In 2005, Mr. Harper was honored by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and the Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, and given the court's award for "Excellence in Pro Bono and Public Interest Service". An inmate at the Cook County Jail had complained that jail guards entered his cell, handcuffed his hands behind his back, and kicked and beat him as he lay on the concrete floor. He filed a pro se civil rights lawsuit in federal court, and the court appointed Mr. Harper to represent him. Mr. Harper litigated the case all the way to a successful jury verdict which included compensatory and punitive damages.
After the trial, the court notified Mr. Harper that he would be honored with its award. The brochure, prepared by the court and distributed at the award ceremony, contained the following description:
Douglas B. Harper, a sole practitioner, represented the plaintiff in Mickey v. Cook County, (99 C 7281). As a Cook County Jail inmate, Mickey claimed that prison guards used excessive force against him. After extended discovery, Mickey declined a settlement offer and instead went to trial, where Harper's representation prevailed. The judge in the case noted Harper's dedication, diligence, outstanding performance and reasonableness.
Awards Presented For Pro Bono, Public Interest Work. United States District Court, June 1, 2005. News release.
For one year following the award ceremony, a copy of the brochure and Mr. Harper's photograph were kept on display at the United States Courthouse at 219 South Dearborn Street in Chicago, Illinois.
Website design by Douglas B. Harper. © Copyright 2005, 2009. All rights reserved.