Wrongful incarceration righted by pro bono lawyers

Hunton & Williams is one terrific law firm, and when it makes the services of its top lawyers available for pro bono service, this is what happens:

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 8, 2005--Today, the Florida State Senate and House of Representatives awarded Wilton Dedge, a man who was wrongfully convicted and incarcerated for 22 years, $2 million plus educational benefits. Dedge is the first person exonerated by DNA testing to receive compensation from the State of Florida. "It's been a long battle and I am thankful to the attorneys at Hunton & Williams who worked so hard for me and my family," said Dedge. "Pro bono lawyers also worked very hard to achieve my exoneration -- Nina Morrison with the New York Innocence Project, worked with Florida lawyers Milton Hirsch and Cheney Mason and argued for several years to obtain the testing which I originally requested in 1988. I am ready to start a new life and hope this will help others who have been proved innocent with DNA testing to get the assistance they need to start a new life." Hunton & Williams represented Dedge on a pro bono basis. Sandy D'Alemberte, special counsel to Hunton & Williams and lead attorney in the fight for his compensation, said he is grateful for the support the firm gave during this long process, particularly the support of Marty Steinberg, managing partner of the Miami office of Hunton & Williams.

22 years is a long, lonely time. Congratulations to Hunton & Williams for this great service and fantastic result!