Hogan Lovells names new Pro Bono Associate, Melissa Giangrande Jacobs, affirms commitment to humanitarian assistance

“It’s the honor of my career to be Hogan Lovells’ Pro Bono Associate,” said Jacobs. “Pro bono work is why I became an attorney in the first place. As a kid, pro bono attorneys saved my mom and me from eviction. They helped us secure health benefits. I always said that if I was lucky enough to become a lawyer, I would pay that kindness forward. I’m very grateful to T. Weymouth and Hogan Lovells for trusting me with this incredible role.”

In addition to her litigation practice representing clients in complex government and internal investigations, Jacobs maintains an active pro bono practice, representing clients in a range of post-conviction, domestic violence, and immigration matters. Jacobs has also co-authored numerous amicus curiae briefs in federal appellate courts, including at the U.S. Supreme Court, and was named the 2022 “Volunteer of the Year” by the D.C. Volunteer Lawyers Project and 2022 “Pro Bono Trailblazer” for her work litigating on behalf of pro bono clients.

Jacobs also helps lead the Hogan Lovells legal team representing six families separated at the southern border under the Trump Administration’s Family Separation Policy. Following the continuation of the Zero Tolerance Policy under the current administration and increased restrictions on asylum seekers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hogan Lovells, alongside immigrant rights nonprofit RAICES and Am Law 200 firm Lewis Roca, filed multiple lawsuits on behalf of families who were unlawfully and inhumanely separated at the U.S. – Mexico border while exercising their right to request asylum. More about these cases can be found here.

“The policy, which marked a radical break from longstanding federal border policy that prioritized keeping arriving families together, marks a dark spot in the nation’s history,” said Jacobs, in a piece authored for the Texas Lawyer.

“For more than a half century, Hogan Lovells has championed racial equity and equal access to justice, and we will continue to advocate for underrepresented and marginalized groups,” added U.S. Pro Bono Partner T. Weymouth. “The Pro Bono team and I thank Joe and wish him well as he returns to his billable practice, and look forward to working closely with Melissa as she begins this important assignment.”

The firm’s commitment to responsible business and pro bono work continue to serve as a strategic priority. In addition to its efforts in the immigration space, Hogan Lovells’ pro bono initiatives largely focus on advancing racial justice, supporting women, girls, and youth, and providing resources for survivors of child and family violence.

More information on Hogan Lovells’ pro bono initiatives can be found here.