FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2013
Contact: James B. Monroe, Managing Partner
DAV Recognizes Finnegan Generosity with Exceptional Donor Award
WASHINGTON, DC — On August 13, 2013, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) presented Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP with the Exceptional Donor Award in recognition of extraordinary generosity to the DAV National Service Foundation. Finnegan is the first recipient of the award, and is the first donor, corporate or individual, to exceed $1 million in lifetime giving. “Finnegan holds a singular place in the distinguished history of the National Service Foundation. Never has a single donor made such a remarkable commitment to our cause,” said Arthur Wilson, DAV National Service Foundation President.
Finnegan partner Paul W. Browning, Ph.D. and Finnegan pro bono counsel Ronald L. Smith accepted the award at the DAV’s 2013 National Convention in Orlando, Fla. in a ceremony recognizing the firm’s pro bono work and financial support over the years. Marc Burgess, DAV National Adjutant and CEO, observed, “Finnegan has exhibited an extraordinary commitment to the DAV and the veterans we serve by giving generously of its time, talent, and treasure to a cause that we all cherish.” Barry Jesinoski, DAV National Headquarters Executive Director, added, “It is difficult to express our gratitude to Finnegan for its remarkable philanthropy and its impeccable legal work on behalf of disabled veterans.”
Finnegan’s extensive Veterans’ Pro Bono Program assists disabled U.S. military veterans. Focusing on pro bono appeals in the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) and the Federal Circuit, Finnegan reviews decisions by the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA). Since the program commenced in July 2008, the firm has brought approximately 560 appeals, and for the past three years, Finnegan attorneys have devoted more than 8,000 pro bono hours per year to matters on behalf of veterans. The firm was awarded attorney’s fees by the courts in a large number of cases, and in turn donated those fees to charitable organizations serving veterans and their families. In 2012, the firm donated $669,000 to veterans’ charities around the United States, including the DAV.
In accepting the award, Browning reflected that “It is particularly gratifying to receive this award from DAV, which is an organization for which I, and others at Finnegan, have deep respect.” He added, “Working closely with the DAV on pro bono appeals of veteran cases, we see firsthand the tireless commitment the DAV has made for our veterans.”
About Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
DAV empowers veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. It is dedicated to a single purpose: fulfilling promises to the men and women who served. DAV does this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them; fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill; and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life. DAV, a non-profit organization with 1.2 million members, was founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932. Learn more at www.dav.org.
About Finnegan
With more than 375 intellectual property lawyers, Finnegan is one of the largest IP law firms in the world. From offices in Washington, DC; Atlanta, Georgia; Boston, Massachusetts; Palo Alto, California; Reston, Virginia; Brussels, Belgium; Shanghai, China; Taipei, Taiwan; and Tokyo, Japan, the firm practices all aspects of patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret law, including counseling, prosecution, licensing, and litigation. Finnegan also represents clients on IP issues related to international trade, portfolio management, the Internet, e-commerce, government contracts, antitrust, and unfair competition. For additional information on the firm, please visit www.finnegan.com. Follow us on LinkedIn or on Twitter.
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