WilmerHale is proud to share that a pro bono team in the firm’s London office, led by Partner Marleen Krueger and Senior Associate Milosz Palej, has been shortlisted for the Halsbury Rule of Law Award at the LexisNexis Legal Awards 2026, which will be presented in London on April 16, 2026. The honor recognizes the firm’s contribution to advancing the rule of law and improving protections for survivors of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) through our work with The Vavengers, a survivor‑led organization dedicated to ending FGM and supporting affected communities worldwide. 

This recognition builds on the team’s work last year, when WilmerHale—alongside co‑counsel King & Spalding—produced the first‑of‑its‑kind Global Health and Legal Landscape Report on FGM. Released at the United Nations General Assembly, the more than 550‑page study provided an unprecedented review of the disparities in legal safeguards and healthcare services available to FGM survivors across the globe. The project, commissioned by The Vavengers, reflects nearly six months of pro bono effort, underscoring the firm’s commitment to survivor‑centered advocacy and systemic reform. 

The LexisNexis Legal Awards’ Rule of Law category celebrates initiatives that strengthen legal protections, expand access to justice, and advance human rights. WilmerHale is honored to be shortlisted and looks forward to continuing its work with The Vavengers to help address the legal, social, and healthcare inequities that perpetuate FGM worldwide.