Law Firm to Assist Nonprofit with Pro Bono Services

May 17, 2007

RICHMOND, VA. – Williams Mullen, Virginia's third largest law firm, and Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity, the 15th largest Habitat Affiliate in the U.S., announced their partnership at the organization's monthly board meeting held at the Williams Mullen East Cary Street office yesterday evening. The firm made a permanent commitment to assist Richmond Habitat with pro bono legal services.

"We are answering the call for affordable and workforce housing," said Andy Nea, Williams Mullen Pro Bono Partner. "By leveraging our capacity as a large-size firm, we can do the heavy lifting required to make these building projects a success."

In years past, several lawyers and firms have donated pro bono hours to the affiliate's mission and to the families served by the entity. Leisha G. LaRiviere, Executive Director of the Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity, said that the new partnership will provide the capacity necessary to bring the organization's impact to the next level. "With Williams Mullen now as our permanent partner, our staff and board of directors know that a bevy of legal experts in a variety of specialties are ready to assist us. Having this public/private partnership will move us more quickly toward our strategic goals and flex our business model from single-family homes built on single lots to multi-family homes in mixed-use, mixed-income developments."

Richmond Habitat is structured in four parts: a large construction company that builds nearly 30 houses per year; a social services agency that assists more than 550 families annually; a mortgage company managing mortgages for all Habitat homeowners; and an operating retailer of ReStore, a building supply, furniture and eclectic re-sale store. The firm anticipates it will help the organization with legal issues in areas of real estate and land use law, but the work could extend across all of the core components.

"We are honored and we are grateful for this community commitment," said Leisha. "We hope that other law firms will similarly engage nonprofits to further strengthen our region through strategic collaboration."



About Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity
Richmond Habitat for Humanity changes lives by making it possible for families to realize the dream of homeownership. We join forces with Richmond area low-income families, local government, businesses, faith groups, schools, associations and individual volunteers and donors to build decent, modest homes that families can afford to buy through interest free mortgages we provide. We are a hand-up, not a handout. For more information on Richmond Habitat, visit www.richmondhabitat.org.

About Williams Mullen
Williams Mullen provides comprehensive legal services to regional, national and international clients. With 300 attorneys and offices in North Carolina, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and London, we deliver innovative solutions to support our clients' diverse business activities. Close working relationships with clients have been the foundation of Williams Mullen's progressive approach to law practice since the firm was founded nearly 100 years ago.


For more information, please contact:

Jessica Haese
Williams Mullen
Phone: (804) 783-6527
jhaese@williamsmullen.com

Lisa Bedell
Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity
Phone: 804-232-7001, ext. 113
lisa@richmondhabitat.org