement to ensure the settlement funds were properly paid. Kyle’s voluntary efforts beyond his federal court appointment led to state court and probate proceedings across the state of Illinois and demonstrated the commitment Kyle had to seeing this matter through successfully.

SETTLEMENT ASSISTANCE FOR MEDICAL CARE Andrew Hamilton

Roshni Sopariwalla

A former detainee at Cook County Jail filed a complaint against administrators and a lieutenant at Cook County Jail. The plaintiff alleged the administrators and the lieutenant failed to protect him and failed to provide him with necessary medical assistance after he was attacked with mace while in custody as a pre-trial detainee in April 2020. He filed his own complaint and managed his case until Partner Collette A. Woghiren volunteered to represent him in settlement negotiations through the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Settlement Assistance Program. With legal representation from Collette and Associates Andrew Hamilton and Roshni Sopariwalla, the former detainee was able to resolve his dispute amicably through settlement discussions.

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IMPACTING IND IVID UA L S

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PROVIDING VINDICATION FOR TORTURE VICTIM While still a law student at the University of Chicago Law School, Associate Joshua H. Burday worked at the Illinois Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission (Commission). Later, as a practicing attorney, Josh represented a pro bono client who had been convicted of a double homicide resulting from an unpaid drug debt and had spent more than 20 years in prison. Josh’s client had been coerced into a confession which was used to obtain his conviction, and Josh represented the client in front of the Commission. Josh prevailed and the Commission unanimously voted to refer the case back to the criminal court system, finding there was sufficient credible evidence that Josh’s client was tortured into a confession.

Josh continued to represent his client in the criminal court system, working with Karl Leonard, an attorney from a legal clinic at the University of Chicago Law School called the Exoneration Project. For several years, Josh, Karl and team put together a case that resulted in an agreed upon deal to let their client and co-defendant out of prison on time served rather than proceeding with a hearing. Both men would have spent their entire lives in prison, but instead are now free in their early forties. This historic victory is a positive result of a Commission referral and gave Josh’s client a new lease on life.

Joshua H. Burday

Tanvi B. Patel

HELPING A CLIENT RECOVER FROM A HOUSE FIRE Partner Tanvi B. Patel obtained a favorable settlement for a pro bono client in a contract dispute concerning fire restoration work to the client’s home. The client sustained fire damage to her home, but was then sued by a contractor regarding fire restoration work alleged to have been completed.

Tanvi volunteered to represent this client homeowner in association with the Cook County Circuit Court’s pilot pro bono referral program from Commercial Calendar Section judges. Tanvi conducted depositions and written discovery that led to settlement discussions and an eventual equitable settlement for the parties.

HELPING LOCAL AUTHOR TO PUBLISH GRAPHIC NOVEL Partners Michael G. Kelber and Jonathan S. Quinn provided pro bono support to author Ralph Shayne in publishing his graphic novel Hour of Need: The Daring Escape of the Danish Jews During World War II. This graphic novel tells the true story of the resistance to Nazi rule in Denmark during World War II and the heroes that saved the Danish Jews by helping them evacuate to Sweden. The book was developed in partnership with the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, which hosted the graphic novel’s official launch in September, and the museum offered workshops for educators to help them bring this story of one of the largest organized resistance efforts of the Holocaust into classrooms.

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Jonathan S. Quinn

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PRO BONO

EQUIP FOR EQUALITY NGE is proud of its longstanding pro bono partnership with Equip for Equality (EFE), an organization whose mission is to advance the rights of children and adults in Illinois with physical and mental disabilities. The firm helped to pioneer EFE’s Special Education Clinic Helpline many years ago.

Tanvi B. Patel

William J. Lenz

Joseph Sherling

Daniel M. Terhune

In addition to pro bono service on the Helpline, Partners Mike R. Turner and Tanvi B. Patel accepted a pro bono referral from EFE to help an 11–year–old student suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome and learning disabilities gain access to appropriate reading tools. Tanvi and Mike helped this student and his mother to understand the available options for assisted reading services. They also represented the student’s mother at his Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting with his school. Through their advocacy, Tanvi and Mike were able to help secure a reading tutor trained in the Wilson Reading method so their client can improve his reading abilities.

