Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation Wins Two Anthem Awards

We’re thrilled to announce that for the second year in a row, the Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation has been named a Winner in two Humanitarian Action & Services categories of the 5th Annual Anthem Awards. The Foundation was selected as a Gold Winner, the highest recognition, in the Service category alongside powerhouse organizations including World Central Kitchen and the Fair Labor Association. The Foundation was also a Bronze Winner in the Volunteer Engagement category. You can view the full list of winners here.

Launched in 2021 by the prestigious Webby Awards, the Anthem Awards honor the purpose and mission-driven work of people, companies and organizations worldwide. This year alone, there were more than 2,000 entries globally.

We’re deeply grateful to the thousands of volunteers across the network whose dedication and support made this recognition possible. These awards reflect the unwavering commitment of Lex Mundi member firms and lawyers who generously share their time and expertise to empower changemakers, uplift communities and use law as a force for good.

Launching the Lex Mundi Pro Bono Special Interest Group

For nearly two decades, Lex Mundi Practice and Industry Groups have been a cornerstone of the network. Through these groups, lawyers have been able to share and develop legal know-how while establishing meaningful relationships. In recent years, the Foundation team has similarly heard from pro bono professionals that they’d like to meet with and learn from people in similar positions at other member firms.

To this end, the Foundation recently launched the Lex Mundi Pro Bono Special Interest Group. The goal is to provide an opportunity for pro bono professionals across the network to connect and discuss what is and is not working within their pro bono programs, as well as other topics of mutual interest and benefit. This informal practice group will allow participants to ask questions, share learnings and discuss best practices with peers.

The first meeting occurred in early October and was divided into two calls to accommodate time zones. We were fortunate to have wonderful facilitators leading each call from four Lex Mundi firms. Shahana Chatterji (Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co, India) and Eric Meyer (Tilleke & Gibbins, Thailand) led the call for the Eastern Hemisphere, while Carolann Minnock (Arthur Cox, Ireland and Northern Ireland) and Rebecca Cazabon (Foley Hoag LLP, USA, Massachusetts) hosted the call for the western hemisphere. Ultimately, there were participants from 45 member firms representing every region. During the initial meetings, we discussed the structure of future calls, goals moving forward and substantive topics for future sessions.

This group is open to all Lex Mundi pro bono professionals, including any attorneys who play a role in coordinating their firm’s pro bono program.

Breaking Barriers in Communication for the DeafBlind Community

For millions of DeafBlind individuals around the world, everyday communication can feel impossible. DeafBlindness is the condition of having little or no useful hearing and little or no useful sight. The combination presents unique challenges that limit access to entertainment, community and educational resources, often leading to isolation and loneliness. Recognizing this, the Tatum Robotics team decided to create a solution.

They developed Tatum T1, the world’s first tactile fingerspelling robotic system providing the DeafBlind community with independent access to tactile sign. The device can translate and sign content from various digital communication sources, including emails, websites, messaging apps and eBooks and even translate live language input from direct communication. It can be used in homes, schools and healthcare settings and allows for increased autonomy within the DeafBlind community.

The Foundation initially connected with Tatum Robotics through MIT Solve in 2024. Since then, four Lex Mundi member firms have supported the organization. Foley Hoag LLP (USA, Massachusetts) registered a trademark and reviewed the company’s Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy; Sheehan Phinney Bass & Green, PA (USA, New Hampshire) assisted with its 501(c)(3) nonprofit application; Butzel (USA, Michigan) provided guidance on an H-1B visa for an employee; and Steptoe LLP (USA, District of Columbia) offered counsel on becoming a Video Relay Service provider. This collective support has set Tatum Robotics up for success.

“As a small social impact organization, accessing legal services was financially out of reach,” shared Samantha Johnson, founder of Tatum Robotics. “As soon as we heard about the Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation, we were suddenly able to get answers to some of our pressing legal concerns around our trademark and Terms & Conditions, while also planning for the long-term strategy of our organization. Being able to work with some of the top legal firms gave us the confidence that we were crossing our t’s the right way and allowed us to structure the organization how we wanted to—not just in the way that was easiest. We are so thankful for the support of the Foundation, and all the incredible attorneys and firms that have helped support our mission!”

The Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to Foley Hoag, Sheehan Phinney, Butzel, and Steptoe for their partnership in helping Tatum Robotics to improve the lives of the DeafBlind community worldwide.