Barnes & Thornburg Launches Racial Justice Foundation

Indianapolis-based law firm Barnes & Thornburg has launched the Barnes & Thornburg Racial and Social Justice Foundation. Through the newly-formed foundation, the firm says it has awarded $50,000 to Public Advocates in Community re-Entry, a nonprofit in Indy that provides assistance to currently and previously incarcerated individuals.

“We’re honored to provide this donation to PACE, which is one of the most impactful organizations in our city and whose mission and accomplishments align perfectly with the mission of our newly launched foundation,” said Brian Burdick, managing partner of Barnes & Thornburg’s Indianapolis office. “We believe that everyone deserves a second chance and has the ability to be a positive contributor to their community. PACE’s demonstrated outcomes of breaking cycles is astounding.”

In addition to employment and job placement assistance, the nonprofit provides case management to assist with family reunification, transitional housing, substance use disorder treatment groups, mental health treatment, recovery support services, and education.

“The clients it serves have a recidivism rate of less than 5 percent, and it is a privilege to stand alongside PACE in a meaningful way as it continues its mission to confront the systemic obstacles that often block the path of those impacted by incarceration,” said Burdick. “This donation to PACE is aimed at strengthening its long-standing efforts in successfully confronting the institutional, racial and social injustices that challenge these journeys.”

In addition to the foundation’s grants, Barnes & Thornburg says its attorneys and staff will contribute time and professional experience in support of the organizations.