Farella Braun + Martel Files Amicus Brief Opposing Proposition 8
SAN FRANCISCO (January 26, 2009) - Lawyers at Farella Braun + Martel LLP filed an amicus brief on behalf of a coalition of advocacy groups opposing Proposition 8, the ballot initiative that bans same-sex marriage. Farella's amicus brief focused on the negative and stigmatic impact the measure has on the current and future children of same-sex parents.
The groups represented by Farella on the brief include: The Children's Law Center of Los Angeles, Family Equality Council; Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Therapists Association; the Human Rights Campaign; The Human Rights Campaign Foundation; Kids in Common; Legal Services for Children; the National Black Justice Coalition; National Center for Youth Law; the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Foundation; PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbian and Gays Inc.) and the San Francisco Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).
"In the debate over Proposition 8, the interests of children, who have no political voice in this matter, have not been given as much attention, and yet, this vulnerable group has and will suffer significantly under this measure," noted Farella associate Brett Wheeler, who spearheaded the efforts. The appellate team included Grace Won, David Ismay, Julie Wahlstrand, and Fernando Esponda. "As lawyers, we knew that this was an important brief to write, but when we announced to the entire firm that we had filed it, the outpouring of support and thanks from attorneys and staff made us realize how much this issue impacts us all," said Ms. Won, a litigation partner and the firm's pro bono coordinator.
A copy of Farella's brief can be found here. The firm was particularly gratified to see that its arguments were cited the reply briefs by the Petitioners Strauss and City of San Francisco. Argument on the matter is scheduled for March 5, 2009.
Farella Braun + Martel represents clients throughout the United States and abroad in sophisticated business transactions and high-stakes commercial, civil and criminal litigation. Founded in 1962, the firm is headquartered in San Francisco and maintains an office in the Napa Valley focused on the wine industry. Farella Braun + Martel lawyers are known for their imaginative legal solutions, dynamism and intellectual creativity. With an unwavering service ethic and interdisciplinary team approach, the firm is committed to advancing clients' objectives in the most effective, coordinated and efficient manner. Farella Braun + Martel is a Green Business.
