Jenner & Block Secures Compensation for Pro Bono Client After City of Harvey's Discharge Injunction Violations

A Jenner & Block team representing pro bono client Rose Thomas secured sanctions against the City of Harvey, Illinois, after the US Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois found the city willfully violated the discharge injunction by shutting off Ms. Thomas's water for 273 days following her Chapter 7 discharge.

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For nine months, Ms. Thomas was forced to haul water from friends' homes in five-gallon jugs to drink, bathe, and maintain her home through the Chicago winter, despite repeated attempts to resolve the issue directly with the city. The court called the city's conduct "the most egregious violation of the discharge injunction that I have ever encountered," awarding Ms. Thomas $41,450 in actual damages and $41,450 in punitive damages. The court also urged municipalities and utilities nationwide to review their own bankruptcy compliance policies in light of the ruling.

"This case underscores the importance of the discharge injunction as one of the Bankruptcy Code's most fundamental protections," said Special Counsel Bill Williams. "Our focus throughout was making sure Ms. Thomas received the relief she deservedWe are extremely proud of Ms. Thomas’s courage and perseverance throughout this ordeal, and we are hopeful that her efforts—and the court’s decision—will promote a renewed focus on bankruptcy compliance for years to come.”

The Chicago-based Jenner team was led by Special Counsel Bill Williams and Associate Lauren Spungen, under the supervision of Partner Vince Lazar, with valuable trial and post-trial support from Partner Cathy Steege.

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© 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.

Jenner & Block Secures Compensation for Pro Bono Client After City of Harvey's Discharge Injunction Violations

A Jenner & Block team representing pro bono client Rose Thomas secured sanctions against the City of Harvey, Illinois, after the US Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois found the city willfully violated the discharge injunction by shutting off Ms. Thomas's water for 273 days following her Chapter 7 discharge.

Read More

For nine months, Ms. Thomas was forced to haul water from friends' homes in five-gallon jugs to drink, bathe, and maintain her home through the Chicago winter, despite repeated attempts to resolve the issue directly with the city. The court called the city's conduct "the most egregious violation of the discharge injunction that I have ever encountered," awarding Ms. Thomas $41,450 in actual damages and $41,450 in punitive damages. The court also urged municipalities and utilities nationwide to review their own bankruptcy compliance policies in light of the ruling.

"This case underscores the importance of the discharge injunction as one of the Bankruptcy Code's most fundamental protections," said Special Counsel Bill Williams. "Our focus throughout was making sure Ms. Thomas received the relief she deservedWe are extremely proud of Ms. Thomas’s courage and perseverance throughout this ordeal, and we are hopeful that her efforts—and the court’s decision—will promote a renewed focus on bankruptcy compliance for years to come.”

The Chicago-based Jenner team was led by Special Counsel Bill Williams and Associate Lauren Spungen, under the supervision of Partner Vince Lazar, with valuable trial and post-trial support from Partner Cathy Steege.

Related Locations

© 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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