Recipients

2019 – David Pi

In his first six years as an associate at Schiff Hardin LLP, David Pi has already proven himself to be a true leader at the firm and in the broader legal community. As one colleague writes, “David has a unique combination of intellect, energy, and compassion that makes him a tremendous lawyer and person.”

In his relatively short legal career, David has already completed nearly 3,000 hours of pro bono work, taking on a wide range of cases including Section 1983 litigation in federal court; complex asylum matters with the National Immigrant Justice Center; and family law cases through the firm’s neighborhood clinic in Rogers Park, operated in partnership with Chicago Volunteer Legal Services. David has also demonstrated an incredible commitment to caring for the holistic needs of his pro bono clients, working with one client to secure transportation, housing, winter clothing, and food. As another colleague writes, “the common theme across all of David’s pro bono cases is the exceptional, above-and-beyond care, concern, and compassion that he shows for his clients.”

David maintains his pro bono commitment amidst a busy complex commercial litigation practice at the firm. David has also demonstrated a commitment to the ideals of diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, as well as to promoting a culture of pro bono within the firm. He has mentored new lawyers, encouraging them to focus on pro bono service and professional development. David has also been invited to speak to groups of undergraduate and law students about his professional and pro bono experience and is already inspiring a new generation of lawyers to follow in his impressive footsteps.

David has shown a deep commitment to pro bono service and to improving the legal profession. As a colleague writes, “there is no finer lawyer, more committed advocate, or more generous colleague.”