Similarly, Partner William J. Lenz and Associate Joseph Sherling accepted a pro bono referral from EFE to secure adequate transportation for a client with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.

This client had been denied transportation to school for several months and was not receiving the speech, physical therapy and occupational therapy that her IEP required. Bill and Joey were able to secure a favorable settlement in the form of an education compensation fund to pay for private education and physical and occupational therapy services for their client.

EFE also referred a matter to Partner Mike R. Turner and Associate Daniel M. Terhune to help recover a monetary judgment for a client. In 2013, the client and her daughter, who has a disability, were denied service at a local coffee shop on account of the daughter’s registered service animal. After they experienced a humiliating scene, the mother and daughter filed a complaint with the Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR).

The CCHR awarded them a small recovery, but the coffee shop refused to pay. EFE then assisted the mother and daughter to obtain a court order and spent several years pursuing the coffee shop and its owner for payment of the judgment. After the owner closed the coffee shop and dissolved the legal entity against which the judgment was entered, EFE contacted NGE for assistance.

Dan conducted a thorough investigation into the coffee shop owner and his other legal entities and contacted the owner to negotiate a settlement of the judgment plus ten years of interest. When those negotiations broke down, Dan prepared and filed a detailed complaint to recover the judgment and interest from the coffee shop owner and his other entities and business partners. Negotiations resumed and eventually resulted in the clients receiving more than the amount of the original judgment in their favor issued long ago.

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ADVOCATING FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITI E S

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HHH RANCH Originally called Hands, Hooves and Hope, HHH Ranch is a nonprofit organization that operates a small animal farm on the outskirts of Chicago catering to large rescue animals. Not only does HHH Ranch bring in injured and abused horses (and various other animals), it also trains them for therapeutic riding and provides work opportunities for the members of the community with disabilities in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. In 2022, NGE partnered with HHH Ranch to help fund a classroom used to train children and adults with severe autism and other disabilities to work with horses and other farm animals. Partner Mike R. Turner serves on the board for HHH Ranch. Over the past year, Mike and Partners Eric M. McLimore and Leah A. Schleicher have provided pro bono counsel to help guide HHH Ranch through complex tax and real estate issues.

Mike R. Turner

Eric M. McLimore

Mike R. Turner and therapy horse Bumble.

Leah A. Schleicher

HHH Ranch founder Christine Doran.

HHH Ranch.

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100%

Participation in Investing in Justice Campaign For the third year in a row, every single attorney at the firm opted to make an individual donation to the Chicago Bar Foundation’s Investing in Justice Campaign, a unique annual campaign that raises funds to ensure everyone has access to necessary legal help, not just people who can afford it. The Investing in Justice Campaign is the largest campaign of its kind anywhere in the country, and NGE attorneys have supported this campaign every year since 2008.

100% of the individual contributions from NGE attorneys to the Investing in Justice Campaign directly support the work of more than 30 pro bono and legal aid organizations and related initiatives, enabling them to provide critical legal assistance to tens of thousands of people in need in Chicagoland. Through their collective generosity, NGE attorneys signaled the firm’s ongoing commitment to provide access to justice to the most vulnerable in our community.

IMPROVING ACCESS TO JUSTICE Improving Access to the Courts The past year marked the release of the final report of the Illinois Supreme Court’s Statutory Court Fee Task Force (Task Force) and the beginning of the passage of legislation and promulgation of court rules implementing the Task Force recommendations. Chaired by Partner Steven F. Pflaum, the Task Force built on the work of a 2016 Task Force (also chaired by Steve) that led to legislation and court rules effecting a sweeping overhaul of the fees and costs imposed in civil, criminal and traffic cases in Illinois courts.

STEVEN F. PFLAUM “While much progress has been made, there is still considerable work to be done. The Task Force is grateful for the leadership of our Supreme Court on these issues that strike at the core of our societal goal of providing justice for all. We look forward to working closely with the members of the General Assembly in making the remaining Task Force recommendations a reality.”

