On September 23rd, the Project celebrated the work of its volunteer attorneys and capital defender partners at the virtual 2021 Volunteer Recognition & Awards Program.
Event Media
Program Booklet
Watch the Full Program Here!
On September 23rd, the Project celebrated the work of its volunteer attorneys and capital defender partners at the virtual 2021 Volunteer Recognition & Awards Program.
Program Booklet
Watch the Full Program Here!
Every fall, the Project celebrates volunteer lawyers at its Volunteer Recognition & Awards Dinner. Pro bono firms are nominated by their colleagues for exceptional service to death row prisoners and honored with the Exceptional Service Award.
Greenberg Traurig has spent decades answering the call for pro bono death penalty defense and providing the highest quality representation. The firm has repeatedly taken on cases in the direst situations where success is unlikely but where the assistance of a zealous advocate remains of the utmost importance, both to the client and to the fair operation of the legal system. Greenberg Traurig’s dedication can be seen in its response to numerous last-minute requests for assistance in cases with an active execution warrant, as well as in its response to the crisis that unfolded in the federal death penalty system just as COVID-19 began spreading around the country. Partners in the capital defense community describe Greenberg Traurig as showing “enormous compassion and humanity in valuing the lives of our clients.” The Project is proud to honor Greenberg Traurig’s extraordinary contributions with the Exceptional Service Award.
Munger, Tolles & Olson has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to pro bono work through its skillful litigation of complex systemic issues affecting death row prisoners and dedication to assisting prisoners whose rights are in jeopardy in individual cases. Munger Tolles’ work has had a broad impact on death-sentenced prisoners throughout the country through its systemic reform efforts, including longstanding efforts to challenge lethal injection protocols that are developed improperly or could cause unconstitutional levels of pain and suffering. In addition to its high-impact systemic work, Munger Tolles has shown a steadfast commitment to assisting prisoners in their individual death penalty cases. Munger Tolles’ commitment pro bono death penalty representation extends beyond the “ordinary” capital case. The firm has shown an exceptional willingness to assist even those accused of the most heinous crimes out of a recognition that, in such cases “the need for vigorous and excellent representation is at its apex.” The Project is proud to recognize Munger Tolles’ exemplary commitment to death penalty representation with the Exceptional Service Award.
The Project recognizes the extraordinary efforts of individual lawyers with the John Paul Stevens Guiding Hand of Counsel Award, which was first presented to Justice Stevens in 2011. The Project recognizes pro bono attorneys and full-time capital defenders and public interest lawyers in alternating years. Last year's award was presented to pro bono attorney Meghan VerGow, a partner a the law firm O'Melveny & Myers. In 2021, the award will be presented to a full-time capital defender/public interest attorney.
Professor Sandra Babcock has dedicated her entire career to defending the rights of death-sentenced individuals, serving as a catalyst for systemic change across the globe. Along with her direct representation of individuals facing the death penalty, Prof. Babcock has trained countless lawyers in the United States and Africa, consulted with scores of defense teams, and drafted resource materials and manuals that are now required reading for capital counsel. In the words of a colleague: “Sandra’s guiding hand has truly changed the world.”
In recognition of Prof. Babcock’s unparalleled commitment to capital defense worldwide, her impact on countless numbers of death row prisoners and defenders, and the indelible mark she has left on the historical record of the death penalty, the ABA Death Penalty Representation Project is honored to present Sandra Babcock with the 2021 John Paul Stevens Guiding Hand of Counsel Award.
Sponsorship of the Volunteer Recognition & Awards Program provides essential funding for the Death Penalty Representation Project that enables the Project to carry out its mission year-round. Please consider sponsoring this year's event and becoming a partner in our work to ensure zealous advocacy for every person facing a death sentence.
Defender
Crowell & Moring
Greenberg Traurig
King & Spalding
Champion
Kirkland & Ellis
Munger, Tolles & Olson
The Sidley Austin Foundation
Skadden
Partner
Arnold & Porter
The Steptoe Foundation
Friend
Akin Gump
BakerHostetler
Morgan Lewis
Sheppard Mullin
White & Case
Supporter
Hogan Lovells
O'Melveny & Myers
For more information or questions, please contact Emily Olson-Gault at [email protected].