Pro Bono

DOAR is deeply committed to public service, providing pro bono support for important causes with the same level of excellence and dedication our nationally recognized consultants bring to all of our work.

Castaneda et al. v. County of Suffolk et al.

Client: LatinoJustice PRLDEF, Winston & Strawn

Description: A New York federal jury found Suffolk County and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office liable for violating the due process rights of hundreds of migrants who were unlawfully detained past their release dates at the request of federal immigration authorities. Following a weeklong trial in the Eastern District of New York, the jury unanimously awarded $112 million in damages to a class of 674 individuals, concluding that the county failed to provide notice or legal justification for the extended detentions, in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Kansas City, Missouri v. CR Sales Firearms LLC

Client: Everytown for Gun Safety

Description: Everytown is the largest gun violence prevention organization in America. DOAR was asked to conduct an online survey and provide trial strategy consulting in a case against a retailer and other gun dealers who facilitated unlawful straw gun purchases to a now-convicted individual who resold guns involved in several crimes. Everytown achieved a favorable settlement on behalf of Kansas City that included $150,000 in damages, and, more importantly, steps to stop the sale of straw guns.

National Medical-Legal Trial Competition

Client: Hofstra University

Description: The Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University and the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell host an annual national Medical-Legal Trial Competition where ten teams from well-respected law schools around the country compete in a tournament-style competition. Each team is provided a fact pattern and is assigned a medical student to play the role of an expert witness. Each year, DOAR sponsors the event by providing graphic and presentation support to each competing team.

Volk v. Board of Trustees of California State University et al

Client: The Lawfare Project, Winston & Strawn

Description: The Lawfare Project is a global network of legal professionals that contribute their skills, time, and expertise to protect the civil and human rights of the Jewish people worldwide. In this case, two Jewish students at San Francisco State University (SFSU) alleged that SFSU and the Board of Trustees of California State University (CSU) discriminated against them based on their religion and support of Israel. The landmark settlement that was reached provides that CSU and SFSU recognize that support for Israel as a Jewish homeland is fundamental to the religious identities of Jewish students on their campuses.

In support of the case, DOAR conducted a survey to understand potential jurors’ views on the important issues at the heart of the lawsuit and provided guidance to our clients for jury selection in San Francisco Superior Court.

Fair Housing Justice Center v. New York Department of Health

Client: Mobilization for Justice

Description: Mobilization for Justice (MFJ) provides free civil legal services to poor and low-income individuals struggling to overcome the effects of social injustice and systemic racism. MFJ filed a lawsuit against Andrew Cuomo and the state of New York, alleging disability discrimination against residents of adult care facilities operated by New York. In support of MFJ, DOAR provided trial strategy and graphics consulting.

UANI Communications Consulting

Client: United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI)

Description: United Against Nuclear Iran (“UANI”) is a nonprofit and non-partisan policy organization formed to combat the threats posed by the Islamic Republic of Iran. DOAR delivered pro bono services to UANI in support of their efforts to prevent Iran from fulfilling its ambition to obtain nuclear weapons. DOAR provided communications and presentation strategy consulting using the evidence that UANI gathered regarding Iran’s nuclear activities.

Giselle Fernandez v. Pasadena USD

Client: Learning Rights Law Center, Dentons

Description: Learning Rights Law Center provides free legal representation, advice, advocacy, and training to families and communities whose children, as a consequence of disability or discrimination, have been denied equal access to public education. In this case, Learning Rights Law Center sought to guarantee children with disabilities the right to a free appropriate public education in the Pasadena Unified School District. In support of Dentons and Learning Rights Law Center, DOAR provided graphics consulting for the hearing.