Court of Appeals Clarifies Civil Rights Law in Favor of Reinhart's Pro Bono Client

MILWAUKEE – The United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit recently issued a decision in Ortiz v. Downey, No. 06-2453, 2009 WL 839515 (7th Cir. Apr. 1, 2009) that clarifies a district court's review of civil rights complaints alleging a denial of the right to practice the Catholic faith and the right to access the courts.

Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c., at the request of the Seventh Circuit, represented the petitioner on a pro bono basis. Reinhart litigators Sarah A. Huck and Antonio M. Trillo briefed and argued the matter before the court.

In the published opinion, the Seventh Circuit overturned a district court's dismissal and outlined a district court's role in reviewing civil rights complaints. The decision also clarified the civil rights law applicable to freedom of religious exercise and access to the courts.

"This case is evidence of the dedication and hard work Reinhart lawyers put into each of their clients' cases," said Jerome M. Janzer, Reinhart's CEO and Chairman. "Our firm continues to support the pro bono efforts of our attorneys, believing that all individuals deserve exceptional legal service, regardless of their financial situation. We are proud of these attorneys, whose passion for the law and quality legal work have benefitted an individual without readily available access to representation."

For more than a century, Reinhart lawyers have committed their time and resources to serving the public good. Reinhart's diverse and innovative pro bono practice strengthens our bonds to our communities and makes a profound difference in the lives of the clients we serve.