Jenny Rikoski Whitney Honored with Mary K. Ryan Achievement in Pro Bono Award by the Boston Bar Association

Employment, executive compensation & benefits partner Jennifer Rikoski Whitney was honored with the Mary K. Ryan Achievement in Pro Bono Award by Boston Bar Association (BBA).

Established in memory of former BBA president Mary K. Ryan, the award is presented annually to individuals who embody her legacy as a devoted advocate and champion of legal aid and pro bono service. Jenny was recognized for her nearly two decades of leadership and hands-on commitment to pro bono work. As pro bono committee co-chair and active practitioner, she has built and led cornerstone initiatives that expand access to justice for vulnerable communities.

Jenny led Ropes & Gray’s representation of immigrant children and parents separated at the Texas border under the federal “zero tolerance “policy. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped architect the COVID Relief Coalition, an alliance of Massachusetts law firms, nonprofits, and government agencies that assisted small businesses and nonprofits in accessing emergency funding and navigating Paycheck Protection Program issues, commercial real estate considerations, and reopening guidance. Under Jenny’s direction as co-chair of Ropes & Gray’s Pro Bono Committee, Ropes & Gray contributed 139,500+ pro bono hours in 2024.

Award recipients were recognized at an awards ceremony held on October 30, 2025.