Pro Bono
Barrasso Usdin has had a long-standing commitment to public service. Many of our attorneys devote significant time and energy to worthwhile pro bono matters involving a variety of issues, including post-conviction relief and civil rights claims.
In 2022, the firm was awarded the Camille Gravel Pro-Bono/Public Service Award by the New Orleans Federal Bar Association. The Camille Gravel Award recognizes an attorney or firm who has done substantial pro bono or public service legal work. The Firm was recognized at the New Orleans Chapter of the Federal Bar Association Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon.
The firm has partnered with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Louisiana in a litigation campaign challenging racially discriminatory policing practices in Louisiana. The initiative – “Justice Lab: Putting Racist Policing on Trial” – aims to bring up to 1,000 cases to challenge racially motivated stops and seizures under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments and other applicable law. With this intensive effort in a single state, Justice Lab hopes to test the impact that litigation has on police conduct.
Whitney M. Antoine was one of four attorneys nationwide selected for the American Bar Association’s 2022-2024 Young Lawyer Leadership Program. Recognizing Whitney’s passion and commitment to the broader legal community, the program aims to encourage talented young lawyers in service of the profession. Whitney’s program participation focuses on emerging issues in commercial and business litigation and women’s advocacy.