Wildman Harrold Hosts FDLA Event Honoring G. Flint Taylor
On May 28, 2009, Wildman Harrold Allen & Dixon, LLP hosted an event benefiting First Defense Legal Aid (FDLA). The reception honored G. Flint Taylor. Mr. Taylor is a founding partner of The People’s Law Office and founding editor of the Police Misconduct and Criminal Justice Reporter. The featured speaker was Duffie Clark, a former Illinois Department of Corrections inmate and civil rights advocate.
The night drew 160 attendees and raised over $23,000 for FDLA, an innovative program that protects civil rights by offering free 24-hour legal representation and advice to any individual taken into Chicago Police Department custody. The program provides support to arrestees during the initial and most important stage of police detention: the period immediately following arrest through to the appointment of a public defender. FDLA trains attorney volunteers to handle emergency calls and, if necessary, station visits where they interview the arrestee, inform them of their constitutional rights, provide bond information and serve as a link to the arrestee’s family.
FDLA and Wildman Harrold partner David Simon organized the event.