Mayer Brown receives Northern District of Illinois’ “Pro Bono and Public Interest Award”

Mayer Brown received the Northern District of Illinois' “Pro Bono and Public Interest Award,” which recognizes lawyers for exceptional pro bono service within the district. This is the fifth time the firm has received this award, having previously been recognized for its outstanding pro bono and public interest work by the judges of the Northern District of Illinois in 2010, 2016, 2019, and 2024.

The Mayer Brown team was appointed by Judge Kennelly to represent Montez Artis, an incarcerated individual who suffered significant medical neglect while in custody. Montez brought claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 after prison personnel failed to protect him from an attack by a fellow prisoner and failed to accommodate his medical condition. The team undertook extensive efforts on Montez's behalf, deposing prison officials, interviewing witnesses, preparing trial motions, and ultimately negotiating a favorable settlement with the Illinois Attorney General. Ultimately, the team settled not only the two cases in which Mayer Brown was appointed, but also negotiated settlements in several of his other pending matters as well. 

The Chicago-based team included partner Greg Deis, pro bono advisor Marc Kadish, and associates Amber Masha, Sofia Orelo, and Kyla Sutter.

Learn more about Mayer Brown’s pro bono work here.

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