Top supporters, a pro bono law firm, and a dedicated client were honored by the CCH Law Project at its annual Justice Circle reception April 17.
Held at Revolution Brewing, the celebration included an award presented to attorney Marta Delgado and her husband, Sam Nandi for their generous support. The Chicago couple has helped the Law Project further its resources, including a vehicle to offer outreach to students and unaccompanied youth.
“Marta and I are inspired by the work you do, the way you support the most vulnerable members of our community, and the way you fight for change in Illinois,” said Mr. Nandi.
The Law Project also honored three attorneys from Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd. Matthew Piers, Caryn Lederer, and Kate Schwartz were cited for their dedicated and skilled co-counseling of the first substantive case filed under the Illinois Bill of Rights for the Homeless Act.
CCH also thanked the client in that case, Robert Henderson. The Law Project and Hughes Socol represented Mr. Henderson when he sued after city workers, without notice, threw away his belongings from a West Side viaduct where he lived outside. Among his possessions lost in that November 2015 incident were medications, obituaries of loved ones, and a Bible given to him by a minister to his family.
After more than two years, attorneys secured a February settlement that included monetary damages for Mr. Henderson.
“Right away when I met Robert, I knew there was something special about him,” said Diane O’Connell, his CCH attorney. “He was unafraid, he was committed, and he is usually about one hour early for any meeting! He inspired us, gave us pep talks, and was always clear that for him, this case wasn’t about winning or losing, it was about fighting back – and not just for himself, but for others who been forced to live outside and have experienced the same unjust treatment.
“Robert, I am honored to know you, and I want to thank you for bringing your dedication and courage to this case.”
Mr. Henderson, 64, now lives in a senior’s complex and volunteers at a soup kitchen.
The Law Project also thanks its Justice Circle event sponsors: Chase Bank was signature sponsor, with Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Butler Rubin Saltarelli & Boyd LLP as leader sponsors.
Additional sponsorship was offered by United Airlines; Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella, P.C., and Funkhouser Vegosen Liebman & Dunn Ltd.
– Photos by Allison Williams
– Anne Bowhay, Media