At its annual “Lawyers and Libations” soiree, the ACLU of Utah named Holland & Hart its Pro Bono Partner for 2017, recognizing the firm’s commitment of time, resources, and energy to a challenge to the State of Utah’s indigent defense system brought pursuant to the Sixth Amendment.
For the past 18 months, partner John Harrington and a team of lawyers and paralegals in the firm’s Salt Lake City office have partnered with the ACLU on the proposed class action. Holland & Hart’s team has devoted almost 3,000 hours on the case conducting extensive factual and legal research, locating and interviewing potential plaintiffs, drafting the Complaint, and briefing multiple motions.
According to ACLU of Utah Legal Director John Mejia, “We knew the demands of this complex case were beyond the capacity of our small team and we gladly accepted John Harrington’s offer to help. We had no idea ‘help’ would involve such an incredible commitment by the firm – it’s above and beyond the level of resources and support demanded by any case I’ve brought. The passion exhibited by every member of the team has allowed us to remain energized, despite the State’s procedural attempts to derail us. And John Harrington, who always believed in our cause, has demonstrated the zeal of a convert,” added Mejia.
Remick v. Utah was filed on June 21, 2016, and has since been stalled by a series of procedural motions: Plaintiffs’ motion for class certification and the State’s motion to dismiss the action are both pending, with decisions expected before the end of the year.