Community Service

Hanson Bridgett has sought to match its leadership in the legal profession with active participation and leadership in the communities where its practices are located.

Hanson Bridgett volunteers contribute to various community service organizations.

The firm encourages our staff to volunteer actively in their own communities. Some of our most recent initiatives include:

• Hanson Bridgett Teams Up with NBA's Golden State Warriors
  Students at Everett Middle School were thrilled to meet Warriors Guard Kelenna Azubuike during this year's NBA season when he and Hanson Bridgett Managing Partner Andrew Giacomini dropped in for a visit. Kelenna entertained students with stories from his game on the court to who has inspired him most in life. The visit was made possible through the San Francisco School Volunteers Program and Hanson Bridgett's partnership with the Golden State Warriors. View Kelenna Azubuike's video and other inspired videos from Warriors' Forward Al Harrington, Guard C.J. Watson and Forward Austin Croshere.
• Stefan Lyon Foundation
  The Stefan Lyon Foundation was launched by a 13-year old who is already an international philanthropist, driven by compassion and a desire to help those less fortunate than himself. Hanson Bridgett hosted a book signing for Stefan's third book, Stitch and Friends Go Green. He wrote his first book, My Adventures with Stitch, in 2006. The sales of this book went toward converting an abandoned shed in Kakamega, Kenya into a school house for 40-60 students. Currently, Stefan is raising $60,000 for the construction of a school in Bungoma, Kenya, an important addition to the local community that will help educate children who would not otherwise be able to attend school.
• Project Night Night
  Project Night Night offers "nighttime comforts" and a good night's rest for homeless children. The nonprofit organization serves approximately 15,000 homeless children annually. Hanson Bridgett displays its deep sense of commitment to the children of the homeless community through its platinum sponsorship of Project Night Night. In addition, Hanson Bridgett held a donation drive for stuffed animals, baby blankets, and children's books to be donated to local homeless shelters.
• Save the Bay
  Save the Bay is the oldest and largest organization working exclusively to protect, restore and celebrate San Francisco Bay. As the Bay's leading champion since 1961, Save The Bay is committed to making the Bay cleaner and healthier for people and wildlife. A group of volunteers from Hanson Bridgett took part in one of Save the Bay's restoration projects. By removing invasive iceplant and collecting native plant seeds and cuttings, our volunteers helped to revitalize San Francisco Bay wetlands critical to the health of the Bay ecosystem.
• Sound Check
  Sound Check is a benefit concert Hanson Bridgett presented at Slim's in San Francisco. In the past three years, this annual event has raised approximately $100,000 for the Women's Reentry Center, a facility that provides transition services to women released from the San Francisco jail. The center provides training, childcare, and counseling services that gives them a fighting chance to stay out of lock-up for the rest of their lives. In addition to monetary donations and staff time, Hanson Bridgett also contributed their musical talent to the concert. Firm bands Blind Justice and the David Miller Trio performed at the event.

The firm annually provides support for the following organizations:

• San Francisco Food Bank
  Hanson Bridgett assists through volunteering, sponsoring fundraisers, such as a casino night and karaoke party, and donating directly to the organization through its annual Food From the Bar food drive. In 2007 Hanson Bridgett achieved Platinum Donor Status, contributing over $24,000 in monetary donations, 5,000 pounds of food, and 10 volunteer shifts to the Food Bank.
• Head Start Holiday Gift Drive
  Hanson Bridgett staff and attorneys contribute by donating toys and gifts for low-income children who are in need of holiday gifts. This annual program is sponsored by the Bar Association of San Francisco.
• The Capital Unity Council
  The Capital Unity CouncilOur attorneys assist the Council with employment and construction issues related to the new California Unity Center and Museum, which is being built in Sacramento to promote diversity and to fight hate crimes.
• The Arc San Francisco
  Hanson Bridgett provides employment opportunities for many of the Arc's clients, and serves on its Board of Directors.

Hanson Bridgett is proud to be recognized for our work in support of community organizations.

Community achievements include:

• San Francisco School Volunteers' Allies for Education Program
  San Francisco School Volunteers' Allies for Education Program partners corporate allies with needy schools. Through this program, our volunteers provide valuable mentoring assistance and tutoring to at-risk students of Everett Middle School. Additionally, Hanson Bridgett has been instrumental in developing programs with the school, including honor roll lunches, school beautification efforts and art projects, and donating computers and furniture.
• San Francisco Foundation Community Leadership Award
  The Peninsula Coalition awarded Hanson Bridget Partner David Miller with the 2008 Community Leadership Award. The award celebrates people who are taking initiative to solve problems in their neighborhoods and communities.
• David Cunningham Corporate Community Service Award
  The California Association of Black Lawyers (CABL) paid tribute to Hanson Bridgett for its service to the community by granting the firm the David Cunningham Corporate Community Service Award. CABL has a time-honored tradition of annually paying tribute to those individuals and corporations who have distinguished themselves in the legal profession and in service to the community. Hanson Bridgett was pleased to accept the award at the 31st Annual CABL Conference held on April 24–27, 2008.
• San Francisco Chamber Ebbie Award for Corporate Philanthropy
  In October 2004, the firm was celebrated as the winner of the 2004 Corporate Philanthropy Award for a small- or mid-size business by the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. The Corporate Philanthropy Award was established to honor a San Francisco company, or company with a major presence in the city, in recognition of its contributions to building community and enhancing the quality of life in San Francisco. The award criteria include innovation and impact, as well as time and resources contributed. The San Francisco School Volunteers formally nominated the firm for this award; and its nomination was supported by numerous other Bay Area organizations that partner with Hanson Bridgett.
• The Arc San Francisco Innovation Award
  The The Arc San Francisco honored the firm with its Innovation Award in August 2004. The Innovation Award honors a company that has demonstrated exceptional innovation in the areas of employee retention, reasonable accommodations and recruitment. Hanson Bridgett has had a wonderful working relationship with the Arc San Francisco for over 15 years, providing employment opportunities for many of the Arc's clients, and serving on its Board of Directors.