Tressler attorney Stacey L. Wilkins was honored with an award for Excellence in Pro Bono Service by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois at their 25th Annual District Court Awards for Pro Bono and Public Interest Service ceremony at the James Benton Parsons Memorial Courtroom of the Dirksen Courthouse in Chicago, IL. The ceremony was sponsored jointly by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and the Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. These awards honor attorneys for their contributions to helping individuals who are most in need of assistance and recognize their outstanding commitment to pro bono representation before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois has a separate trial bar, and attorneys must be admitted to this trial bar to serve as lead counsel in most lawsuits filed in the Northern District. Most cases involve individuals alleging civil rights violations while they are incarcerated.

Stacey L. Wilkins and Hon. Sunil R. Harjani

Stacey was recognized for her outstanding work representing a pre-trial detainee housed in disciplinary segregation at an Illinois adult detention facility. Appointed by the Northern District of Illinois in October 2021, Stacey took on a complex civil rights case involving allegations that six corrections officers violated the detainee’s Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights by using excessive force and failing to intervene. Since the defendants were unwilling to discuss or negotiate a settlement, legal representation continued for more than three years, covering the pleadings phase, discovery, summary judgment, and ultimately proceeding to trial. By the time of the trial, the detainee had been convicted and sentenced to 35 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

The matter culminated in a three-day jury trial in November 2024 before the Honorable Judge Sunil R. Harjani. Tressler attorney Katherine A. Takiguchi supported the effort as second-chair trial counsel. Despite the detainee’s incarceration, prior criminal convictions, disciplinary record, and the lack of eyewitnesses beyond the corrections officers involved, the jury ruled in the detainee’s favor, awarding both compensatory and punitive damages against the officers.

About Stacey L. Wilkins

Stacey is an experienced courtroom attorney. Her litigation practice is focused primarily in the areas of general defense litigation, insurance coverage, and municipal law. She has successfully defended individuals, corporations, public entities (including park districts and schools), public employees, and not-for-profit organizations, including child care centers and foster care/adoption agencies. Ms. Wilkins has advised and represented individuals, personal and commercial lines insurance companies, self-insured risk pools, corporations, and municipalities in a variety of litigated defense matters. Ms. Wilkins’ practice includes both state and federal trial work as well as appellate work.

About the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

The United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois is the third-largest district court in the U.S. The Northern District of Illinois is home to the five largest cities in Illinois: Chicago, Aurora, Rockford, Joliet, and Naperville. Also known as “The Windy City,” Chicago is the third most populous city in the U.S., with nearly 2.7 million inhabitants and more than 8 million people living in the Chicago metropolitan area. With Lake Michigan as its eastern border, Chicago covers more than 237 square miles. The Northern District of Illinois is comprised of two divisions: the Eastern Division and the Western Division. Learn more at www.ilnd.uscourts.gov.

About the Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association

The Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter provides unmatched and valuable opportunities for individuals to connect with the judiciary, experienced legal professionals, and their fellow peers within the community. This organization fosters an environment where meaningful relationships can be developed and strengthened, enhancing both professional growth and collaborative efforts. Learn more at www.fedbarchicago.org.

About Tressler LLP

Headquartered in Chicago, with ten offices located in six states, Tressler LLP is a national law firm comprised primarily of attorneys who devote their practice to the representation of the insurance industry in coverage analysis and resolution, litigation, underwriting consultation, product development, claims management and reinsurance.

In addition, Tressler has one of the most experienced and multi-faceted government law practices in Illinois, and has attorneys who represent clients in commercial litigation, defense litigation, corporate transactions, employment law and litigation, intellectual property, and condominium and common interest community association law.

For more information, please visit www.tresslerllp.com.