Sidley will be presented with the "Detained Adult Champion" award by the Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights (CAIR) Coalition at its 2021 Focused on Freedom awards in September. The firm is particularly proud of this accolade as it recognizes Sidley's commitment to pro bono work and its partnership with CAIR Coalition, a relationship that spans over a decade in Washington, D.C. The firm was commended for taking two full merits cases during the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to support a number of ongoing cases from previous years. These cases range from bond cases, so people may live in freedom, to fear-based cases for permanent protection. The annual Focused on Freedom awards spotlight organizations that have surpassed all expectations in the generosity with which they share their time and talents. Sidley is pleased to be a recipient of this honor.
Since the firm's founding in 1866, Sidley has cultivated a tradition of, and commitment to, pro bono service. Sidley considers every one of the firm's pro bono matters “high impact.” The consequences of the pro bono work are critically important to improving — even saving — the lives of the firm's clients. Sidley has six initiatives that span across all offices to expand the firm's impact: Capital Litigation Project; Political Asylum and Immigrants’ Rights Project; Veterans Benefits Project; Constitutional Rights and Civil Liberties Project; Pro Bono Project for the Arts; and the Emerging Enterprises Pro Bono Program. Sidley lawyers also work with local nonprofits to directly serve the legal needs of the firm's neighbors who are facing imminent eviction and possible homelessness; were wrongfully denied public benefits, such as food stamps and disability insurance; or have been the victim of domestic violence and need legal protection from their abusers.