The 2016 reforms were aimed at simplifying Illinois’s complex system of court fees and costs, reducing financial barriers to access to justice created by high fees and costs and expanding the availability of waivers to low-income litigants. The Supreme Court created the current Task Force in 2021 to evaluate the effectiveness of those reforms and consider potential follow-up measures. Members of the current Task Force include legislators, judges, lawyers and circuit clerks from across the state, many of whom served on the original Task Force.

The Task Force developed its recommendations with the assistance of two public hearings intended to obtain broad input and perspectives. Key components of the 2021 report and recommendations have already been implemented. For example, landmark legislation has been passed to eliminate fees and fines in juvenile delinquency cases in Illinois. In the past, these fees were rarely collected but often undermined the rehabilitative goal of juvenile proceedings by exacerbating divisions between the juvenile and their family.

The Supreme Court also promulgated recommended court rules, and related standardized court forms, to simplify and make uniform the procedure for requesting fee waivers in civil and criminal cases.

– Partner Steven F. Pflaum N G E | COR P O R AT E S O C IA L R E S P O N S IBIL IT Y R E P O R T

R E S P O N D ING TO NEED S IN THE LOCAL COMMUN I T Y

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PROVIDING GUIDANCE TO LOCAL NONPROFITS Partner Brian J. Crump and Associates Dawson Oler and Madison C. “Madi” Schmid participated in a Corporate Governance Check-Up legal clinic in partnership with the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights.

Through this clinic, Brian, Dawson and Madi provided pro bono counsel and assessments to local nonprofits operating in historically under-invested communities of color. For example, Madi worked with And Rise Women Inc. (&Rise), a nonprofit that empowers women to be the best version of themselves through weekly support groups, career development and financial education workshops, trauma life coaching and other educational programs. Madi met with representatives from &Rise’s board of directors, assessed &Rise’s corporate structure, reviewed its organizational documents and provided legal counsel related to corporate matters.

Brian J. Crump

Dawson Oler

Madison C. “Madi” Schmid

David A. Wheeler

Alexis M. Dominguez

Douglas M. Ellis

Thomas C. McDonough

Mike R. Turner

Collette A. Woghiren

Andrew S. Fraker

Jacqueline “Jackie” Romo

Faith A. Stachulski

CANNABIS EQUITY ILLINOIS COALITION The Cannabis Equity Illinois Coalition (CEIC) is a grassroots organization dedicated to education, organizing and advocacy to ensure that communities in Illinois most harmed by prohibition of cannabis can benefit from cannabis legalization. Partner David A. Wheeler provided pro bono counsel to CEIC regarding their Terms of Use and privacy policy when CEIC redesigned its website.

AIDS FOUNDATION OF CHICAGO AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) leads the fight to create health equity and justice for people living with and disproportionately impacted by HIV and AIDS in Illinois. This year, Partners Alexis M. Dominguez, Douglas M. Ellis, Thomas C. McDonough, Mike R. Turner, Collette A. Woghiren, Counsel Andrew S. Fraker, and Associates Jacqueline “Jackie” Romo, Faith A. Stachulski and Lee Barrington Stark devoted more than 150 pro bono hours to counsel AFC and its subsidiaries on subjects that included real estate leases, employment counseling, litigation and intellectual property issues.

Lee Barrington Stark N G E | COR P ORAT E S O C IA L R E S P O N S IBIL IT Y R E P O R T

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PRO BONO

Douglas M. Ellis

Steven F. Pflaum

ABA FREE LEGAL ANSWERS

ILAO LEGACY AWARD

The American Bar Association Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service recognized NGE as an ABA Free Legal Answers Pro Bono Leader firm. In 2022, NGE attorneys answered several civil legal questions through the Free Legal Answers platform to help Illinois residents with their legal questions and provide access to justice.

Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO) is an organization focused on using technology in innovative ways to simplify the law and increase access to justice.

ILAO works to mobilize people with plainlanguage, 24/7 tools—in three languages—so those with the least access to the legal system can understand and assert their legal rights. This year, ILAO honored NGE’s Strategic Pricing and Risk Manager Alison Larson with its Legacy Award, an award that recognizes individuals and entities who have made a lifelong commitment to ILAO to further its mission and values.

