Deadline Approaches for Morris Dees Justice Award Nominations

Nominations will be accepted for the 2007 Morris Dees Justice Award only until Monday, July 30, 2007. The award will be presented 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.

New York, NY (PRWEB) July 16, 2007 -- The Morris Dees Justice Award was created by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates and The University of Alabama School of Law to honor Morris Dees for his dedication to public service. Nominations are being accepted until Monday, July 30, 2007.

Nominees should be lawyers who have devoted their careers to serving the public interest and pursuing justice, and whose work has brought about positive change in the community, state or nation.

The award ceremony will take place on November 15, 2007, at an event at Skadden's New York office. Morris Dees will attend to present the second award, and Willie King, the legendary Alabama blues musician, will entertain.

The 2007 winner will be selected by a distinguished committee:

• Mary Bauer, Southern Poverty Law Center

• Debbie Elliott, National Public Radio

• Professor Bryan Fair, The University of Alabama School of Law

• Professor Jack Greenberg, Columbia Law School

• Judge William Wayne Justice, 2006 Dees Award Winner

• Susan Butler Plum, Skadden Fellowship Program

• Dean Kenneth Randall, The University of Alabama School of Law

• Robert C. Sheehan, Skadden

• Jamienne S. Studley, Public Advocates, Inc.

• John Trasvina, MALDEF

• Tari Devon Wiliams, The University of Alabama School of Law

• Vaughn C. Williams, Skadden

Morris Dees is a co-founder and chief trial counsel for the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery, Alabama. The Center is internationally known for tracking hate groups and extremist activity, conducting tolerance training and winning cases against white supremacists. Dees graduated from The University of Alabama School of Law in 1969.

"At a time when the legal profession is emphasizing the duty of every lawyer to serve the public interest, the five-decade career of Alabama Law School alum Morris Dees sets a sterling example," said Dean Kenneth C. Randall.

The 2006 Morris Dee Justice Award was given to Judge William Wayne Justice in recognition of his life-long efforts to protect civil rights and safeguard constitution rights, and more than 30 years of service as a federal district court judge. His notable cases dealt with integration, prisoners' rights, procedural due process, equal access to education, treatment of immigrants, dilution of voting rights and care for the mentally challenged.

Skadden is one of the leading law firms in the world, with 22 offices and almost 2,000 attorneys. Skadden is known for its support of public interest law and service, through the Skadden Fellowship Program.

To learn more about the award or to submit nominations, visit http://www.morrisdeesaward.com.

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