Clooney Foundation for Justice launches new program

The Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) has launched the Justice Champion Program, a major initiative designed to unite leading law firms in delivering pro bono legal support to women and journalists worldwide. The programme's inaugural partner is Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, a distinguished litigation firm with more than 1,000 attorneys operating in 35 offices globally.

As part of this collaboration, Quinn Emanuel will contribute to CFJ's key programs, including its partnership with the Oxford Institute for Technology and Justice, an initiative co-founded by Amal Clooney to leverage artificial intelligence in the pursuit of justice. Marjun Parcasio and Muzhgan Wahaj, both London-based associates skilled in international human rights law, have been appointed as the first 2026 Justice Champion Fellows.

With this announcement, the foundation enhances its established network of pro bono attorneys associated with leading law firms. Since its inception, CFJ has successfully provided over 10,000 hours of free legal assistance to women confronting discrimination and violence, as well as journalists wrongfully imprisoned for their reporting.

Amal Clooney, Co-Founder of the Clooney Foundation for Justice, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership by stating “This partnership will help us do even more for the women and journalists we represent. We are lucky to count Quinn Emanuel as part of the CFJ family and very grateful for their support as our first Justice Champion partner.”

Kevin Johnson, Partner at Quinn Emanuel, emphasized the importance of CFJ’s mission by saying “At-risk women and detained journalists around the world have an advocate they can trust in CFJ. We’re proud to support that mission, and this fellowship gives our lawyers the chance to work on consequential human rights matters while making a real difference in people’s lives.”

Julianne Hughes-Jennett, Partner at Quinn Emanuel London, also highlighted the firm’s commitment, stating “Quinn Emanuel is honoured to be CFJ’s inaugural partner and to support CFJ in its fight for human rights and justice globally. We look forward to using our legal skills to ensure access to justice for all.”

In addition to the Justice Champion Program, Quinn Emanuel is engaged in ongoing pro bono representation for Ukraine in inter-state human rights proceedings against Russia before the European Court of Human Rights.