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Cooley Godward Sends Volunteers to Gulf Coast to Kick off Pro Bono Initiative

Katrina-Related Legal Needs Remain Crucial for Impacted Residents

Cooley Godward LLP announced that it has organized a substantial pro bono initiative in support of the ongoing legal needs of New Orleans and Mississippi Gulf Coast residents impacted by Hurricane Katrina. As part of the initiative, a team of Cooley attorneys from across its offices traveled to the region for a week in late June to conduct legal clinics and, in particular, to identify residents who need assistance filing appeals against the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) over denials of disaster relief. Cooley is partnering with the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and local Gulf Coast legal services providers on the initiative.

The team of six attorneys spent a week in New Orleans and along the Mississippi Gulf Coast conducting the legal clinics, focusing on underserved areas where the Lawyers' Committee had determined that there was still a significant need for legal services. They brought back more than 40 FEMA appeals cases, which will be assigned to more than 90 Cooley attorneys, summer associates and legal staff who have volunteered to work on the cases.

"The trip to the Gulf Coast confirmed that there is still an overwhelming need for legal representation among residents impacted by Hurricane Katrina," said Maureen Alger, Cooley Godward's Pro Bono Counsel. "The strong response from Cooley attorneys to provide pro bono representation validates that the residents in the area have not been forgotten, and we look forward to making an impact in their lives and supporting the rebuilding effort."

About Cooley's Pro Bono Practice

Support for the provision of legal services to the underserved has always been an integral part of the Firm and all pro bono matters are given the same staffing, attention and resources as other matters. Cooley's Pro Bono Practice has been the recipient of numerous awards at both the local and national levels. In 2005, the ABA Business Section presented Cooley with its "National Public Service Award" for the Firm's commitment to pro bono services.

About Cooley Godward

Cooley Godward is an established provider of strategic litigation and business transaction services and a recognized leader in the representation of high-growth private and public companies, financial institutions, venture capital firms and nonprofit organizations. Our singular focus on providing the highest quality legal services has enabled our clients to achieve their strategic business objectives and garnered for Cooley recognition as one of the country's leading law firms. For additional information please visit www.cooley.com.