Kirkland Receives 2024 Light of Justice Award From Texas Defender Service

Texas Defender Service honored Kirkland & Ellis with its 2024 Light of Justice Award, recognizing the pro bono work done by 23 attorneys across our three Texas offices.

Kirkland was recognized for its representation of Joseph Jean, who, in a landmark decision by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (CCA), was found ineligible for the death penalty under the Eighth Amendment because of his intellectual disability. Additionally, Texas Defender recognized Kirkland’s work with the Office of Capital and Forensic Writs to win a stay of execution for James Harris Jr. after a Texas Rangers investigation found a county employee had tampered with the jury selection.  

Kirkland attorneys are committed to advancing the communities in which they live and work, and dedicate substantial energy, talent and resources to meaningful causes and initiatives that reflect our values and visions.