Baker & McKenzie LLP issued the following announcement on Dec. 12.
Angela Vigil, Baker McKenzie's Pro Bono Partner and Executive Director, has been named a Top 10 Legal Innovator by the Financial Times in its annual North America Innovative Lawyer Awards, considered one of the top legal rankings in the US, Canada and Mexico. In addition, the Firm's Homeless Youth Handbook series, as well as its work with the US Treasury on the US Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, were recognized by the FT with a "highly commended" rating.
The FT, in partnership with RSG Consulting, assesses lawyers, law firms and professional services firms based on their innovation for both clients and their own businesses. Winners were selected for the annual report through extensive research and interviews with clients, senior lawyers, executives and experts.
Angela was recognized by the FT for her extraordinary pro bono work protecting the rights of children and vulnerable youth throughout her career. The publication noted her creation of the Homeless Youth Handbook, a series of state-by-state legal guides in the US describing the rights and resources available to homeless young people, as well as her work launching the annual Children's Right Summit, which brings together child advocates, business and government leaders, and in-house counsel to innovate solutions to protect the rights of young people.
"We are so pleased that Angela has received this very well-deserved recognition for her pioneering pro bono work on behalf of children and other vulnerable populations," said Colin Murray, North American Chief Executive Officer at Baker McKenzie. "The Homeless Youth Handbook series that Angela helped launch has proven to be a vital legal resource for young people throughout the United States, and her work doesn't stop there. Angela works tirelessly every day for the under-served and under-represented in our communities, making a meaningful difference in the lives of so many people. We are extremely proud of Angela and the good work she is doing around the world."
Prior to joining Baker McKenzie, Angela worked for the Children and Family Justice Center, Bluhm Legal Clinic of the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law as the Director of Children’s Law Pro Bono Projects, where she led strategic litigation and advocacy on behalf of children. She also worked as an attorney, director and clinical teacher at Northwestern University Law School Legal Clinic, where she founded and directed volunteer lawyer practice in the children's law pro bono practice in the neighborhood branch office.
An experienced trial lawyer, Angela frequently lectures at various national and international conferences on issues related to professional responsibility, children's law, juvenile justice practice, interviewing and counseling clients, legal aid and social justice.
“I'm proud to receive this award from the Financial Times and I'm grateful to our public interest partners, legal aid groups, children’s rights organizations, companies, clients, friends and non-profits we have worked with over the years who have helped expand the impact of our pro bono projects and initiatives," Angela said. "Thank you to the FT for this honor."
Original source can be found here.