August 19, 2020 — Chicago, IL
The American Jewish Committee (AJC) today announced Sidley Austin LLP Partner Bruce Braun will be awarded the prestigious Judge Learned Hand Human Relations Award in recognition for his outstanding leadership in the legal profession and Chicago’s civil society.
AJC will honor Braun, a co-leader of Sidley’s firmwide Commercial Litigation and Disputes practice group and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee, at a virtual gala event on October 22, 2020 at 6:30 PM CST. The keynote presentation will be a conversation between Ivo Daalder, President of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, and Jason Isaacson, AJC Chief Policy and Political Affairs Officer.
This award was established in memory of Judge Learned Hand who believed that liberty under the law forms the foundation of this nation’s way of life. It is presented annually to a distinguished Chicago attorney who embodies Judge Learned Hand’s ideals of justice and who works to safeguard democratic values and the rights of individuals.
AJC Chicago Evelyn R. Greene Executive Director Laurence Bolotin said, “Bruce has distinguished himself not just as a lawyer, but as a person deeply committed to making a difference. Bruce is a remarkable role model and incredibly deserving of this award.”
Reflecting on the award and his nomination, Braun said, “As a member of the Chicago legal community, I cannot think of a more highly regarded award than AJC’s Judge Learned Hand Human Relations Award. Upon learning of my nomination, I was truly humbled to be included in such an elite group of Chicago lawyers. It is my absolute honor to be this year’s recipient.”
“Bruce truly exemplifies our firm’s tradition and commitment to pro bono service and giving back to the communities we serve,” said Larry Barden, chair of Sidley Austin LLP’s Management Committee and prior Learned Hand award recipient. “He is a valued colleague, an exceptionally talented litigator, and a dedicated civic leader. I speak for all of my partners when I say we are incredibly proud of Bruce and are delighted to see his efforts and accomplishments honored by the AJC.”
Braun has been recognized as one of the top litigators in Chicago and in the nation. Chambers describes him as “a ‘top-flight trial guy’ ... his work ethic is unsurpassed, he is an excellent cross-examiner, and he is extremely intellectually nimble.” American Lawyer selected him as one of its “45 Under Forty-Five: the Rising Stars of the Private Bar.” Braun has also been named one of Chicago magazine’s Illinois “Super Lawyers,” one of Chambers USA’s “America’s Leading Lawyers for Business,” and one of BTI Consulting’s “Client Service All-Stars.”
At the beginning of his legal career, Braun served as a law clerk for William H. Rehnquist, the Chief Justice of the United States, and Joel M. Flaum of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
Braun’s practice encompasses a wide range of subject matter areas, including antitrust, professional liability, securities fraud, internal investigations, breach of contract, intellectual property, software litigation, insurance and consumer fraud. He also has significant experience representing organizations and individuals in regulatory matters before the DOJ, SEC, PCAOB and other entities.
For more information about the event, to register, or to make a contribution in Bruce's honor, please visit the event website or contact Huston Harris at 312-646-6112 or harrish@ajc.org.
To learn more about our featured speakers for this event, please click here.
Past Winners of the AJC Chicago Judge Learned Hand Human Relations Award:
1976 Richard H. Levin
1977 Howard R. Koven
1978 Justin Stanley
1979 Sidney J. Hess
1980 Irving Goldberg
1981 Joseph L. Fink
1982 Max Wildman
1983 Marshall L. Burman
1984 Reuben L. Hedlund
1985 Lowell E. Sachnoff
1986 Howard E. Kane
1987 Jean Allard
1988 Jerold S. Solovy
1989 Robert A. Helman
1990 Ernest Greenberger
1991 John R. Schmidt
1992 Theodore R. Tetzlaff
1993 Howard G. Krane
1994 John B. Simon
1994 Seymour Simon
1995 Anne M. Burke
1996 James R. Thompson
1997 Tyrone Fahner
1999 Gery J. Chico
2000 Jack S. Levin
2001 Lee I. Miller
2002 Laurel G. Bellows
2003 James H.M. Sprayregen
2004 Dan K. Webb
2005 Anton R. Valukas
2006 Marshall E. Eisenberg
2006 Randall E. Mehrberg
2007 Thomas A. Cole
2007 Theodore J. Novak
2008 David M. Bernick
2009 Alan P. Solow
2010 Craig C. Martin
2011 Sanford E. Perl
2012 Charles W. Douglas
2013 Keith J. Shapiro
2014 Richard A. Chesley
2015 Thomas P. Fitzgerald
2016 Stephen L. Ritchie
2017 Larry Barden
2018 Susan Levy
2019 Paul Theiss