Alison is long-time member of ILAO’s Board of Directors and past Board chair. She has worked tirelessly with ILAO towards the belief that justice is for everyone, especially those facing historical and current inequities.

COMMUNITY PARTNER HONOR FROM CENTER FOR ADVANCING DOMESTIC PEACE

The Center for Advancing Domestic Peace (CADP) works to stop domestic violence where it starts by helping those who have harmed take Alison Larson responsibility for their behavior, create healthy relationships and strengthen their communities.

Through training and public education, CADP also seeks to strengthen the coordinated community response to domestic violence. NGE Partners Douglas M. Ellis and Steven F. Pflaum and Paralegal Varese Myrick recently helped CADP negotiate better rental terms for its operational headquarters, ultimately resulting in CADP acquiring title to the building on the south side of Chicago. This allowed CADP to channel money previously spent on monthly rent directly toward CADP’s core mission.

During its Annual Purple Dove Gala, CADP honored the firm as a 2023 Community Partner Honoree. Mike R. Turner, Pro Bono Committee Chair, represented the firm at the event. NGE proudly supports CADP’s mission to help people who abuse to stop their domestic violence, create healthy relationships and strengthen their communities.

Executive Director Christine Call, Mike R. Turner and Board Member Kate Shank at the Annual Purple Dove Gala.

SEVEN NGE ATTORNEYS RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE IN PRO BONO SERVICE Seven NGE attorneys received the 2023 Award for Excellence in Pro Bono Service from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and the Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. The seven attorneys honored this year were Partners Jason C. Kim, Antony J. McShane, Steven F. Pflaum, Kyle D. Rettberg and Collette A. Woghiren, with Associates Kathleen Okon and Charles K. Shih. Since 2011, 18 different NGE attorneys have been recognized and received these Awards for Excellence in Pro Bono Service.

Partners Jason C. Kim, Steven F. Pflaum and Associate Kathleen Okon were recognized for their work in Travon Howard v. Thomas Dart, et al. In this matter, their client alleged deliberate indifference of a guard at Cook County Jail and failure to take reasonable measures to provide medical treatment after the client was attacked while in custody. Jason, Steven and Kathleen worked diligently for three years before the case was ultimately settled on terms favorable to their client.

Partner Antony J. McShane and Associate Charles K. Shih received this award for their representation of the plaintiff in Malcom Thomas, a.k.a. Mack Warren v. R. Ryan, et al. Their client alleged that correctional officers

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PRO B ONO AWARD S in Cook County Jail violated his constitutional rights during a strip search. In this matter, Tony and Charlie provided their client with experienced and diligent representation that would otherwise have been unavailable to him and obtained a reasonable settlement for their client.

Partner Kyle D. Rettberg received the award for his work on behalf of a minor injured while under her elementary school’s care in Tyanne Fonza, as next friend of T.G., a minor v.

Chicago Public Schools, et al. Kyle pursued federal and state claims for his client, engaged in discovery and obtained a favorable settlement.

Kyle then worked for one year after the agreedto settlement to ensure the settlement funds were properly allocated in a manner that would help provide for his minor client’s future.

Partner Collette A. Woghiren received recognition for her pro bono work on behalf of her client in Lust v. Hayes, et al. Collette volunteered to represent her client in settlement negotiations related to claims that administrators and a lieutenant at the Cook County Jail failed to protect her client from an attack while in custody and failed to provide needed medical care afterwards. The case was ultimately settled on favorable terms.

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Jason C. Kim

Antony J. McShane

Steven F. Pflaum

COLLETTE A. WOGHIREN This is the fifth time the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association have honored Collette for her pro bono efforts.

Collette was recognized in 2017, 2018 and twice in 2019.

Kyle D. Rettberg

Collette A. Woghiren

Kathleen Okon

Charles K. Shih

Charles K. Shih, Kathleen Okon, Collette A. Woghiren, Kyle D. Rettberg.

