As we head into August, we want to take a moment and reflect on some of our top highlights from last month.
On Monday, July 18, Public Justice was honored to join our supporters, advocates, and allies in Seattle—and across the country—to celebrate four decades of advocacy and change at our 40th Annual Gala & Awards Celebration.
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Pictured (clockwise): Hillary Rodham Clinton; Susan Gombert (center) with Huntington Bank's Rose Kohles and Public Justice Past President Eric Cramer; Arthur Bryant; and June and Angie Provost of Provost Farm.
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We were also excited to announce the recipients of the 2022 Trial Lawyer of the Year Award, which was presented to the legal team (pictured) behind McCollum et al. v. Robeson County et al., a landmark case that secured $75 million in damages on behalf of two North Carolina men who spent more than three decades in jail for wrongful convictions.
The winning team was one of four outstanding finalists, whom you can learn more about here. Each finalist team was recognized with a short documentary, which premiered at the Gala and can be viewed on our YouTube channel. Check out the winning team's video below!
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At the end of the night, we bid farewell to our outgoing President Dan Bryson and welcomed incoming President-Elect Thomas Sobol.
"The work to remove barriers and bring justice is never finished," said Dan. As we reflect on his term, we remember Dan's words acknowledging that our work is never over. But thanks to all of you, we have a strong group of allies and supporters rallying behind us and helping us fight for long-lasting change.
Finally, we want to extend a special thank you to all of this year's sponsors (listed here) for your help in making this year's Gala a success.
For those who were unable to attend the Gala, a recording of the livestream is available to view on our YouTube channel.
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Thank you from all of us,
The Public Justice Team
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Join Us in Supporting Kalpana Kotagal for EEOC Commissioner |
We're proud to support Public Justice Board Member Kalpana Kotagal, who was nominated by President Biden to serve as U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Commissioner.
We recently joined our allies at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights in a letter of support for Kalpana's nomination:
"Ms. Kotagal’s deep legal expertise and experience identifying and challenging systemic discrimination,
coupled with her unwavering commitment to ensuring justice for the most vulnerable working people,
make her exceptionally qualified to serve as an EEOC Commissioner."
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Advocating for Immigrant Workers
in Michigan
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In a recent victory, the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled in favor of our case on behalf of the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, striking down the State of Michigan's attempt to dismiss our case, as well as its appeal, allowing our case to proceed.
Read farmworker and mother Maria's story in the latest piece from Investigate Midwest, which highlights how Michigan law punishes undocumented workers by denying them workers' compensation wages when injured on the job.
We believe everyone should be able to work in conditions that are dignified, fair, and healthy. Getting injured at work should never mean losing your income or livelihood. Learn more about our fight. |
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Fifth Circuit Victory in Wrongful Death Case |
In an important victory for the family of Erie Moore, a Black man who was assaulted and beaten to death by correctional officers in a for-profit prison, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit overturned a district court’s ruling, allowing the case to proceed to trial.
Most notably, the Fifth Circuit held that Mr. Moore's family could seek punitive damages against the private prison company, rejecting the company's attempt to invoke qualified immunity for its employees—a doctrine that insulates government officials from civil lawsuits and a significant barrier to justice.
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The case is on appeal in the Third Circuit, in which the talc claimants argue that J&J is trying to delay or even permanently evade liability by declaring bankruptcy in bad faith using a trick known as the Texas Two-Step, a tactic that could needlessly delay resolution of the case.
“The Third Circuit’s decision will have far-reaching impacts on the right of plaintiffs harmed by large corporations and bringing meritorious claims to seek civil justice," said T&Z Associate Glenn Chappell. "We’re proud to represent the voice of consumers in this crucial case.”
Last year, T&Z lawyers published an analysis in Law360 on J&J's attempt to abuse the bankruptcy system and use it as a tool for injustice: "If allowed to stand, J&J's bankruptcy ploy will set a dangerous precedent. There is nothing stopping any financially healthy company from employing the same tactics to delay or avoid civil justice."
Read the full piece here.
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Interested in being featured for our next Member Spotlight?
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Public Justice welcomes this month's new members — your unwavering commitment to our mission to combat injustice helps us reach our goals.
Questions? Contact us here.
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