Detroit - November 18, 2009 - Dykema, a leading national law firm, has been selected by the Legal Aid and Defender Association (LADA) for the Law Firm of the Year Pro Bono Award. The firm was honored at the LADA\'s 100th Anniversary Celebration on November 6.

"We are delighted that in its banner year the LADA has recognized Dykema for its significant contributions in encouraging pro bono work in the Detroit metropolitan area," said Heidi Naasko, Dykema's attorney pro bono coordinator. "We are honored that we could share in their 100th anniversary celebration and we look forward to continuing our longstanding relationship with the organization, and supporting its mission to provide comprehensive, aggressive legal advocacy and representation for Detroit low-income residents."

Working in conjunction with the LADA, Dykema has helped lead several pro bono initiatives including:

• A partnership with General Motors to develop a medical legal clinic with the Children's Hospital of Michigan primarily involving Social Security disability and landlord/tenant law matters.
• The Wayne STEP program where attorneys represented individuals through a criminal expungement process.
• The launch of a project with summer associates to represent Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI) clients.

In addition to providing top-notch cooperating attorneys for numerous cases, several Dykema attorneys have served on the LADA's Board of Directors.

The LADA is Michigan's largest provider of free civil legal services to low-income residents. It serves metropolitan Detroit through its offices in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. It also represents criminal defendants in Wayne County and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

Dykema's Longstanding Commitment to Pro Bono

Dykema believes the practice of law, especially in a large corporate firm, is a privilege that carries with it profound societal responsibilities. Performing legal services for those who cannot afford to pay for them - or for organizations that benefit such persons - is a central part of the firm's effort to improve the quality of life for the underserved in its community.

Last year, Dykema attorneys and support staff performed 11,252 hours of pro bono work. The firm and its attorneys have earned several prestigious awards for its pro-bono work, including the 2009 Exceptional Service Award from the ABA Death Penalty Representation Project, the 2009 John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award and the 2009 Detroit Metropolitan Bar Pro Bono Service Award.

More information on Dykema's pro bono program is available at: http://www.dykema.com/probono/default.asp.

A leading national law firm built upon its Midwestern heritage and values, Dykema has offices located in California, Illinois, Michigan, Texas and Washington, D.C., and a national practice focused on serving Fortune 1000 and middle-market companies. Dykema advises domestic and foreign-based companies and institutions on a wide variety of sophisticated business issues including corporate governance, litigation, growth strategies and risk reduction, financial services, mergers and acquisitions, international trade, e-commerce and many others. A strategic partner to its clients, Dykema maintains leading national vertical industry practices with substantial depth and experience, in areas including automotive, pharmaceutical/medical devices, financial services/insurance, and energy and electric distribution. Dykema continues to expand its work for companies who increasingly are attracted to the firm\'s sophisticated practices, skilled lawyers and commitment to providing value and quality service.
© 2009 Dykema Gossett PLLC
###