Art Read Receives Morris Dees Justice Award
Thursday, October 04, 2007
- Organization: Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc.
Art Read, General Counsel of Friends of Farmworkers, was presented with the 2007 Morris Dees Justice Award in New York on November 15, 2007.
The Morris Dees Justice Award was created in 2006 by the law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and The University of Alabama School of Law to honor Dees, an Alabama graduate, for his life-long devotion to public service. Dees is the co-founder and chief trial counsel for the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery, Ala.
The award is given annually to a lawyer who has devoted his or her career to serving the public interest and pursuing justice, and whose work has brought about positive change in the community, state or nation. Last year's winner was U.S. District Judge William Wayne Justice, of the Eastern District of Texas.
The selection committee recognized Art Read for nearly 30 years of tireless, courageous, and effective representation of farmworkers and immigrants.
Read was nominated by more than 20 organizations and individuals. As Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth Pedro A. Cortés noted in his supporting letter, "It is fitting that he be considered in the company of Morris Dees . . . . In a like manner, Mr. Read has dedicated his career and life to providing a voice for the disadvantaged and advocating on behalf of the underprivileged."
Morris Dees presented the award during a reception at Skadden's offices in New York on November 15, 2007 in honor of the winner. Alabama blues legend, Willie King, provided entertainment.
Morris Dees Justice Award Website
Profile of 2007 Morris Dees Award Winner Arthur N. Read
University of Alabama School of Law Press Release
Skadden Press Release
The Morris Dees Justice Award was created in 2006 by the law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and The University of Alabama School of Law to honor Dees, an Alabama graduate, for his life-long devotion to public service. Dees is the co-founder and chief trial counsel for the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery, Ala.
The award is given annually to a lawyer who has devoted his or her career to serving the public interest and pursuing justice, and whose work has brought about positive change in the community, state or nation. Last year's winner was U.S. District Judge William Wayne Justice, of the Eastern District of Texas.
The selection committee recognized Art Read for nearly 30 years of tireless, courageous, and effective representation of farmworkers and immigrants.
Read was nominated by more than 20 organizations and individuals. As Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth Pedro A. Cortés noted in his supporting letter, "It is fitting that he be considered in the company of Morris Dees . . . . In a like manner, Mr. Read has dedicated his career and life to providing a voice for the disadvantaged and advocating on behalf of the underprivileged."
Morris Dees presented the award during a reception at Skadden's offices in New York on November 15, 2007 in honor of the winner. Alabama blues legend, Willie King, provided entertainment.
Morris Dees Justice Award Website
Profile of 2007 Morris Dees Award Winner Arthur N. Read
University of Alabama School of Law Press Release
Skadden Press Release
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