Advocating for Justice in 9/11 Guantanamo Case

In January 2025, on behalf of the Center for Victims of Torture (CVT), the oldest and largest torture rehabilitation organization in the United States, Katya Jestin, Matthew Hellman, Ian Moss, and Mary-Claire Spurgin filed an amicus brief in support of a petition for mandamus to the DC Circuit.  The amicus brief advocated for the reinstatement of plea agreements entered by the accused co-conspirators of the 9/11 attacks in the 9/11 Guantanamo Military Commission case.  In August 2024, the plea agreements were unilaterally withdrawn by then Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, which resulted in litigation before the DC circuit seeking their reinstatement.  CVT argued that reinstatement of the guilty pleas and associated agreements were in the public interest and the best way to achieve judicial finality for all parties involved given that the 9/11 case has been mired in seemingly interminable pre-trial litigation related to the well-documented torture of the accused 9/11 co-conspirators while in U.S. custody.  CVT argued that the plea agreements served as the best path to achieve a modicum of justice for 9/11 victim family members and society, while also providing accountability for the torture of the accused by U.S. personnel.

 

 

© 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.

Advocating for Justice in 9/11 Guantanamo Case

In January 2025, on behalf of the Center for Victims of Torture (CVT), the oldest and largest torture rehabilitation organization in the United States, Katya Jestin, Matthew Hellman, Ian Moss, and Mary-Claire Spurgin filed an amicus brief in support of a petition for mandamus to the DC Circuit.  The amicus brief advocated for the reinstatement of plea agreements entered by the accused co-conspirators of the 9/11 attacks in the 9/11 Guantanamo Military Commission case.  In August 2024, the plea agreements were unilaterally withdrawn by then Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, which resulted in litigation before the DC circuit seeking their reinstatement.  CVT argued that reinstatement of the guilty pleas and associated agreements were in the public interest and the best way to achieve judicial finality for all parties involved given that the 9/11 case has been mired in seemingly interminable pre-trial litigation related to the well-documented torture of the accused 9/11 co-conspirators while in U.S. custody.  CVT argued that the plea agreements served as the best path to achieve a modicum of justice for 9/11 victim family members and society, while also providing accountability for the torture of the accused by U.S. personnel.

 

 

© 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 and Insights

Event

Partner Terri Mascherin to Speak at Illinois State Bar Association Seminar on Negotiation Ethics

On November 11, Partner Terri Mascherin will join a faculty panel for the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) continuing legal education (CLE) seminar “Negotiation Ethics: Winning Without Selling Your Soul.”

November 11, 2026

Publications

In Politico, Partner Emily Loeb Discusses How Companies Are Preparing for Congressional Oversight 

Partner Emily Loeb was spoke with Politico for a story examining how companies are preparing for heightened congressional oversight, particularly those that could become the focus of investigations centered on affordability and accountability. 

 

October 29, 2026

Recognition

Partner Katie Wynbrandt Named a 2026 Rising Star by The National Law Journal 

Partner Katie Wynbrandt has been named a 2026 DC Rising Star in the appellate category by The National Law Journal at its DC Legal Awards.

October 26, 2026

Recognition

Partner Adam Unikowsky Named 2026 Appellate Attorney of the Year by The National Law Journal

Partner Adam Unikowsky has been named Appellate Attorney of the Year at The National Law Journal’s 2026 DC Legal Awards.  

 

October 23, 2026

Publications

EPA’s Power Plant Rule Adds to a Predictably Volatile Landscape, Bloomberg Law

Partner Amanda Shafer Berman and Meghan Greenfield authored an article for Bloomberg Law on the Environmental Protection Agency’s recent repeal of most Biden-era greenhouse gas standards for power plants and the litigation that followed.

October 21, 2026