Debevoise & Plimpton LLP has received a 2021 Beacon of Justice Award from the National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA) for The Holloway Project. Founded by John Gleeson, a litigation partner and former U.S. District Court judge, The Holloway Project is the firm’s successful pro bono effort to seek relief for federal prisoners serving excessively long sentences resulting from now-defunct mandatory sentencing provisions. To date, a team of more than 70 Debevoise lawyers has secured the release of 24 prisoners and currently represents more than 50 others, largely men of color.

Commenting on the award, Judge Gleeson said, “We are honored that The Holloway Project, Debevoise’s longstanding initiative to address racial inequities in federal sentencing, has been recognized by NLADA as a recipient of this year’s Beacon of Justice Award. Our hope is that by sharing this important effort with the broader legal community through NLADA, we encourage colleagues and peers to join us in fighting the disproportionate impact of unfair prison sentences on communities of color.”

NLADA is America’s oldest and largest nonprofit association that leads a broad network of advocates on the frontlines to advance justice and expand opportunity for all by promoting excellence in the delivery of legal services for people who cannot afford counsel.

Debevoise provides a wide array of pro bono legal services to marginalized communities and underserved populations on matters ranging from landmark international and national disputes to representations of low-income individuals. We also partner with clients on a range of corporate, litigation and tax pro bono matters in clinic settings, and on individual matters.