The Chicago Bar Foundation and The Chicago Bar Association will honor National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) Executive Director Mary Meg McCarthy today with their Justice John Paul Stevens Award.
The annual award is given to eight attorneys who exemplify Justice Stevens’ dedication to integrity and public service. Throughout his life, Justice Stevens, a Chicago native who served on the U.S. Supreme Court from 1975 until 2010, has been committed to improving the system of justice.
“I am honored and humbled to receive this award named for a man whose commitment to upholding the rule of law is a guiding compass for me,” said Mary Meg McCarthy. “Justice Stevens’ decision in Padilla v. Kentucky improved the lives of thousands of immigrants and their families by requiring that defense attorneys inform noncitizens of the consequences to their immigration status if they accept plea agreements.”
Under Ms. McCarthy’s leadership, NIJC has become a leading immigrant and human rights advocacy organization, contributing to national and international debate and reform of immigration law and policy. She has built a network of 1,500 pro bono attorneys who provide legal services to thousands of individuals each year. Ms. McCarthy has testified before Congress and U.S. and United Nations civil and human rights commissions, and is quoted often in major news outlets such as MSNBC and The New York Times. Prior to joining NIJC, she practiced civil litigation and was an NIJC pro bono attorney. Earlier in her career, she worked in Chile to help safeguard the rights of individuals living under the Pinochet dictatorship.
“Mary Meg’s tireless commitment to ensuring that immigrants have full access to representation and due process protections in the United States is a model for attorneys,” said NIJC Associate Director of Legal Services Lisa Koop, who nominated Ms. McCarthy on behalf of NIJC’s staff. “Her dedication and expertise motivates us to find new ways to provide legal services for a growing immigrant population.”
The awards will be presented at the 16th Annual Justice John Paul Stevens Award Luncheon at The Standard Club in Chicago. Justice Stevens (ret.) will be the keynote speaker. Other recipients of the award are: Peter J. Birnbaum, James R. Figliulo, Edward I. Grossman, Hon. Shelvin Louise Marie Hall, Paula H. Holderman, Daniel E. Reidy, and William A. Von Hoene, Jr.
NIJC has a new Chicago address at 111 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60604 and a new email domain at @immigrantjustice.org.