At Steptoe & Johnson, lawyers are actively involved in community service, outreach programs, and pro bono work. Each lawyer in the firm is involved in some type of civic organization, from basic memberships to leadership positions on committees and boards. Steptoe & Johnson encourages new associates to utilize their backgrounds, talents, and personal interests, and contribute those skills and resources to the betterment of the community as well as the legal profession.
Steptoe & Johnson personnel have provided care packages for American soldiers stationed in Iraq, organized and served over 1,400 meals at community holiday dinners, assembled teams for various health and wellness walks, coordinated nursing home visits, and collected donations and food supplies for local humane societies. The firm continues to provide significant financial support to Legal Aid of West Virginia, The West Virginia Symphony, The Charleston Ballet, The Clay Center for Arts and Sciences WV, and The United Way, to name just a few organizations.
The firm has long been committed to providing pro bono legal services to individuals and organizations of limited financial means. Within the firm, one attorney serves as pro bono counsel to ensure that such projects are identified and staffed. This involvement provides Steptoe & Johnson lawyers with diverse opportunities for professional development, while fostering relationships with social service agencies, legal advocacy groups, and non-profit groups. Through these relationships, firm lawyers have represented clients in a number of cases, which include abuse and neglect proceedings for children, domestic violence protection for victims, guardianship appointments, and end-of-life planning for seniors.