The International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA) recognized a firm team with its Amicus Service Award for their work crafting an amicus brief in a major appeal by the City of Evanston, Illinois and the US Conference of Mayors, challenging limits on federal grants for so-called “sanctuary cities.” In the appeal, the City of Evanston and the US Conference of Mayors urged the Seventh Circuit to affirm a ruling that the federal government can't impose immigration-related conditions on a public safety grant, saying the US attorney general is seeking to "force his political preferences on as many cities as possible."
Written on behalf of IMLA and National League of Cities (NLC), the brief supported the right of organizations of cities to invoke associational standing to challenge the unlawful conditions being imposed by the US Attorney General on their receipt of federal grant funding. The brief clarifies the contours and scope of organizational and associational standing, which permit non-profits of all stripes to appear in court on behalf of their members and themselves. The brief outlines the doctrine’s historical roots, continuing importance, and application in the context of challenges to unlawful government action.
Partners Gabriel K. Gillett and David P. Saunders led the firm team representing amici. Associates Alexis E. Bates and Brenna J. Field also put in major effort to develop and draft brief. Paralegal Mary Frances Patston provided valuable help with cite-checking.
IMLA is a nonprofit organization consisting of more than 2,500 members, including cities, counties, and subdivisions thereof; NLC is the oldest and largest organization representing municipal governments throughout the United States, and serves as a national advocate for the more than 19,000 cities, villages, and towns it represents.
Related Lawyers
Related Capabilities
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.