A Law Firm Is Donating a $12.5 Million of a Multi-Million Dollar Settlement to HBCUs
The law firm that represented Maryland’s HBCUs in a 15-year lawsuit against the state is donating $12.5 million to colleges and nonprofits from the fees it was awarded in the settlement, Washington Post reports.
Michael D. Jones, who leads the Kirkland & Ellis law firm, represented alumni and supporters of Maryland’s HBCUs in their challenge of systemic underfunding of the schools by the state government. After years of litigation, the case was settled this year when state lawmakers approved hundreds of millions of dollars in extra funding in future state budgets for HBCUs.
“So many of us became lawyers to fight injustice and give our clients a fair shake not only in the courtroom but also in society. This case has allowed me, and my colleagues, to do just that,” Jones said in a statement. “I’m gratified by this entire experience, including knowing that this donation will go directly to helping future lawyers gain valuable experience and to fight for justice for others.”
