The ABA Section of Litigation selected Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP as recipient of the 2007 John Minor Wisdom Public Service and Professionalism Award. The Wisdom Award was presented to Kramer Levin at the Section of Litigation’s annual meeting in San Antonio on April 12. Kramer Levin is the first New York-based firm ever to win this prestigious national award.
Kramer Levin was singled out for the award based on its outstanding and varied pro bono achievements in 2006, which included serving as co-counsel in League of Women Voters v. Cobb, which struck down Florida’s restrictive voter registration law, and Hernandez v. Robles, the New York case seeking equal marriage rights for same-sex couples. The award also recognizes Kramer Levin's longstanding commitment to policies that encourage all of its lawyers to participate in pro bono and public service work.
“This award was created to honor those who have made outstanding contributions to the quality of justice in their communities, ensuring that the legal system is open and available to all. Kramer Levin truly exemplifies the best of our profession. Every member of the firm should be proud of their accomplishments and our section is proud to honor them by recognizing their work on behalf of those in need,” said Section of Litigation Chair Kim Askew of Dallas.
Named for renowned Fifth Circuit judge and civil rights pioneer John Minor Wisdom, the award recognizes lawyers who have made a significant contribution to the quality of justice in the legal profession and in their communities by making legal assistance accessible to the poor, the disenfranchised, and other underrepresented groups. The award honors lawyers from all areas of practice, including career public interest lawyers, lawyers from private firms, and corporate counsel. Entire law firms have been given the award only four other times since it was created in 1990.
“We have always believed that giving back to the community and helping make the legal system work for all are the responsibilities of every lawyer and law firm,” said Kramer Levin Managing Partner Paul S. Pearlman. “We are pleased to receive this acknowledgement of our hard work in living up to that obligation.”
Click for more information on Kramer Levin’s pro bono activities and accomplishments.