Advocacy in Action: A Summer of Pro Bono Excellence at MoFo – Delaney Ho

Editor's note: Read about Delaney Ho, who participated in MoFo's 2024 Summer Associate Program in our San Diego office, in this installment of our MoFo Stories series.

Big Law or public interest? I wanted both. As a woman of color from a working-class family, I'm committed to uplifting the communities that have brought me to where I am today. During my job search, I looked for a firm that shared this commitment. MoFo immediately stood out to me for its work in reproductive rights after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. MoFo is an anchor law firm in the Abortion Defense Network and in litigation to enforce medically necessary exceptions in state abortion bans. A lot of law firms talk about pro bono, but seeing a firm that demonstrated its commitment through tangible actions was refreshing.

During my summer at MoFo, I've seen firsthand the firm's dedication to serving the community. I was able to participate on a pro bono matter where MoFo serves as co-counsel alongside several nonprofit organizations who are working to improve the conditions at the open-air detention sites along the border. A group of us-including a partner, an associate, and three summer associates-spent a weekend at these sites, delivering humanitarian assistance and gathering migrants' testimonies. Members of our group also provided crucial translation support. Concurrently, legal secretaries and other associates worked tirelessly behind the scenes, preparing documents late into the night and remaining on standby to address any urgent needs we encountered in the field. It was motivating to witness a partner and multiple associates prioritize this pro bono case amidst their demanding schedules.

In another pro bono assignment, I worked with my associate mentor on a case where MoFo is defending a client against a federal lawsuit. The individual bringing the suit against our client seeks to evade a child custody order by alleging constitutional violations. For the case, I researched questions of standing and compulsory joinder to support our efforts to have the lawsuit dismissed.

The firm's commitment to fostering pro bono engagement, including at the summer associate level, is commendable. One of the firm's pro bono counsel proactively contacted us earlier in the summer, introducing herself and presenting an opportunity to participate in a pro bono immigration clinic. She visited our office in person to discuss our pro bono interests and address any questions we had.

My experience has reaffirmed my decision to join MoFo's 2024 Summer Associate Program. I'm proud to be at a firm that supports its attorneys pursuing pro bono work and utilizes its resources to create a positive societal impact. I look forward to centering pro bono in my practice as an attorney.