Durbin Receives Chicago Bar Association’s Justice John Paul Stevens Award

Durbin Receives Chicago Bar Association's Justice John Paul Stevens Award

Durbin receives award in honor of his decades-long work on the Senate Judiciary Committee

CHICAGO - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today was presented the Chicago Bar Association's (CBA) Justice John Paul Stevens Award in recognition of his longstanding efforts to support the federal judiciary and his decades-long work on the Senate Judiciary Committee. During his remarks, Durbin noted that he has strongly supported the Legal Services Corporation throughout his tenure in Congress. This organization provides essential legal help to millions of Americans who could otherwise not afford it.

"It's a privilege to receive this award today in honor of the great Justice John Paul Stevens," said Durbin. "Justice Stevens taught me that government has the duty to treat every person fairly. I have carried that sentiment with me throughout my Senate career, including on the Senate Judiciary Committee-where we worked tirelessly to confirm highly qualified lifetime appointments to the federal judiciary. I'm proud of the work we have done and look forward to the success of the Committee in the future."

Photos of Durbin at today's event can be found here.

Established in 2000 and named in honor of the legendary U.S. Supreme Court Justice and native Chicagoan John Paul Stevens, these awards recognize lawyers and judges who best exemplify Justice Stevens's legacy of pro bono and public service and his commitment to ensuring our justice system is fair and accessible for everyone in the community. Justice Stevens retired from the Supreme Court in 2010 after 35 years of distinguished service and died in 2019.

As Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee during the Biden Administration, Durbin led the effort in the Senate to confirm 235 lifetime federal judges-the largest number of confirmations in a single term since the Carter Administration. These 235 judges represent more than a quarter of the federal bench. The 235 judicial confirmations include: 187 district court nominees; 45 circuit court nominees; one Supreme Court nominee; and two Court of International Trade nominees. During Durbin's tenure in the U.S. Senate, 58 federal judges have been confirmed in Illinois-52 district judges and six Seventh Circuit Illinois seats.

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