For the third year in a row, Children’s Law Center (CLC) presented Bates White with its Corporate Champions for Children award. The firm has won the award each year since its inception in 2017, the only non-law firm to win a Champions for Children award.
This award recognizes the generosity of organizations that support CLC; in 2019, Bates White employees raised more than $37,000 for CLC. The support was particularly important in 2019, as budget cuts forced the DC courts to renegotiate their contract with CLC, reducing CLC’s budget by almost 20%.
“Giving back to the community is an integral part of the Bates White culture,” said Charlie Mullin, Bates White Managing Partner. “And one key component of that culture is empowering our employees to tackle challenges and come up with the best solutions—which includes giving back to the community. CLC’s Champions for Children program is a natural fit with Bates White. Our employees join together to work toward a great cause—making sure DC children have legal advocates in their corner to help them navigate seemingly insurmountable stresses.”
As in previous years, Bates White employees raised funds in several fun and creative ways. Events included a Family Feud competition and a Bates White Not-So-Newlywed team game. And employees once again took part in CLC’s annual Holiday Hope Drive, adopting five children and donating gifts from their wish lists and gift cards to address school and home needs. In addition to raising funds, this year Bates White worked on a pro bono basis to process and analyze data on the District of Columbia’s budget proposals. This work gave CLC information it could use to promote targeted advocacy in the DC Council budget hearings. Bates White employees’ enthusiasm resulted in real wins for DC children on several fronts.
“Bates White has been a dedicated partner to CLC for more than a decade,” said CLC Executive Director Judith Sandalow. “The firm is smart, strategic, and fun, and they have found a way to bring those values to their fundraising for CLC. Year after year, it has been moving to witness the firm’s deep concern for CLC clients. The impact of their financial support cannot be overstated—it makes positive health outcomes, educational gains, and family support possible in our community.”
Principal Ben Wolfert is on CLC’s Advisory Board and coordinates the firm’s support for CLC.
To learn more about Bates White’s community fundraising, click here.