Dorsey & Whitney LLP appointed partners Erin Bryan and Kirk Schuler to serve as Co-Pro Bono Partners, effective April 27, 2026. They will succeed partners Alissa Smith and RJ Zayed, whose leadership helped strengthen and advance Dorsey’s pro bono program, and will continue to build on Dorsey’s longstanding commitment to providing pro bono legal services to underserved individuals and nonprofit organizations.
“Pro bono service is a core part of who we are as a firm and as lawyers,” said Peter Nelson, Managing Partner. “I am excited to have Erin and Kirk join the team, and I’m incredibly thankful to have had Alissa and RJ lead the program.”
Dorsey’s pro bono program supports a wide range of legal matters, including access to justice initiatives, civil rights, immigration, housing stability, and nonprofit governance. Dorsey encourages attorneys at all levels to engage in meaningful pro bono work and consistently exceeds national benchmarks for pro bono participation.
Kirk Schuler, a Commercial Litigation Partner in the Des Moines office, has been deeply engaged in pro bono litigation throughout his career. Since joining Dorsey, his work has included representing a quadriplegic client in a disability rights matter to secure his right to live independently in his own home, veterans’ appeals work, indigent criminal defense, and protecting the property rights of small business owners and mobile home tenants. These experiences reflect a sustained commitment to impactful pro bono representation in court and access to justice.
Erin Bryan, a Finance & Restructuring Partner in the Minneapolis office, has likewise demonstrated a strong commitment to pro bono service, with a focus on advocating for individuals from underrepresented groups and families. One of her first assignments was to help a family to establish a nonprofit memorial foundation honoring their son, enabling the family to carry forward his legacy by supporting accessible playgrounds. She has participated in a wide range of pro bono work since she was a junior associate, such as housing, immigration, nonprofits, and civil rights matters.
Together, the new Co-Pro Bono Partners will work closely with firm leadership, practice groups, and other organizations to enhance pro bono opportunities and participation across Dorsey’s offices.
“I am honored to serve in this role. It’s a privilege to support the incredible pro bono work our lawyers, paralegals, and business professionals do every day,” said Erin Bryan.
Kirk Schuler added, “Representing pro bono clients has always been one of the most rewarding aspects of my practice. I’m very thankful for this new opportunity with Erin to help direct the delivery of pro bono services Firm-wide, to provide the most positive pro bono impact we can with our nearly 700 lawyers and 22 offices.”
Dorsey’s pro bono efforts have been recognized by the American Bar Association, AZBF, American Lawyer, and North Star Lawyer, reflecting the firm’s dedication to advancing access to justice and strengthening communities.