Hogan Lovells has a longstanding tradition of leadership in pro bono work, with a practice that is deeply rooted in the firm’s vision, culture, and strategy – in particular its focus on “Our society”* – and our commitment to making a lasting on individuals and communities. The firm was among the first to establish a dedicated pro bono practice more than 50 years ago, and has remained at the forefront of representing clients in high-profile, impactful cases that drive social and legal change across the globe.

Hogan Lovells CEO Miguel Zaldivar said: “As Hogan Lovells has grown to become a global elite law firm, we have continued to prioritize the important role we as lawyers play in the societies in which we work and live. Together, Tom and Yasmin will lead a global approach to our pro bono program, which reflects the global nature of our footprint and practice. Bringing to bear the resources of a global law firm enables us to have an even greater impact on this important work.”

Connally, who has been with the firm for more than 30 years, is a leading trial lawyer who focused on high-profile commercial litigation. He has successfully handled cases involving breach of contract, fraud, and other business torts, working across sectors including technology, government contracts, aerospace, media, energy, and health care. Tom is known for his exceptional litigation strategy, creativity, and ability to think outside the box. His past leadership roles include serving as Practice Area Leader of Hogan Lovells’ Commercial Litigation practice across the Americas, and Managing Partner of the firm’s Northern Virginia office.

“It is an incredible honor to co-lead Hogan Lovells’ esteemed global pro bono practice with Yasmin,” said Connally. “Throughout my career, I have been deeply committed to ensuring that access to justice is available to all, regardless of their background or resources. Pro bono work is essential to not only providing legal services to those who need it most, but also in strengthening the fabric of our communities and society.

“Leading this exceptional team in continuing the firm’s legacy of pro bono excellence will be one of the highlights of my career,” Connally said. “I’m very grateful to T. for his visionary leadership, the outstanding pro bono team he has built in the U.S., and the lasting impact they have made in advancing justice.”

Waljee added, “I am looking forward to partnering with Tom as we strive to build on the firm’s legacy to deliver meaningful and impactful work on a global scale. Our work has always been anchored in the belief that access to justice is a fundamental right, and together, we will ensure that this commitment is reflected in every aspect of our practice. The firm has achieved remarkable success in our pro bono work over the years, and we will work together to further expand our reach, impact, and ability to make a meaningful difference in communities around the world.”

Weymouth led the firm’s pro bono efforts in the U.S. for more than a decade. Throughout his tenure, he has driven initiatives in key areas including empowering girls and women, and has been committed to advancing justice for those most in need. His leadership has resulted in the firm’s U.S. lawyers contributing more than 90,000 hours annually to a wide range of pro bono matters, from representing vulnerable individuals to supporting nonprofits and engaging in impactful appellate litigation. Weymouth also has worked closely with corporate clients to develop in-house pro bono programs and has fostered strong relationships with legal service providers and nonprofits.

Globally, the firm has engaged in more than 150,000 hours of pro bono work annually in recent years, and has represented pro bono clients in some of the most high profile cases around the world. The firm’s work has been instrumental in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, securing asylum for a human rights defender targeted by the Taliban and assisting Afghan refugees seeking to reunite with family members still in the region. In the U.S., we successfully argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in the landmark voting rights case Moore v. Harper. In addition, following the deaths of 39 Vietnamese trafficked victims in a refrigerated a lorry trailer, our offices in the UK, Paris, Brussels, and Vietnam, represented the Pacific Links Foundation and the bereaved families of the victims they support, in the criminal justice process to obtain landmark decisions which recognized that victims of human trafficking are entitled to compensation.

*“Our society” is a strategic priority for Hogan Lovells, which stands alongside the firm’s other four strategic priorities: Our clients, Our people, Our firm, and Our investments.