Squire, Sanders & Dempsey has tapped veteran death penalty litigator George Kendall, formerly of Holland & Knight, to head a new program combining pro bono litigation, public policy reform and public education.

"This initiative represents a significant expansion of our pro bono activities that reflects Squire Sanders' continuing commitment to that important area and also brings exceptional talent to our federal appellate practice and the firm's growing New York office," said Squire Sanders Chairman R. Thomas Stanton.

Kendall, known nationally for his work on behalf of death row inmates, was senior counsel at Holland & Knight and a member of its community services team. He brings with him to Squire Sanders three associates who will work on the firm's new initiative: Samuel Spital, Corrine Irish and Carine Williams.

"The firm was interested in starting a public service initiative, supporting it, and turning it into something very good," said Kendall. "We've got a ton of work, lots of cases, and who knows what tomorrow might bring. It might not necessarily be dedicated to what we're doing now — capital cases, innocence cases, habeas and prison cases."

Howard Nicols, who oversees Squire Sanders' advocacy practice area, said the move is part of the firm's focus on steadily expanding its litigation practice. Over the past two years, the firm has doubled the number of trial lawyers in its New York office.

"In addition to taking on significant pro bono litigation, George and his team will partner with leaders across the legal spectrum – from lawyers in other major law firms and leading nonprofit trial lawyers, organizations and associations to public law interest offices and prominent law school faculty, as well as members of the U.S. judicial, legislative and executive branches," Nicols said. "Apart from the immediate substantial enhancement of our pro bono resources, there's long-term benefit to the firm and its clients from the relationships and experience coming out of these collaborations."

Kendall has represented clients in the U.S. Supreme Court for more than 25 years, and, for the past 20 years, has worked to improve indigent defense services in state and federal courts, partnering with the Defender Services Division of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. He currently is working with The Constitution Project on ways to improve discovery in criminal cases.

Karen McBride, marketing director of Holland & Knight, said the firm is broadening and restructuring its own pro bono program. The firm announced today the establishment of the Public and Charitable Service Department, which will coordinate the firm's community, charitable and pro bono initiatives. Jacksonville, Fla., partner Buddy Schulz, past head of the firm's litigation department, will lead the new department. "We appreciate George's contributions to our pro bono program and wish him the best in this new endeavor," McBride said.