Brenna K. DeVaney is a lecturer at the University of Michigan Law School. She is pro bono counsel in the Chicago office of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher, and Flom, and serves as co-chair of the firm’s global Pro Bono Committee.

DeVaney’s practice focuses on representing low-income individuals, including women in family law matters who have been the victims of domestic violence. She is involved with the Skadden Honors Program in Legal Studies at The City College of New York, part of the firm’s effort to increase diversity in law schools and the legal profession.

Before her role as Skadden’s first pro bono associate, DeVaney was a member of the government enforcement and white collar crime group, where she represented individual and corporate clients in federal and state criminal and regulatory matters and conducted internal corporate investigations.

In 2016, DeVaney received the Public Interest Law Leadership Award from the Legal Aid Society for her commitment to the organization and its clients, as well as for her leadership role in the Association of Pro Bono Counsel and as the chair of the New York City Bar Association Pro Bono and Legal Services Committee, where she has developed best practices in pro bono around the country. In 2014, the Sanctuary for Families Center for Battered Women’s Legal Services presented DeVaney with the Abely Pro Bono Achievement Award for her advocacy against sexualized violence and her support of Sanctuary for Families and its clients, including victims of domestic violence and their children. In 2011, the Sanctuary for Families honored her  with its Above and Beyond Award for Excellence in Pro Bono Advocacy. Additionally, the Legal Aid Society recognized DeVaney as one of the recipients of its 2011 Pro Bono Publico Awards for her outstanding service and leadership to expand access to justice for low-income New Yorkers. She also has been the recipient of the New York Family Court Volunteer Attorney Program Pro Bono Service Award on multiple occasions.