Read about the 2009 Lewis Award recipient Steven B. Bashaw.

The Edward J. Lewis II Pro Bono Service Award honors attorneys who, like the late Edward J. Lewis II, display a deep commitment to the fundamental principles of equal protection and equal justice in the community through outstanding pro bono service.

Prior to his death at age 37, Lewis provided more than two thousand hours of pro bono legal services to various organizations. While maintaining a busy practice as a partner at Jenner & Block, Lewis devoted his “spare” time to a number of noble pro bono causes, including; law related youth education programs; long term care of the elderly; persecuted children and adults seeking political asylum; minorities facing housing discrimination; and inmates challenging conditions in Illinois prisons.  In addition to devoting his own time, Lewis was instrumental in recruiting other attorneys to do pro bono work.  During his time at Jenner & Block, he inspired over 100 fellow attorneys and staff members to join the cause.  All the while, he was a devoted husband and father whose spirit lives on today through this prestigious Award.

This Award has been generously endowed by the law firm of Jenner & Block, Nancy Loeb, Jeff and Matt Colman, and allows the recipient to designate a special Chicago Bar Foundation grant to the legal aid program or public interest law organization of his or her choice.