Banner Witcoff is pleased to announce that attorneys Binal Patel, Brian Apel, and Christian Wolfgram will receive the Pro Bono and Public Interest Award for Excellence presented by the Northern District of Illinois Court and the Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar.
After six years of litigation, the firm successfully settled a pro bono matter brought by a prisoner against Illinois Department of Corrections officials under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 and the Illinois Religious Freedom Restoration Act in United States District Court in the Northern District of Illinois.
In June 2024, as the parties resolved the dispute, Judge Jeffrey Cole praised the lawyers’ exemplary and patient conduct. Judge Cole highlighted that the attorneys’ advocacy was “dignified, patient, balanced, and cooperative and shows that lawyers can act civilly and courteously in their dealings with each other without sacrificing in the slightest the obligations they owe to their clients or to the court.” “[T]he efforts of those who, like Mr. Patel and Mr. Wolfgram, volunteer their services or perform pursuant to an appointment by the court are indispensable to the operations of this Court and Courts throughout the Nation. Without their contributions, courts could not perform their duties nearly as efficiently or well as they do.”
This year’s Pro Bono and Public Interest Award ceremony is scheduled for May 1, 2025, to honor lawyers who have served the Northern District of Illinois Court and the community by providing pro bono representation and advocacy.
Banner Witcoff attorneys recognize the responsibility to serve our local communities in meaningful ways by providing pro bono legal services to persons of limited means, to public interest or charitable organizations, or to other groups or activities whose purpose is improving the law or the legal profession. We also volunteer to support local charitable organizations that provide services to our communities.
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About Banner Witcoff
For over 100 years, Banner Witcoff has been protecting IP and propelling business. Our team of seasoned litigators fiercely protects, enforces, and defends our clientele’s intellectual property and interests — all over the world. We pride ourselves on our vast knowledge of IP law, serving all its facets, including patent, trademark, copyright, trade secrets, and more. www.bannerwitcoff.com
Posted: April 2, 2025
