Patton Boggs was recognized at a September 14, 2011 Congressional Club luncheon in Washington, DC, where U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonya Sotomayor delivered the keynote address. A pro bono client of the firm, the Congressional Club is a nonprofit, charitable organization comprised of the spouses of members of Congress, senators, members of the President’s Cabinet and Supreme Court justices. During the luncheon, Washington partner Thomas Downs represented the firm as it was recognized for its efforts to secure National Historic Landmark status for the Congressional Club’s historic mansion in Washington. Patton Boggs’ Denver partner Halina Dziewit has also provided trademark assistance to the organization.

Photo caption: U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonya Sotomayor and Washington partner Thomas Downs

Patton Boggs Secures Victory on Behalf of Elizabeth Birt Center for Autism Law and Advocacy

Patton Boggs recently secured a victory on behalf of pro bono client Elizabeth Birt Center for Autism Law and Advocacy (EBCALA). An autistic child in a Texas public school was physically and illegally restrained and placed in a secluded room. When his mother arrived, the child was having trouble breathing and his mother had to perform the Heimlich maneuver on her son. The trauma resulted in the child’s esophagus swollen shut. His mother requested homebound services from the school district to allow her son to continue his education; however he was denied his right to a Free and Appropriate Education (FAPE). Initially turned down from other organizations for legal help, the mother sought legal support from Warrior Parents, an organization founded by PB partner Jennifer Keefe that provides support to parents of autistic children, and EBCALA. After two mediations and a final, third and 11 hour mediation, PB settled on highly confidential but extremely favorable terms for the family, which will allow the family to pay for private education for the child. Integral to the success of this case were Patton Boggs attorneys Jennifer Keefe (Dallas) Albany Shaw (Dallas), Eric Daleo (NJ), Shannon Conway (Dallas), Matt Browne (Dallas), Karen Lahrman, Tony Trevino, Linda Jones and Annie Purcell.

Patton Boggs Rallies by National Chamber Ensemble (NCE) to bring Harmony to DC
For the past two years, Patton Boggs has provided non-profit assistance and guidance to the nascent National Chamber Ensemble (“NCE”), Arlington, Virginia’s Ensemble in Residence. NCE seeks to provide affordable high-quality chamber music to the DC area and also seeks to create a strong feeling of community through its interactive performances. Over the summer, NCE participated in two free concerts, bringing its music to both long-time chamber music aficionados and first-time concertgoers. Attorneys Yost Conner and Neil Potts and Paralegal Rae Kligys have worked diligently to support NCE’s efforts.