Lambda Attorney Named One of Country's Most Influential Lawyers

(NEW YORK, June 12, 2000) — Citing impressive accomplishments advancing civil rights for lesbians and gay men nationwide, the National Law Journal has named Evan Wolfson one of the 100 most influential lawyers in America, Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund said Monday.

Lambda Legal Director Beatrice Dohrn said, “During Evan’s ten years at Lambda, he has been a vital force in advancing civil rights in this country. He tirelessly brings new vision to the legal community, most notably with leadership in the movement for winning the freedom to marry.” She added, “Lambda is proud to have one of our attorneys recognized as the ‘top litigator on gay and lesbian issues’ by the National Law Journal.”

The Journal singled out Wolfson for his distinguished legal career, highlighting his work as the director of Lambda’s Marriage Project and as coordinator of the National Freedom to Marry Coalition. The article went on to praise him for his role in Baehr v. Anderson, the Hawaii lawsuit on behalf of three lesbian and gay couples seeking to marry; the case ended after a bitter campaign that amended the state constitution but nonetheless sparked the national dialogue about gay people’s freedom to marry.

Additionally, the Journal highlighted Wolfson’s recent appearance before the United States Supreme Court on behalf of an Eagle Scout expelled from scouting because he is gay, in the landmark civil rights case, Boy Scouts of America v. James Dale.

“I am honored to be in the company of such impressive attorneys,” said Evan Wolfson. “Even more, I am grateful to work with the wonderful, dedicated people at Lambda who make my work possible.”

Since 1985, every three years, the Journal has compiled a list of influential attorneys. The Journal states that the key factor in being chosen as an influential attorney is using power to influence the legal community. Attorneys also on this year’s list include U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno and Harvard Law School Professor Laurence Tribe.

Lambda is the nation’s oldest and largest gay legal organization, headquartered in New York with regional offices in Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Contact: Peg Byron 212-809-8585 ext. 230, 888-987-1984 (pager)
Evan Wolfson 212-809-8585 ext. 205