A Biglaw Firm Gives Big Support To Typhoon Haiyan Relief

Which Biglaw behemoth just cut a big check for Philippine typhoon relief?

When disaster strikes, lawyers are there (and not just to hand out their business cards). Lawyers and their law firms have responded swiftly and generously in the wake of natural disasters, giving of their time and treasure to help the victims of calamities around the world.

Lawyers and their law firms, especially Biglaw firms, have come to the aid of people affected by Hurricane Sandy, the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, and earthquakes in Haiti and China. We have chronicled and commended these efforts in Above the Law over the years.

In light of this track record, it should come as no surprise that one of the world’s top law firms is giving generously to support relief efforts in the Philippines, my ancestral homeland, where thousands have died due to Typhoon Haiyan (local name Yolanda). Which firm, and how much is it giving?

Executive partner Eric J. Friedman sent out this email to everyone at Skadden earlier today:

In light of the devastation caused by the recent typhoon in the Philippines and the tragedy that continues to unfold, the Firm will make an aggregate contribution of $50,000 to Doctors Without Borders and the Salvation Army World Service Office. Both of these agencies are accepting contributions and are actively providing assistance and relief in the Philippines. The Firm will provide an additional $25,000 by matching individual employee contributions of up to $500. Only contributions to registered 501(c)(3) organizations providing direct relief in the Philippines are eligible for this match. Please complete and submit the attached form to [redacted].

Doctors Without Borders USA
333 7th Avenue, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10001-5004
888-392-0392
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org

The Salvation Army World Service Office (“SAWSO”)
International Relief Fund
P.O. Box 418558
Boston, MA 02241-8558
703-684-5528
https://donate.salvationarmyusa.org/TyphoonHaiyan

Kudos to Skadden for its generosity. If you work at Skadden, please consider taking advantage of the employee match by donating to support Typhoon Haiyan relief efforts. In addition to Doctors Without Borders and the Salvation Army, other organizations are listed over at Charity Navigator.

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Is your law firm providing support to Philippine typhoon victims? If so, feel free to mention in the comments, email us (subject line: “Typhoon Relief”), or text us (646-820-8477). If we receive enough tips, we may do a follow-up post. Thanks.

P.S. Even if your firm isn’t taking action, you should definitely consider donating on your own. It’s almost December, and you know what that means: time to rack up your tax deductions for charitable contributions.

UPDATE (5:15 p.m.): Weil Gotshal donated $50,000 to Typhoon Haiyan relief, through Oxfam and the Red Cross, as announced last Wednesday by Barry Wolf. Thanks to Weil for its tremendous gifts.

UPDATE (11/19/2013, 6:00 p.m.): Here are more firms supporting Philippine typhoon relief.

UPDATE (11/20/2013, 5:00 p.m.): Several Asian-American lawyer groups are organizing a fundraising event taking place on Monday, November 25. If you’re in New York, please consider attending. Details are available at the AABANY website and on Facebook (where you can RSVP).

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Super Typhoon Haiyan Disaster Relief [Charity Navigator]

Earlier: Lawyers and Law Firms Contribute To Hurricane Sandy Relief and Recovery Efforts
More Law Firms Contributing to Japanese Relief Efforts
Biglaw Firms Poised To Help Japanese Relief Efforts
Paul Hastings Helps Out Haitians
Humanitarian Crises in Asia: Law Firms Respond