Award Serving Justice a Different Way
In a world that often measures success in billable hours, Jonathan Baum dares to stand apart with his long-time commitment to pro bono work. Baum, receiving the 2026 American Bar Association’s John H. Pickering Award, exemplifies what it means to practice law with a heart. Sitting in a high-rise in Chicago, he's driving a force that resounds far beyond the courtroom.
The Man Behind the Award
Baum has been an advocate for the underrepresented since 1993, steering Katten’s pro bono ship with integrity and grit. Yet, what really kicks you in the gut is his sincerity. "I see this award as honoring pro bono itself, not me," he mentions. It's not just more talk in a sea of legal jargon; it's about real people needing help and lawyers stepping up.
Pioneering a Culture of Service
Jonathan Baum transformed pro bono from a firm initiative into a culture deeply woven into Katten’s fabric. His proud brainchild, the Katten Legal Clinic, in collaboration with Legal Aid Chicago, serves as a testament to that legacy. This isn't just another legal service; it's about reaching over 2,000 clients at urban public schools since its inception in 2013. Beyond balance sheets and bottom lines, Baum ensures that communities flourish with genuine, needed legal aid.
Replicating the Vision
What stirs the soul is how Baum’s actions have inspired other major firms to launch similar clinics. It's proof in the pudding that one individual's vision can ripple through an entire industry. Katten even nabbed the ABA’s Pro Bono Publico Award, an accolade etched on the firm’s mantle thanks to these efforts.
"Refugees fleeing oppression need champions," Baum says, carving out the lawyer’s duty in a world often glossing over the marginalized.
A Career of Note
His roadmap wasn't always painted in roses and accolades. Before Katten, Baum walked the halls of power, from top AmLaw 100 firms to the University of Chicago Legal Aid Clinic. His past ventures sharpened his current advocacy edge, from being a Stanford Legion to a veteran at the Chicago Lawyers' Committee.
- Previously a legislative aide to US Representative Abner J. Mikva
- Received the Champion of Justice Award in 2022
- Honored with the Distinguished Public Service Award in 2010
A Duty More Than a Career
Katten backs Baum with 650 attorneys spanning the globe. Clients tap into Katten's vast expertise not just for financial markets and private wealth, but for this compassionate touch under Baum's guidance. Professional responsibility duct-taped with privilege is a real cornerstone when giving clients access to justice.
Jonathan Baum's journey underscores something crucial: practicing law isn't just about money. It's about justice and a fervent commitment to pulling up those who can't afford the climb alone. He's not just walking alongside Hans to the next office; he's blazing a different trail straight into the heart of our legal ecosystem.
In the end, the ABA Pickering Award serves as a beacon, urging more lawyers to follow Baum's lead. It's like a lighthouse, reminding even the biggest firms of their role in the world where not everyone gets their fair shake. Whether juggling international tax laws or championing justice for the underdog, Baum shows legal success isn't always measured in greenbacks.
