FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May, 31 2013

Contact: Diana Rubio 213.977.5252

ACLU OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HONORS INDIVIDUALS AND ATTORNEYS WHO EMPOWER THE DEFENSELESS (Los Angeles)The ACLU of Southern California (ACLU/SC) held its 19th Annual Law Luncheon to honor courageous attorneys and outstanding individuals who have taken a stand for civil liberties this past year. These men and women received recognition for fighting against injustices that occur within our diverse communities. The Luncheon was held at the L.A. Hotel on Friday May 31, 2013 and featured Los Angeles attorney and social justice advocate, Sandra Fluke, as this years keynote speaker. She was also the recipient of the Courageous Advocacy Award. Fluke began her career as a social justice activist during and after college and later continued her advocacy as a law student at Georgetown. Last year, she spoke to members of Congress about the importance of insurance coverage of contraception, which led to conservative commentators attacking her character. Other honorees at the event featured attorneys from top law firms in Los Angeles, such as Bird, Marella, Boxer, Wolpert, Nessim, Drooks & Lincenberg PC for their victory in persuading the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department to adopt changes that allow favorable evidence for criminal defendants in cases of deputy-on-inmate violence. Attorneys from Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati PC were commended for their work in reforming teaching methods within the Dinuba Unified School District by ensuring quality reading skills are taught to first-time, English-learning students. The ACLU/SC Annual Law Luncheon recognizes lawyers in private practice, and other individuals who work hand-in-hand with our affiliate. We are always working to empower people, making sure they can assert their constitutional rights, said Hector Villagra, executive director of the ACLU/SC. It is our privilege to recognize and highlight these individuals and firms who are eager to lend their time and expertise to this cause. Link to view honorees: http://www.aclu-sc.org/events/19th-annual-law-luncheon/ ###