Jenner & Block awarded its annual Albert E. Jenner Pro Bono Award to Partners David Jimenez-Ekman and Zachary C. Schauf and Associate Illyana Green for their tireless work on behalf of clients in need of access to justice. The firm gave the annual Jenner & Block Award for Excellence in Pro Bono or Public Service to Operations Administrator Marc Patterson.
Mr. Jimenez -Ekman was honored for representing Ken Smith, who was wrongfully imprisoned for a murder and robbery he did not commit. Thanks to Mr. Jimenez-Ekman’s relentless advocacy over many years, Mr. Smith was released from prison last May.
Mr. Schauf was honored for his success in defeating Oklahoma’s efforts to overturn the US Supreme Court’s landmark decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma, which found that much of Oklahoma remains Native American lands.
Ms. Green was honored for securing asylum for a Kosovan man after arguing his case at the Seventh Circuit; she was also honored for representing the American Medical Association and other medical associations as amici in transgender rights cases across the US.
Mr. Patterson was honored for his vigorous support of the firm’s award-winning pro bono program including screening incoming requests for pro bono legal support and for helping to set up a series of DACA renewal clinics that took place in partnership with the firm’s billable clients.
Jenner & Block has been recognized by The American Lawyer as the top pro bono firm in the United States 10 of the past 14 years. We partner with dedicated legal aid organizations, law school clinics, in-house legal departments, and others committed to providing access to justice and serving the public good. As advocates for equity, we embrace our responsibility to serve those in need, better our communities, and protect our future.
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