Alan Schoenfeld, a counsel in the New York Office and a member of the Business Trial and Appellate and Supreme Court Litigation Groups, has been selected as the recipient of the Federal Bar Council's inaugural Thurgood Marshall Award for Exceptional Pro Bono Service. The Federal Bar Council is an organization of lawyers who practice in federal courts within the Second Circuit, and is dedicated to promoting excellence in federal practice and fellowship among federal practitioners. This prestigious award recognizes and celebrates lawyers in private practice who have demonstrated an exemplary commitment to pro bono legal services.

In choosing Schoenfeld, the Federal Bar Council recognized his many years of commitment, hard work and excellence in representing pro bono clients in a diverse array of matters, including litigating cutting-edge cases in the US Supreme Court and various courts of appeals and trial courts. In particular, Schoenfeld has a shown deep commitment to the LGBT community, serving as co-counsel to the Attorney General of Massachusetts for the Commonwealth's successful challenge to DOMA, and litigating numerous other important cases concerning LGBT rights around the country. In addition, Schoenfeld played a key role in representing Planned Parenthood when the State of North Carolina threatened to terminate funding, and regularly represents individuals and organizations in special education and immigration matters.

"Alan's passion for justice and his dedication to representing clients in need sets the bar extremely high for other attorneys," said Charles Platt, partner-in-charge of WilmerHale's New York office. "His work outside of pro bono is overwhelming, yet he always seems to have time for pro bono clients who need his support and wisdom."

Schoenfeld will accept the award at the Federal Bar Foundation's 50th Anniversary Celebration on October 2 in New York.