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PRO BONO

PRO BONO SPOTLIGHT

DANIEL M. TERHUNE

We highlight Associate Daniel M. Terhune for his pro bono service. Dan has long been committed to pro bono work and he regularly averages more than 350 hours per year to providing legal advice and representation to those in need. Dan is quick to accept complex litigation matters on a pro bono basis to help clients who would otherwise be left without representation. Over the past few years, Dan has been honored externally for his pro bono work. In 2021, Dan and Partner Andrew G. May were honored for Excellence in Pro Bono Service by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and the Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association for a case where they represented a prisoner client in a civil rights lawsuit alleging failure to provide adequate medical treatment. In 2022, Dan was honored with an Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award from the Law Center for Better Housing (LCBH) along with Partner H. Nicholas Berberian. Dan and Nick achieved a win in a pro bono appeal representing LCBH. This year, Dan engaged in extensive investigations and litigation to enforce a judgment on behalf of pro bono clients and to defend a client in a breach of contract dispute, among other matters. NGE salutes Dan for his extraordinary commitment to pro bono. He is truly an inspiration, and we are glad to honor him for his pro bono work.

ILLINOIS JUDICIAL INQUIRY BOARD Partner Jonathan S. Quinn was recently appointed by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker to the state Judicial Inquiry Board for a one-year term. The nine-member Judicial Inquiry Board, only three of whom are lawyers, investigates complaints regarding active Illinois state court judges and files public complaints against them when warranted.

Jonathan S. Quinn

LOCAL RULES COMMITTEE FOR U.S. DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS

Olivia Luk Bedi

Partner Olivia Luk Bedi has accepted the Court’s request to serve on the Advisory Committee for Local Rules for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The Committee, headed

by Clerk of the Court Thomas Bruton, reviews all proposals to amend the Local Rules and submits a report and recommendation to the members of the Court. Olivia previously served on the Local Patent Rules Committee and is also currently serving on the Racial Justice Diversity Committee for the Court.

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COMMUNI T Y

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LONGSTANDING PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ALL STARS PROJECT The All Stars Project (All Stars) is a privately-funded national nonprofit organization that provides innovative, performancebased after-school development opportunities to inner-city youth. Its mission is to transform the lives of youth and poor communities using the developmental power of performance in partnership with caring adults to give everyone the opportunity to grow. All Stars runs programs in New York City, Newark, Jersey City, Dallas, the San Francisco Bay Area and Chicago, in addition to hosting virtual programs reaching young people across the country. In Chicago, the program directs its efforts toward young people on the city’s south and west sides. The Chicago chapter was founded under the direction of former firm employee, David Cherry, and NGE has been a corporate sponsor of All Stars Chicago since its founding in 2007.

This summer, All Stars Chicago honored NGE as a founding and loyal partner. NGE’s involvement with All Stars Chicago includes mentoring students, providing paid summer internships, leading workshops on the legal industry, conducting resume writing sessions, mock interviews and more. Through these efforts, NGE aims to offer young individuals from disadvantaged neighborhoods genuine opportunities to connect with the broader community and explore new possibilities for their lives. Importantly, the All Stars Project provides a platform for business professionals to actively contribute to the solution.

The All Stars Project of Chicago honored Neal Gerber Eisenberg as a founding partner at their spring benefit.

SONIA MENON

Robert G. Gerber speaking at event.

Chief Operating Officer Sonia Menon has served on the All Stars Chicago Board since 2019, and was recently elected to the national Board of Directors of All Stars. “On behalf of NGE, I congratulate Sonia on this appointment. Her devotion to engaging with and advocating for members of traditionally underrepresented groups is evident through her years of service to the community, both through the firm and personally,” said Managing Partner Robert G. Gerber. “I am confident she will have a positive impact on All Stars and the teens and families with whom the group works. I cannot think of another person who is more deserving or better suited to this role.”

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B OA RD SERV IC E NGE attorneys serve as leaders in the community through service on a variety of charitable, civic and educational boards.

