Chapman and Cutler LLP (Chapman) is a law firm focused on finance. They have spent over a century helping clients and giving back to their community. The firm supports nonprofits, invests in local initiatives, and runs a strong pro bono program to make a positive impact. The attorneys at Chapman have led the way in innovative public-sector financing, helping fund pre-K education for underserved children in Chicago with the goal of improving kindergarten readiness and raising third-grade literacy. Since 2018, the firm has partnered with Working in the Schools (WITS), the largest provider of literacy enrichment programming in Chicago Public Schools, investing nearly $100,000 to support students and teachers throughout Chicago.
Beyond Financial Support
WITS is proud of Chapman’s partnership, which goes beyond financial support. Chapman employees serve as mentors, dedicating over 125 hours annually to encourage young readers. Through the WITS Workplace Mentoring program, Chapman provides literacy mentorship to 4th through 6th-grade students from Jose de Diego Elementary in Humboldt Park. The mentors bring energy, creativity, and a passion for reading to every session, helping students discover the joys of literacy.
Dedicated Mentors
Most Chapman mentors are returning participants, bringing valuable experience to the program. They consistently demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and use their creativity to proactively support students. Through fun, interactive activities – such as acting out and drawing scenes from a book – students develop a love of reading and strengthen their literacy skills. One Chapman mentor notes, “I want to help a young student advance in their reading capabilities while also providing a safe and fun space for them to connect with someone older than them.”
Leadership Committed to Education
Chapman’s culture of giving back runs through all levels of the firm. Morrison Warren, co-chair of Chapman’s Investment Management Practice Group and a WITS Board member, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership: “I am so very excited to be part of the WITS team. WITS has been consistently committed to serving Chicago students for over 30 years. Having positive exposure to reading as a young person significantly affected both the quality of my life and the opportunities available to me. I share WITS’ belief that literacy is the foundation on which all learning develops, and I welcome the opportunity to help in any way I can.”
Benefits for Students and Employees
Through its work with WITS, Chapman empowers elementary students across Chicago to discover themselves through reading and develop foundational literacy skills. The partnership between WITS and Chapman not only benefits the students served but also enriches mentors’ lives, fostering a culture of giving back throughout the firm. Chapman believes that community strengthens their firm and their profession. According to the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, employees who volunteer have higher levels of interpersonal social bonding, greater identification with their employers, and higher job engagement and satisfaction. Chapman has fostered a culture where people care deeply about their communities and each other, with nearly half of its partners beginning their legal careers at Chapman and 40% of its professional staff having worked at the firm for 15 or more years. Their collaboration with WITS shows how WITS programming can benefit employees and create opportunities for all Chicago students to be literate.
How can your company partner with WITS?
WITS has over 30 years of experience partnering with Chicago companies like Chapman. There are many benefits to partnering with WITS:
- Turn-key programs that engage employees, leading to higher retention rates and employee satisfaction.
- A dedicated program coordinator to facilitate meaningful, research-supported programming.
- A streamlined way to give Chicago students and teachers access to age-appropriate, culturally specific books they currently lack access to.
- Exposure opportunities that highlight your company’s commitment to the city of Chicago.
If you are interested in becoming a WITS partner, please fill out our inquiry form.
Supporting WITS
WITS is proud to be 100% privately funded, ensuring uninterrupted program delivery that does not rely on school or city budgets. In addition to being a WITS partner, you can support our programming in several ways. We offer opportunities for individuals to donate, purchase books for the WITS library, and volunteer. No matter how you choose to support WITS, your contribution keeps WITS programs free and accessible to Chicago Public Schools students and teachers.
