1 Nov 2007 New Perimeter receives InnovAction Award from College of Law Practice Management College of Law Practice Management Recognizes DLA Piper’s Non-Profit Affiliate New Perimeter for its Dedication to International Pro Bono DLA Piper US LLP recently received the College of Law Practice Management (COLPM) InnovAction Award, which is awarded annually to recognize lawyers, law firms and other deliverers of legal services who engage in extraordinarily innovative efforts. DLA Piper was honored by COLPM for the creation of its non-profit affiliate New Perimeter, which is focused on pro bono initiatives of global significance. DLA Piper recently accepted the InnovAction Award during a special session at COLPM’s Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, Pa. "Two years since its inception, New Perimeter remains a unique operation in the world of international pro bono,” said Sheldon Krantz, director of New Perimeter and partner at DLA Piper. “We are honored by this recognition and extremely proud of the impact our attorneys are making abroad.” New Perimeter’s mission is to bring the firm’s legal resources to bear strategically on some of the world’s most pressing problems – creating, providing legal support for, and completing major projects that address such issues as health care, hunger, corruption, environmental sustainability, economic development, law reform and human rights. DLA Piper’s volunteer attorneys work on initiatives in underdeveloped or developing countries, where they assist in building institutions that endure and open the way for stronger societies and better lives. Eric Henry, an associate in the firm’s Philadelphia office who attended and spoke at the COLPM award ceremony, is actively involved in New Perimeter’s work with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo. He noted, ”It’s exciting to be part of a program that is receiving acclaim for the new ways it is delivering global pro bono assistance that is both large-scale and long-term.” Through New Perimeter, DLA Piper donates 13,000 pro bono hours annually to projects around the globe, valued at over $5 million. New Perimeter provides DLA Piper lawyers the opportunity to devote 500 to 1,000 hours, and in some cases work full-time, on projects such as drafting new judicial laws in Kosovo, restructuring micro-lending programs, developing a worldwide food bank system and establishing a human rights center in Southern Africa. The most recent New Perimeter project, working in conjunction with the firm’s global Sustainability Initiative, addresses climate change. COLPM is an honorary worldwide organization that was formed in 1994 to honor and recognize distinguished law practice management professionals, to set standards of achievement for others in the profession and to fund and assist projects that enhance the highest quality of law practice management. The College and its Fellows inspire excellence and innovation in law practice management by honoring extraordinary achievement; developing, exchanging and disseminating knowledge; and stimulating innovation in the delivery of legal services.