Koch Pro Bono Initiative
Creating opportunities through legal access
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We believe everyone should have the opportunity to improve their lives — and sometimes, removing barriers requires legal support that they might lack access to or otherwise be unable to afford. That’s where the Koch Pro Bono Initiative comes in.
Through volunteer-driven legal services, we help individuals and organizations gain access to the tools, documents and clarity they need to move forward. From expungement clinics to nonprofit support, veterans’ discharge upgrades to driver’s license reinstatement, our work reflects the belief that all people have potential to transform themselves and the world around them.
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Principles in practice
Our approach is rooted in Principle Based Management™ and our Stewardship Framework. We help people unlock their potential in a way that strengthens communities and creates mutual benefit. Pro bono participation is open to all Koch employees, not just those in the legal field. Because creating change takes more than legal expertise — it takes individuals who care. Every volunteer works alongside a licensed attorney, ensuring community members receive qualified legal support. We also partner with law firms, nonprofits and community organizations to multiply our reach. Together, we’re building lasting partnerships that bring legal services directly to the places they’re needed most.
Koch Pro Bono Awards
At Koch, we believe meaningful change starts with individuals. That’s why our Pro Bono Initiative is open to all employees, because no matter your role, you have the ability to improve lives and remove barriers. Each year, we recognize those who go above and beyond to bring our vision to life. These are the Koch Pro Bono Award recipients:
2025 Award winners
PRO BONO SERVICE AWARD: BRYAN BYE
With long-standing contributions to the Pro Bono Initiative and Koch-led expungement drives, Bryan has participated in or led 16 events since 2019 (including six in 2025 alone).
SITE PARTNER OF THE YEAR: FLINT HILLS RESOURCES CORPUS CHRISTI
The FHR team partnered with Texas RioGrande Legal Aid to host a successful driver’s license restoration clinic, serving 40 people at this year’s event.
PRO BONO PARTNER OF THE YEAR: JONES DAY
Recognized for their extraordinary impact, Jones Day supported Café Momentum’s expansion, staffed Start Anew clinics for human trafficking survivors and partnered with Koch on expungement clinics in Minneapolis.
Koch Pro Bono Awards history
Adam Schaeffer, Associate General Counsel – Transactions, was recognized for his longstanding leadership in the Koch Pro Bono Initiative, supporting Catalyst organizations and organizing legal clinics to help low-income tenants in the Chicago area.
Koch Methanol St. James was named Site Partner of the Year for partnering with Baker Botts and the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles to host a driver’s license reinstatement clinic.
Baker Botts received the Pro Bono Partner of the Year Award for its collaboration with the Koch Pro Bono Initiative, including organizing a driver’s license reinstatement and renewal clinic at Koch Methanol St. James.
Tresa Boline has helped change hundreds of lives through her leadership for the Midwest Innocence Project and Wichita Expungements Project.
Logan Overman is a key contributor to the Midwest Innocence Project case reviews, criminal expungement cases and the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth.
Brendan O'Toole of Williams Mullen played a key role in securing a pardon for Sincere Allah, through Koch’s compassionate release initiative.
Barnes & Thornburg provided unparalleled support for Stand Together catalyst organizations.
Jeremy Hilsman, Koch chief counsel for real estate, volunteered 200 hours on more than 20 matters – from expungement to real estate issues.
Wilson Sonsini reviewed dozens of cases for the Midwest Innocence Project, with 41 Wilson Sonsini attorneys participating.
Alston & Bird found new ways to support groups helping military veterans and people sentenced to life without parole as children.
Winner Barnes & Thornburg provided over 1,500 hours of work, worth almost $1 million, in its first year supporting Stand Together catalyst organizations.
The latest from the Koch Pro Bono Initiative
Check out recent stories of how people across Koch companies are working to help improve lives in our communities.
