The American Bar Association Death Penalty Representation Project is giving three law firms its 2011 “Exceptional Service” awards, including D.C.-based Arnold & Porter.
Arnold & Porter has represented pro bono several death row clients noted by the ABA group. They include Zacarias Moussaoui, who was brought to trial in connection with the Sept. 11 attacks; James Dennis, who was convicted in 1992 for murder and is on death row in Pennsylvania; and Henry Daniels, whose death penalty sentence was overturned last month in Pennsylvania, according to a Wednesday firm press release.
“We are deeply honored to be recognized by the ABA for our representation of those facing death sentences,” Phil Horton, head of Arnold & Porter’s Pro Bono Committee, said in the release.
“Our long-standing commitment to pro bono capital work dates to the late 1970’s when the death penalty was re-instated in several states,” Horton added. “Since then we have worked to assist those who otherwise may have no recourse, through direct representation of individuals and filing amicus briefs.”
According to the ABA project’s website, its purpose is to “raise awareness about the lack of representation available to Death Row prisoners, to address this urgent need by recruiting competent volunteer attorneys, and to offer these volunteers training and assistance.”
The two other law firms honored by the ABA project this year are Dorsey & Whitney and Minneapolis-based Fredrikson & Byron.
By LeighAnne Manwarren
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