A team of San Francisco-based Shearman & Sterling attorneys is providing pro bono services to help establish a Bay Area branch of a program that brings squash to students in underserved urban high schools.

Combining academics and athletics, the program, Squashdrive, will introduce students to the sport of squash while also offering a structured schedule that encourages them to study and complete their homework. Partner Mark Hyland, associates David Swarthout and Danielle Giles, and summer associate David Liu have worked with former collegiate squash player Lauren Patrizio to draft formation documents for the program, and have begun preparing a 501(c)(3) application for tax-exempt status.

The program will be similar to those under the umbrella of the non-profit National Urban Squash and Education Association, which was featured in the June 8 issue of The New York Times.  Click here to read the article.