News 04.18.19

Joseph L. Kish Receives Award for Excellence in Pro Bono Service

Segal McCambridge is pleased to announce that the United States District Court and the Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association have awarded Shareholder Joseph L. Kish with the Award for Excellence in Pro Bono Service. This prestigious honor is bestowed annually to lawyers for service benefiting the public and the district.

Joseph was nominated by United States District Court Judge Matthew F. Kennelly and confirmed by the award selection committee for his work in Case No. 18 C 3272 Hill v. Chicago Public Schools, which involved claims for violations of civil rights and sex discrimination resulting from the defendant's failure to accommodate a mother.

The mother recently returned to work and needed to care for her newborn who was experiencing health issues. The mother alleged that she was constructively discharged from her job, and also alleged a hostile work environment and retaliation for inserting her rights.

Although the defendant denied any wrong doing, Joseph obtained a settlement that resulted in her reinstatement to a similar position and monetary damages.

The award will be presented on May 1, 2019, at the Twentieth Annual Excellence in Pro Bono and Public Service Award Ceremony. The ceremony will include a speech from Maria Vathis, President of the Federal Bar Association.

Joseph serves as Chair of the Segal McCambridge Pro Bono & Public Service Committee.