The District of Columbia Courts, in partnership with the D.C. Access to Justice Commission and the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center, recognized 16 Wilkinson Stekloff attorneys on its 2024 Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll. Established in 2011, the Honor Roll recognizes attorneys who have dedicated 50 or more hours to pro bono service, with those performing 100 or more hours receiving High Honors distinction. These honorees make a significant impact by providing critical legal assistance to indigent individuals, under-resourced small businesses, and vital community-based nonprofits. The Wilkinson Stekloff attorneys recognized include: Tania Martinez, Associate (High Honors)Mikaela Meyer, Associate (High Honors)Logan Page, Associate (High Honors)Dhruti Patel, Associate (High Honors)Jenna Pavelec, Associate (High Honors)Quinton Weinstein, Associate (High Honors)Jeremy Barber, PartnerKieran Gostin, PartnerRakesh Kilaru, PartnerSarah Neuman, PartnerMatthew Skanchy, CounselAnthony Ferrara, AssociateElizabeth Keys, AssociateKellen McCoy, AssociateDeon McCray, AssociateJasper Primack, Associate Pro bono representation is woven into the fabric of Wilkinson Stekloff. Since its founding …
Wilkinson Stekloff Prevails in Appeals for Incarcerated Individuals Pursuing Deprivation of Rights Actions
December 9, 2024
Wilkinson Stekloff recently prevailed in two pro bono matters related to the Prisoner Litigation Reform Act’s (PLRA) three-strikes rule, which bars prisoner plaintiffs from proceeding in a civil action without payment of filing fees, or in forma pauperis, if the prisoner has three or more times brought an action or appeal that was dismissed as frivolous, malicious, or failing to state a claim. Associates Logan Page and Dhruti Patel represented an incarcerated individual in his appeal challenging the dismissal of an action against Michigan state correctional facility employees who allegedly withheld medical treatment for his multiple sclerosis. In its dismissal, the District Court for the Western District of Michigan found that the three-strikes rule disqualified the client from proceeding in forma pauperis. Logan and Dhruti successfully disputed two of the client’s three assessed strikes, arguing that some of the claims in each action were dismissed on grounds not enumerated in …
Wilkinson Stekloff Secures Asylum Victory for Pro Bono Client Fleeing Persecution Based on LGBTQ+ Status
November 21, 2024
November 8, 2024, Wilkinson Stekloff Associates Dhruti Patel and Tania Martinez, with assistance from Counsel Sarah Neuman, obtained a decisive victory in an asylum matter for a pro bono client. The client, a gay man, had endured a lifetime of discrimination and persecution in his home country of Colombia. The client’s mistreatment culminated in a brutal attack carried out by state actors in 2023 on account of the client’s sexual orientation. The client’s attackers continued to pursue him after the attack, even threatening to kill him. During the client’s immigration hearing, he shared compelling testimony about the violence he faced in Colombia and his fear of being killed if he were forced to return. Building on this testimony, the Wilkinson Stekloff team successfully argued that despite instituting some legal protections for gay individuals, Colombia remains one of the most dangerous places in all of South America for members of the LGBTQ+ community, …
Five Associates Join Wilkinson Stekloff
December 1, 2023
Wilkinson Stekloff is pleased to announce the addition of five associates to the firm. This new class is comprised of highly accomplished attorneys who share a commitment to trial work and pro bono service. “Training the next generation of trial lawyers remains a crucial tenant of the firm’s culture. We are excited to welcome this class of exceptionally bright attorneys and look forward to the many contributions they will make in the courtroom and engaging with clients,” said Founding Partner Beth Wilkinson. “Our dynamic approach to high-stakes, high-profile trial work continues to attract some of the best minds in the legal field. Joining us from top-tier law schools, prestigious clerkships, and multinational firms, these five associates are an exciting addition to our team, ” said Founding Partner Brian Stekloff. The new WS associates include: Guus Duindam Before joining the firm, Guus was a law clerk to the Honorable Raymond Kethledge of the …