Each year, the Pro Bono Innovators honors remarkable entities making significant strides in the legal sphere. This year, Bloomberg Law has recognized WilmerHale’s notable contribution to the legal community. The esteemed law firm has been rewarded for its exceptional pro bono work with the Innocence Project and the groundbreaking achievements that came along with it.
WilmerHale played a critical role in a landmark ruling that absolved Muhammad Abdul Aziz from the wrongful conviction for Malcolm X’s assassination in 1965. It was a significant moment in history, drawing enormous attention from the media and the general public. The team tackled this highly-publicized case by partnering with the Innocence Project and the David B. Shanies Law Office. The collaboration allowed them to scrutinize a more than half-century-old factual record and particularize the most promising legal arguments for Mr. Aziz’s case.
In addition to that, WilmerHale also won a preliminary injunction over Ohio’s six-week abortion ban. Their work in this matter was initiated well before the US Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs. The firm closely collaborated with Planned Parenthood, ACLU, and ACLU-Ohio, analyzing the Ohio Constitution and history to challenge the ban under the Ohio Constitution. The team’s commitment to reproductive rights and strategic approach turned out to be efficacious, allowing them to defend abortion rights within Ohio.
With these significant developments, WilmerHale’s work has opened new channels for pro bono legal aid. It also expands the conversation on endemic racism and discrimination in the criminal justice system. Furthermore, the law firm’s strategy in tackling Ohio’s abortion ban could serve as a valuable blueprint for addressing similar issues in other states, proving the enduring significance of their efforts.
Maintaining its tradition of sharing its achievements with all contributors, WilmerHale attributes these successes to its wide-ranging, dedicated team. Proving that the collective efforts of each team member, working with external partners, and making use of their expertise in the respective areas, can all make significant shifts in legal landscapes.
Ultimately, despite these significant achievements, their work remains far from over. The team continues to address challenges in states where basic rights, such as reproductive rights, are threatened by severe restrictions. Their commitment to progressing the legal status quo continues to drive their success, setting new precedents in the field of pro bono legal work.