Pro Bono Motion for Compassionate Release Granted
News
August 11, 2022
Jenner & Block client Rodney Lambirth, a federal prisoner suffering from Stage IV prostate cancer with a prognosis of less than a year to live, recently won compassionate release on thanks to pro bono representation by Jenner & Block lawyers.
Mr. Lambirth previously filed two compassionate release motions, which were denied because the court found that he failed to state an extraordinary and compelling circumstance for release and that he posed a public safety risk. The Jenner & Block team argued that the metastasis of his cancer and terminal diagnosis fit squarely within the Sentencing Commission’s guidelines on what constitutes an extraordinary and compelling reason for release. Judge David Counts in the Western District of Texas agreed with the team’s position and ordered Mr. Lambirth’s sentence reduced to time served.
Pro Bono Counsel Nura Maznavi and Pro Bono & Work Equity Lawyer Angelina Smith led the team with supervision from Partner Andrew W. Vail and assistance from Associates Timothy W. Yuhasz, and Deanna E. Krokos.
© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.
News
August 11, 2022
Jenner & Block client Rodney Lambirth, a federal prisoner suffering from Stage IV prostate cancer with a prognosis of less than a year to live, recently won compassionate release on thanks to pro bono representation by Jenner & Block lawyers.
Mr. Lambirth previously filed two compassionate release motions, which were denied because the court found that he failed to state an extraordinary and compelling circumstance for release and that he posed a public safety risk. The Jenner & Block team argued that the metastasis of his cancer and terminal diagnosis fit squarely within the Sentencing Commission’s guidelines on what constitutes an extraordinary and compelling reason for release. Judge David Counts in the Western District of Texas agreed with the team’s position and ordered Mr. Lambirth’s sentence reduced to time served.
Pro Bono Counsel Nura Maznavi and Pro Bono & Work Equity Lawyer Angelina Smith led the team with supervision from Partner Andrew W. Vail and assistance from Associates Timothy W. Yuhasz, and Deanna E. Krokos.
© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.
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