Jayne Fleming with 2008 John Minor Wisdom AWARD
For more information, contact Jamie Moss, newsPRos, 201-493-1027
(Washington, D.C., April 18, 2008) — LAWFUEL – Legal Newswire – Jayne E. Fleming, Pro Bono Counsel at Reed Smith LLP, has today received the American Bar Association Section of Litigation’s 2008 “John Minor Wisdom Public Service and Professionalism Award.” Each year, the Section honors an attorney who has made outstanding contributions to the quality of justice in his or her community, ensuring that the legal system is open and available to all.
Jayne, who also serves as Reed Smith’s Human Rights Team Leader, was conferred the award for her cutting-edge Political Asylum practice.
“Jayne is an attorney who upholds the highest standards of the profession while making significant contributions to ensure that the legal system is open to the needs of the poor, the disenfranchised and other underrepresented groups,” said Gregory B. Jordan, Reed Smith’s Global Managing Partner.
Jayne has devoted thousands of hours to representing pro bono clients. She has handled 17 asylum matters herself, and supervised more than two dozen in addition. Between 2005 and 2007, she secured seven appellate victories on behalf of her pro bono clients, and in 2008, Jayne has already won two more human rights cases. Several of Jayne’s victories have helped move forward the substantive rules governing asylum claims, setting the stage for half a dozen additional cases set for hearings in 2008.
“Eight years ago, Jayne began building her reputation as a passionate and committed appellate advocate for refugees,” said Reed Smith Senior Pro Bono Counsel Christopher K. Walters. “Since that time, she has represented refugees on a pro bono basis in the Second, Fifth, Ninth and Tenth Circuit Courts of Appeals, and made an indelible mark in the human rights community.”
Established in 1990, the award is named for The Honorable John Minor Wisdom, a scholar and jurist of the highest integrity. During his 42-year tenure on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, Judge Wisdom issued scores of landmark civil rights decisions, and his decisions establishing the right to vote, implementing equal educational opportunities, and strengthening the right to effective counsel are marked by wisdom and compassion.
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is one of the 15 largest law firms in the world, with more than 1,600 lawyers in 23 offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Founded in 1877, the firm represents leading international businesses from Fortune 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises. Its attorneys provide litigation services in multi-jurisdictional matters and other high stake disputes, deliver regulatory counsel, and execute the full range of strategic domestic and cross-border transactions. Reed Smith is a preeminent advisor to industries including financial services, life sciences, health care, advertising and media, shipping, international trade and commodities, real estate, manufacturing, and education. For more information, visit reedsmith.com
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