A culture of pro bono service is a core value at BakerHostetler, one of the largest law firms in the U.S. The firm reported 3,719 pro bono hours on the Supreme Court of Ohio and the Foundation’s annual Pro Bono Survey, a result that ranked among the top firms statewide for 2025.
Karl Fanter, a partner in BakerHostetler’s Cleveland office who co-chairs the firm’s national pro bono committee, helps bring in pro bono matters and connects Baker attorneys with the right opportunities. With matters ranging from assisting veterans with discharge upgrades to landlord-tenant disputes, there’s a wide range of projects to suit a variety of interests.
“When a pro bono matter comes in the door, it’s treated just the same as one of our paying clients,” Fanter said. “I think that’s important, because besides lawyers just wanting to do the right thing, these pro bono matters are really good training, particularly for our associates.”
Recently, Baker’s Cleveland office took on a pro bono engagement with profound results. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) partnered with law firms around the country to help victims of sex trafficking complete a remission process to compensate victims who were advertised for trafficking on Backpage or CityXGuide. Baker attorneys represented more than 20 victims in navigating the process of applying for compensation, an arduous and emotional experience for both the survivors and the volunteers.
“It involved some intense, serious conversations, but some of the stories of the survivors are really incredible,” Fanter said. “Some have become victim advocates and have been willing to share their story. A lot of attorneys have said it’s one of the most impactful legal matters they’ve had.”
When evaluating pro bono projects, Fanter and the committee prioritize working with nonprofits such as NCMEC that can provide support and subject area training.
“We have found that partnering with nonprofit organizations is helpful not just from an intake perspective, but also from a training perspective, because the nonprofits deal with these situations on a day-to-day basis, whereas if we’re taking on a single pro bono case, we’re not necessarily familiar with that aspect of the law,” he said.
For attorneys who do step up, a pro bono engagement provides not only a vehicle for giving back but also useful, practical experience. Fanter finds he doesn’t have to do much convincing when he presents a new opportunity to the Baker team.
“I am constantly surprised and pleased by the number of folks, whether it’s young associates, senior associates, or even partners, who are willing to pitch in,” he said. “I’ll talk to attorneys who, even years later, say that one of their favorite cases they ever had was a pro bono case. So that means a lot to me.”
The Foundation partners with the Supreme Court of Ohio to gather information about pro bono volunteerism and financial contributions to legal services organizations in Ohio. View the 2025 Pro Bono Survey results.