Justice Gary S. Stein and Dominique Kilmartin Receive 2025 Amicus Award from NJSBA Board of Trustees for Their Work on SCOTUS Brief
Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C. is pleased to announce that the Honorable Gary S. Stein (Ret.) and Dominique Kilmartin received an award from the New Jersey State Bar Association’s (“NJSBA”) Board of Trustees for their work on the NJSBA’s amicus brief in Lackie v. Stinnie (No. 23-621), which they filed with the United States Supreme Court last summer. Justice Stein and Dominique were honored as part of the NJSBA’s 2025 Holiday Awards, alongside Robert B. Hille, Peter J. Gallagher, and James A. Lewis, V, who also assisted with the brief.
The Supreme Court granted certification in Lackie to address an issue with far-reaching implications in civil rights cases across the country: whether civil rights plaintiffs who prevail at the preliminary injunction stage and receive enduring relief as a result may be considered “prevailing parties” entitled to attorneys’ fees under Section 1988 of the Civil Rights Act, notwithstanding the absence of a final judgment. In its amicus brief, the NJSBA advocated for the Court to answer that important question in the affirmative so that the courthouse doors may remain open to all potential litigants, regardless of their economic status.
The NJSBA’s recognition of Justice Stein and Dominique highlights their commitment to civil rights advocacy, and to promoting equal and fair access to our justice system.
To read more about Justice Stein and his work, click here.
To read more about Dominique Kilmartin and her work, click here.