Inland Counties Legal Services is proud to announce René Kathawala as the 2025 Volunteer of the Year — for his leadership in the pro bono community across the country and his incredible impact on ICLS’s pro bono program.
As Pro Bono Counsel for Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, René has worked alongside ICLS’s Pro Bono team to build pro bono opportunities for Orrick’s attorneys and corporate clients to help those in need. Thanks to his efforts, Orrick has become one of ICLS’s standout pro bono partners in protecting vulnerable communities, strengthening community organizations, and ensuring justice isn’t dependent on a person’s ability to pay.
“René exemplifies the best the legal industry has to offer,” Pro Bono Director Matt Kugizaki said. “His impact on our program and programs like ours across the country are a resounding reminder of the difference one person can make for those in need.”
Over the past year, René has helped ICLS launch an immigration screening clinic protecting immigrants and keeping families together, facilitated a name change clinic helping our LGBTQ+ neighbors live authentically, and advised several nonprofits in our region ensuring they have strong foundations to thrive. Under René’s leadership, Orrick has been essential in addressing legal needs at crucial moments and ensuring local organizations can continue their work.
Pro bono partnerships are vital to organizations like ICLS, because they oftentimes help in areas where legal aid does not have sufficient resources. With René’s support, ICLS can serve more clients than we could on our own. When our Small Business & Nonprofit Legal Program learned of the need for legal guidance to local nonprofits, René jumped in and helped several nonprofits with complex legal matters, helping them focus on building more vibrant communities.