CHARITY / SOCIAL SERVICE

EDUCATION

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All Stars Project Aurelio M. Caccomo Family Foundation Carol Lavin Bernick Family Foundation Chicago Cares Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund The Cradle Debicki Foundation Foundation for Hearing and Speech Rehabilitation Girls on the Run Chicago Help for Children (Chicago Committee of Hearts) HHH Ranch The Hillels of Illinois Inner-City Education Program James R. Jordan Foundation Kenneth Young Center Lakeview Pantry Leonard and Ruth Horwich Family Foundation Leslie J. Raffel Foundation Lutheran Social Services of Illinois Margot and Thomas Pritzker Family Foundation Matthew and Carolyn S. Bucksbaum Family Foundation Morris and Judith Rosenzweig Family Foundation Muslim Foster Care Association Nick’s Network of Hope Square One Foundation Unified Under Hope

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Alliance Francaise de Chicago American Friends of Hebrew University American Technion Society- Chicago Chapter DePaul University College of Law Dean’s Advisory Council Friends of Northside Hebrew University of Jerusalem Indiana University Borns Jewish Studies Program Advisory Board Indiana University College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Board Indiana University Parents Association Advisory Board to the Dean of Students Hispanic Lawyers Scholarship Fund of Illinois Mowen Scholars Ms. JD Princeton Club of Chicago Richard Linn American Inn of Court Step Up The University of Chicago Alumni Club Yale Club of Chicago Zeta Beta Tau Foundation

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BOARD SERVI CE

ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE

CIVIC

• • •

• • •

• • • • • • • • • • •

American College of Coverage Counsel Anti-Defamation League Center on Wrongful Convictions at Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law Chicago-Kent Patent Hub Full Spectrum Features Illinois Judicial Ethics Committee Illinois Judicial Inquiry Board Illinois Legal Aid Online Illinois Statutory Court Fees Task Force Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice Law Center for Better Housing Local Rules Committee for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois Racial Justice Diversity Committee for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois South Asian Bar Association of Chicago Foundation

MEDICAL SERVICES AND RESEARCH • •

CommunityHealth The Kennedy Forum of Illinois

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

American Friends of Versailles American Jewish Committee American Jewish Committee’s Arthur and Rochelle Belfer Institute for Latino and Latin American Affairs American Jewish Committee Chicago American Writers Museum The Civic Federation Coalition of Women’s Initiatives in Law Congregation Beth Shalom Downtown Development Authority of the City of Buchanan The Economic Club of Chicago First Floor Theater Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights John R. Halligan Charitable Fund Korean American Bar Association of Chicago Lawyers for the Creative Arts Mid-North Association Pathways Projects Institutes Limited Preserve the Dunes WTTW and WFMT

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS • • • •

Lawyers for the Creative Arts Kids in Danger PAWS Chicago PILI

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PRO BONO

The firm’s Pro Bono Policy aims to improve the lives of citizens in our community and help make our societal goal of “justice for all” a reality. The policy sets the goal that each Neal Gerber Eisenberg attorney devote a minimum of 50 hours of pro bono legal service per year.

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Please join us in congratulating our 2023 Pro Bono All Stars who met and surpassed this challenge: 01. H. Nicholas Berberian 02. Olivia Luk Bedi 03. John A. Biek 04. Benjamin Boris

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05. Joshua H. Burday 06. Alexis M. Dominguez 07. Angela R. Elbert 08. Andrew Hamilton 09. John J. Koenigsknecht 10. Diana Koppang

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11. Eric M. McLimore 12. Earl N. Melamed 13. Tanvi B. Patel 14. Steven F. Pflaum 15. Madison C. “Madi” Schmid 16. Joseph Sherling

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17. Charles K. Shih 18. Lee Barrington Stark 19. David S. Stone 20. Daniel M. Terhune 21. Mike R. Turner 22. Paul Walker-Bright

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23. Collette A. Woghiren 24. Amanda “Mandi” Wolfman

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CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILIT Y

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PRO BONO POLICY & COMMITTEE Neal Gerber Eisenberg embraces its responsibility, as set forth in the Preamble to the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct, “to create an environment that is hospitable to the rendering of a reasonable amount of uncompensated service by lawyers practicing in [the firm].” The firm likewise recognizes and reaffirms the responsibility of its lawyers “to use their training, experience, and skills to provide services in the public interest for which compensation may not be available.”

