Meet The 2026 Pro Bono Award Honoree: Baker McKenzie Teams Up for Impact

 

 

Expanding access to justice is only possible through strong partnerships. At Massachusetts Appleseed, our pro bono partners play a critical role in advancing our mission by helping us strengthen critical legal resources and create lasting systemic change across the Commonwealth. 

This year, we are proud to recognize Baker McKenzie with the 2026 Pro Bono Award at the Good Apple Awards Reception on October 29, in recognition of the firm’s longstanding commitment to expanding access to reliable legal information for young people experiencing homelessness. 

Following their mantra “Teaming for Impact,” Baker McKenzie has been an invaluable pro bono partner to Massachusetts Appleseed, dedicating its time and legal expertise to updating the Massachusetts Homeless Youth Handbook, a free legal resource that empowers young people with the knowledge they need to understand and assert their rights. Beyond its partnership with Massachusetts Appleseed, Baker McKenzie has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to pro bono service on a national and global scale, partnering with legal aid organizations, nonprofits, and Appleseed Centers across the country to advance access to justice for underserved communities. 

Most recently, a cross-practice team of Baker McKenzie volunteers across North America partnered with the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth on its Not a Monolith: Perspectives from Survivors of Youth Violence report. The team helped conduct interviews, develop profiles, and draft and finalize the report, which elevates the perspectives of survivors of youth violence and explores restorative justice, rehabilitation, and community-led approaches to healing. 

That same commitment to leveraging legal expertise in service of young people is reflected in Baker McKenzie’s longstanding partnership with Massachusetts Appleseed. Since 2020, Baker McKenzie attorneys and legal professionals have provided critical pro bono support to the Massachusetts Homeless Youth Handbook, reviewing and updating legal content to help ensure the Handbook remains accurate, accessible, and responsive to the evolving needs of young people across the Commonwealth. 

Notably, Baker McKenzie attorneys have continued this commitment by updating the Immigration & Undocumented Youth and Employment chapters of the Handbook. This information is especially timely and can have a significant impact on the lives of young people. 

As Jaclyn Pampel, Partner and Director of North America Pro Bono, reflects: 

We are deeply grateful for Baker McKenzie’s enduring partnership and unwavering commitment to advancing justice for young people across Massachusetts. 

We hope you’ll join us to celebrate Baker McKenzie’s remarkable contributions, along with the other 2026 Good Apple Award honorees.  See details below! 

Good Apple Awards Reception 

Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 PM 

Winthrop Center in Boston  

Get your tickets at:  massappleseed.org/goodapple  

Learn about sponsorship opportunities and benefits at: massappleseed.org/goodapple