Mitchell Williams Selig Gates & Woodyard*

Taking time for others and giving back to the community has become just as much a part of Mitchell Williams Selig Gates & Woodyard’s 52-year history as its legal work.

“Our history of charitable endeavors is as long as the history of our firm and is an integral part of the firm and who we are,” Managing Director Jack Grundfest said.

The Little Rock law firm donates its time, money and talent to more than 50 nonprofit organizations each year, including groups that promote the arts, regional theater and classical music; support wildlife conservation, youth sports, fitness and early childhood development; and fight diseases, prejudice, domestic violence and physical handicaps.

The firm organizes and sponsors various events and fundraisers, especially around the holidays. Since 1995 its attorneys have contributed money and canned goods for food baskets that go to needy families in Little Rock.

Even the attorneys’ children get in on Christmas toy shopping for less fortunate children, Grundfest said. “The spirit of giving is alive and well in the children of our employees,” he said. “Not one child questioned why none of the toys were for them.”

In addition to helping the less fortunate, the firm also has lent support to those serving the country. The firm has sent calling cards and care packages to Arkansas soldiers in Iraq.

The firm also makes a habit of giving what it does best. Last year its lawyers worked more than 250 pro bono hours for various nonprofits and the needy.

“This does not include the hundreds of hours the lawyers spent volunteering as leaders, directors and volunteers of the many nonprofit organizations they are involved with,” Grundfest said. “Our firm feels strongly that we should be of service to our community.”