Jones Day develops a pro bono practice in the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals

Client(s) Appellate work in the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals

Atlanta partners David Monde, Rick Deane and Ken Smith, along with Pittsburgh partner Tom Jones and Columbus partner Chad Readler supervise teams of Jones Day associates in appellate case work.

Beginning in May 2011, the Atlanta Trial Practice has been working to develop a consistent and ongoing pro bono practice in the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. The Eleventh Circuit appoints counsel not only pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) in criminal cases, but also in civil cases that do not fall within the scope of the CJA. Specifically, the Court regularly appoints counsel in civil rights and discrimination cases, as well as in other civil cases in which the Court believes that the interests of justice will be served by the presence of counsel.

Hoping to replicate the Firm's success in obtaining regular pro bono appointments from the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, Jones Day Atlanta Trial Practice head David Monde and the former Eleventh Circuit clerks resident in the Atlanta office wrote in May 2011 to each of the former clerks' judges, describing the Firm's interest in these cases and requesting consideration for pro bono appointments. Chief Judge Joel Dubina and Judge Beverly Martin responded almost immediately with letters of thanks and a request that the Firm identify specific lawyers to serve as lead counsel for assigned cases. The Firm identified Atlanta partners David Monde, Rick Deane and Ken Smith, as well as Pittsburgh partner Tom Jones and Columbus partner Chad Readler as potential lead counsel for these cases, who will supervise teams of Jones Day associates in these appeals. The Atlanta office hopes to receive its first appointment through these efforts before the end of 2011.