Lambda Legal Honors Vinson & Elkins with 2020 Law Firm Partner in Equality Award

“From serving as a pro bono partner, to hosting the 2020 Winter Meeting of Lambda Legal’s Board of Directors, to active contributions to our Host Committees, Leadership Committees, and National Leadership Council, your firm stands out as a true champion for justice and equality,” said Avery Belyeu, Lambda Legal Regional Director.

V&E was recognized at Lambda Legal’s virtual event on August 27, with Chairman Mark Kelly accepting on behalf of the firm. The event, “We’re Here Texas: A Virtual Soiree for Justice,” also included updates to the community on legal issues and celebrated the recent Supreme Court win protecting LGBTQ rights in the workplace.

A non-profit organization founded in 1973, Lambda Legal is the oldest and largest national legal organization whose mission is to achieve full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and everyone living with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.

Beyond V&E’s commitment to Lambda Legal as a national sponsor, a number of the firm’s lawyers – including Kent Piacenti, Chris Bacon, Lindsey Pryor and Matt Dobbins – individually provide their time, pro bono contributions and financial support, as well as serving on various committees.

Additionally, earlier this year, V&E partnered with Lambda Legal and Immigration Equality on a pro bono matter to secure the release of two asylum seekers living with HIV who were detained at an ICE detention facility in Texas with at least one confirmed case of COVID-19. The V&E team included Piacenti and Pryor, as well as Tom Leatherbury, Jeremy Gonzalez, Seth Yost and Alex Noll.