By proclaiming the firm’s commitment to providing pro bono publico legal services, and providing a framework for supplying firm lawyers with abundant pro bono opportunities and managing those engagements effectively, the firm’s pro bono Policy and Procedures are designed to enable the firm and its lawyers to discharge their respective pro bono responsibilities in a manner that maximizes the achievement of the ultimate objective of any pro bono publico program worthy of its name: furthering the public good.

As a gold-level member of The Chicago Bar Foundation Law firm Leadership Circle, the firm has established, and hereby reminds its lawyers of, the goal that each of the firm’s attorneys will devote at least 50 hours per year to “pro bono legal service,” as defined by Illinois Supreme Court Rule 756(f)(1). Recognizing that varying responsibilities and practice areas will make this goal more readily attainable by some firm lawyers than others, and seeking to increase the firm’s overall level of pro bono service without relieving any lawyers of their responsibility to strive to achieve the individual annual target, the firm has established an additional goal of providing pro bono legal service that averages at least 50 hours per firm lawyer per year.

The primary objectives of the firm’s pro bono policy are to improve the lives of citizens in our community and help make our societal goal of “justice for all” a reality. Important secondary goals of this policy include (1) enhancing firm attorneys’ satisfaction with their work, (2) providing firm attorneys with valuable practice experience and (3) attracting to the firm attorneys who share the firm’s commitment to providing pro bono legal service.

MEET OUR PRO BONO COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Mike R. Turner Chair, Partner, Intellectual Property

Rachel Jennings

Professional Development & Pro Bono Manager

Alexis M. Dominguez

Andrea S. Fuelleman

Marlon Lutfiyya

Andrew G. May

Partner, Labor & Employment

Director of Talent & Diversity

Collette A. Woghiren Partner, Litigation

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Partner, Intellectual Property

Partner, Litigation

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PRO BONO

MEET OUR SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Sonia Menon

Andrew S. Fraker Counsel, Intellectual Property

Associate, Labor & Employment

Kathleen Haggerty

Kathryn L. Kaler

Clint Kehoe

Chair, Chief Operating Officer

Director of Support Services

Partner, Private Wealth Services

Alissa Griffin

Director of Information Technology

SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE William J. Lenz Partner, Intellectual Property

Lee Barrington Stark

David C. Presser Partner, Corporate

Elizabeth E. Radichel

Partner, Real Estate

NGE’s Sustainability Committee oversees the firm’s practices designed to reduce our footprint on the environment, and through education and interactive events, seeks to continually raise awareness of our environmental impacts, the methods to reduce them and improve our energy performance.

We strongly believe that sustainable practices are necessary for a better future and are proud to be among the leaders in promoting sustainable practices in the legal industry.

Associate, Intellectual Property

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CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILIT Y

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DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION COMMITTEE Since its creation in 2002, our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee has worked to expand and enhance the firm’s diversity initiatives and to build upon the philosophy of inclusion long existing in the firm work environment. The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee also launched two significant subgroups within the firm. The Women’s Network and the Minority Initiative are designed to support and enhance opportunities available to women and minorities, respectively, and to provide forums for them to network and develop, personally and professionally, both inside and outside of the firm.

Robert G. Gerber

MEET OUR DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Co-Chair, Managing Partner

Tanvi B. Patel

Co-Chair, Partner, Intellectual Property

Olivia Luk Bedi

Patricia S. Cain

Eric Y. Choi

Marlon Lutfiyya

Sonia Menon

Kyle D. Rettberg

Leah A. Schleicher

Gina Shkoukani

Nawshaba M. Siddiquee

Collette A. Woghiren

Partner, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation

Chief Operating Officer

Charles K. Shih Associate, Intellectual Property

Associate, Private Wealth Services

Partner, Litigation

General Counsel, Partner, Litigation

Counsel, Intellectual Property

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Partner, Intellectual Property

Director of Talent & Diversity

Partner, Real Estate

Partner, Litigation