The Neighborhood Entrepreneur Law Project provides legal assistance to micro-entrepreneurs and aims to promote economic empowerment among entrepreneurs and small businesses. 

Jonathan Kim, Partner at Dechert LLP, has personally taken on more than 50 legal matters through the project’s clinics, and in each case, Jonathan has been more than an attorney; he has been a listener, a problem-solver, and an unwavering ally.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when so many small businesses were struggling to survive, Jonathan stepped forward without hesitation. In one case, he provided pro bono legal assistance to a daycare center that was struggling with customer engagement, employee retention, and staying afloat during that time of unprecedented uncertainty. Jonathan helped the center navigate these challenges and make decisions that kept the business – and their livelihood – alive.

Jonathan’s contributions extend well beyond the clients he has personally served. As NELP’s primary contact at Dechert since 2018, he has organized and inspired dozens of fellow attorneys to join our efforts. Through his leadership, those attorneys have provided critical legal services to more than 200 entrepreneurs over the years – each one a person working hard to achieve economic self-sufficiency, build opportunity, and strengthen the communities in which they live and work.

There has never been a pro bono request from NELP that Jonathan has turned down. His deep commitment, unwavering generosity, and belief in the potential of every client he serves has a lasting mark on our project, our clients, and NYC’s small business community.

For his extraordinary dedication, leadership, and enduring partnership, we are proud to present Jonathan with a 2025 Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award.