Maria T. Vullo
Paul, Weiss Partner, Litigation
New York University School of Law, 1987
“A great lawyer has to do work that’s meaningful to her personally and professionally. Throughout my career I have been very involved in reproductive rights issues, which can be controversial to some people. Paul, Weiss is a place that supports its lawyers in their work on matters of social importance, regardless of differing views. Developing professional passions that are consistent with your personality and being able to express yourself as an individual, while being part of a successful private law firm, is essential to having a great career.”
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Pro Bono
We believe that pro bono work is essential to our community and to the development of our lawyers. Our pro bono program is distinctive — our culture fosters participation in cutting-edge controversies of great public consequence by encouraging every lawyer to identify and become involved in the issues and causes that matter most to them.
Our Commitment: In 2005 alone our lawyers, summer associates and paralegals devoted a total of 55,000 hours to pro bono work.
Associate Opportunities:
- We expect lawyers — from the most junior to the most senior — to be involved with at least one pro bono matter at all times.
- Time spent working on pro bono matters is valued equally with time spent on billable matters.
- Pro bono work gives associates the opportunity to handle cases and matters on their own with the help of a partner who provides guidance and advice.
Pro Bono Projects: We have taken on some of the most difficult and controversial issues of our time in many significant pro bono cases, including:
- defending the rights of death row inmates
- fighting for an increase in minimum wages for thousands of low-income families in New Mexico
- championing the marriage rights of same-sex couples
- protecting reproductive rights
- defending hunger-striking detainees at the Guantánamo Bay prison camp.
Your Future: Pro bono work provides our associates with the best training to prepare for a possible future in public service. Many Paul, Weiss alumni have gone on to pursue careers in such organizations as the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund Inc., Legal Aid Society, American Civil Liberties Union, New York Lawyers for the Public Interest and the ACLU Reproductive Freedom Rights Project.
Honors: Paul, Weiss has been recognized by many nonprofit organizations for its outstanding pro bono contributions, including the Legal Aid Society, Sanctuary for Families, Human Rights First, Volunteers for Legal Services, Women’s Prison Association and MFY Legal Services, Inc.
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