Thompson Coburn partner Jennifer Ecklund was named a finalist in the “Influential Woman of the Year” category of Law.com’s Texas Legal Awards. The award honors Texas’ best women lawyers who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession. “It honors the trailblazers, advocates and leaders who have demonstrated exceptional skill in their fields and dedication to advancing equality. From breaking barriers in the workplace to championing important causes in our communities, these remarkable women inspire us,” the publication states.
Jenny has nearly two decades of experience leading trial teams to victory. Her focus areas encompass a wide range of complex legal issues and important social justice causes.
In a major pro bono effort covered by The New York Times, The Atlantic, ProPublica and CBS News, Jenny and Thompson Coburn partner Elizabeth Myers represented numerous sexual assault survivors in a federal class action in Austin, Texas, challenging unconstitutional failures in the investigation and prosecution of sexual assaults. The case and related advocacy has led to the formation of a Statewide Sexual Assault Survivor Task Force in the Texas Governor's Office, and a statewide audit of police investigations and prosecutorial outcomes. A January 2022 settlement reached with the City of Austin and the Austin Police Department provides financial remuneration and apologies for the 15 survivor plaintiffs. Combined with the costs of the comprehensive changes to the police department’s operations, the settlement includes a $5 million commitment by the City to facilitate meaningful change.
At Thompson Coburn, Jenny co-leads a broad Social Justice Litigation Practice with Elizabeth that pursues civil rights claims on behalf of reproductive justice organizations in Texas and survivors of police brutality.
The Texas Legal Awards winners will be recognized at an awards dinner on October 15.
Original source can be found here.