McNees launched the Legal Equity Advancement Program (LEAP) in 2020 to help Black-owned and Black-controlled businesses overcome barriers to entry that are caused, in part, by institutional racism. Each business chosen for the program is awarded one year’s worth of free legal services. LEAP awardees gain access to nearly every practice area at McNees and have addressed matters involving business organization or reorganization, tax, employment, real estate, intellectual property, MBE certification, and contract review, among several others. In addition, recipients are offered educational webinars/seminars and networking opportunities with each other and with individuals and companies within our network.

​

LEAP is one of many pro bono and diversity, equity and inclusion investments McNees makes in the communities it serves. The firm has a longstanding history of supporting programs and organizations to further initiatives that provide opportunities and resources for underserved populations. McNees is a proud member of the Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA), an organization dedicated to driving change and promoting attorney diversity in law firms and corporate law departments.  McNees has also been a longstanding supporter and sponsor of the LGBT Center of Central PA.  In 2022, McNees was the first law firm in Pennsylvania to join the Women’s Business Enterprise Center-East (WBEC-East) Supplier Diversity Council, a group that champions women-owned businesses. The firm also regularly sponsors and participates in events and programs that provide education and awareness around issues that impact underserved populations in the community and in the workplace.

​