Thelen Reid Finds Ways to Make Contributions to Hurricane Katrina/Rita Relief Efforts Enduring and Meaningful

15 November 2005

Immediately following the devastation to America's Gulf Coast from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Thelen Reid made a commitment to help the victims- first, by providing a substantial donation to relief efforts and, second, by organizing a larger and enduring effort that is personal to the firm. Since mid-September, Thelen Reid's Katrina/Rita Recovery Initiative Committee has researched, considered and analyzed ways in which the firm and its people could provide meaningful aid and assistance to those who have suffered as a result of this disaster. Based on their thoughtful consideration, the Thelen Reid Executive Committee has approved and authorized the implementation of a three-part program: 1. The provision of up to $100,000 to fund the Gulfport, Mississipp chool District Network Restoration Project; 2. The provision of up to $150,000 to Habitat For Humanity International(HFHI), designated for HFHI's Operation Home Delivery Program, whic ill help fund the construction of homes to be installed in the Gul oast region; and 3. The establishment of a volunteer program for our attorney and staf mployees to allow and encourage them to devote time and services t he Hurricane Katrina/Rita recovery efforts. "The extent of the damage and disabling dislocation-social, political and economic-is of an order of magnitude unprecedented in recent memory," said Initiative chair and New York-based partner Thomas J. Igoe. "Homes disappeared, schools were destroyed, families were rent asunder and millions of people were relocated to other states. With virtually no advance planning, commercial activity of every sort came to a halt, and the fabric of Gulf Coast government, business and social institutions was severely damaged." In response to this tragedy, money has graciously poured into the region through FEMA, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army and other relief agencies, with the key focus being on the provision of food, clothing, temporary shelter and medical assistance and supplies to millions of evacuees and those who remained in the stricken region. Although Thelen Reid similarly recognized the need to act, we determined to devise a program for our attorneys and staff that would be more meaningful than merely writing a check. To this end, Thelen Reid determined that the firm's efforts should be guided by the following principles: 1. Our efforts should be focused on the recovery phase of assistance,rather than the relief phase; they should have an enduring effect upo eople and institutions; and our efforts should be personal to Thele eid. 2. Our efforts should focus on two critical areas of need: the rebuildin nd refurbishing of local schools, and the provision of suitabl ousing for the neediest families. 3. A significant part of our efforts should be focused on th ississippi/Louisiana Gulf Coast region-where the needs are th reatest. 4. In addition to the provision of moneys to support rebuilding, Thele eid will authorize and encourage its employees to devote personal tim nd services to the recovery effort through a well-defined, firm-sponsored, volunteer program available to all attorney and staf mployees. 5. The value of our firm's contribution to the Katrina/Rita recover ffort should be meaningful and substantial, with a stated goal of$300,000 or more. This commitment will be implemented over a period o ime, not limited to a single year. Thelen Reid's Katrina/Rita Recovery Initiative is led by Thomas J. Igoe; partners Deborah J. Broyles, Thomas E. Hill and Ann Kane Smith; senior policy advisor Max Burns; chief administrative officer Chris Abramson; human resources manager Susan Lindstrom; New York office administrator Vikki Candiotti; and chief information officer Robert O'Rielly. About Thelen Reid & Priest LLP Thelen Reid & Priest LLP is a national law firm with more than 440 lawyers located in New York, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Silicon Valley and northern New Jersey. The firm provides superior legal services with a focus on complex commercial litigation; corporate and capital markets transactions; project and asset finance; construction; labor and employment; intellectual property; domestic and international tax; employee benefits; government affairs; and real estate. Thelen Reid's client service philosophy emphasizes teamwork, collaboration and communications-values that are critical to a successful attorney-client relationship. Committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting attorneys and staff who reflect the diversity of its clients and surrounding communities. The firm is the proud recipient of the Defense Research Institute's (DRI) 2004 Commitment to Diversity Award, as well as the California Minority Counsel Program's 2005 Drucilla Stender Ramey Majority-Owned Law Firm Award, which is given annually to the CMCP majority- owned law firm member that has demonstrated the strongest commitment to diversity.

Source: PR Newswire

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