An ethic of public service is deeply rooted in Pierce Atwood’s history and culture. The firm also has a long and proud history of supporting a wide range of nonprofit and charitable organizations in the various communities in which we live and work. We are proud that so many of our attorneys and staff devote their time to important causes and organizations.

It is our goal that each of our attorneys will dedicate at least 50 hours each year to pro bono and community service, and many of our attorneys meet and exceed that goal by supporting a wide range of organizations across the U.S. and internationally. In 2014, we launched the Janet D. Eustis Memorial Staff Volunteer Time-Off Program, to empower our staff to get even more involved in their communities. Staff members are given one paid day off each year to volunteer for a nonprofit organization of their choice. As a firm, we hold an annual Day of Community Service. Since 2004, our attorneys and staff leave the office together to work on a service project for a deserving charitable organization.

As we have grown, and to better manage and coordinate the various fundraising efforts, we have established a Charitable Giving Committee. The committee’s mission is to identify a special charity or nonprofit to be the beneficiary of the firm’s yearlong, firmwide fundraising programs. We are pleased to also support nonprofit and charitable organizations in our local communities, and will direct a portion of our fundraising efforts there as well.

And in an effort to recognize outstanding pro bono and community service contributions, and encourage all employees to become involved in their communities, we created an annual Pro Bono and Community Service Awards program. Trusts & Estates attorney Lawrence Hunt is our 2024 “Pro Bono Attorney of the Year.” The majority of Larry’s pro bono hours were devoted to representing the nonprofit Cape Cod Center for the Arts in an appeal, joined by the Massachusetts Attorney General, of a probate court decision with significant implications for charitable trusts in Massachusetts.

Pierce Atwood's Commitment to the Community