FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | October 12, 2004

Kate Kendell Named one of California’s Top 100 Attorneys

(October 12, 2004) — On September 27, 2004, California’s legal newspaper the Daily Journal published its seventh annual list of the state’s most influential, change-making lawyers. Nominated by her peers in the legal community, NCLR’s very own Kate Kendell was recognized as one of the Top 100 most influential lawyers in California.

“Collecting votes for this year’s Top 100, the staff of Daily Journal EXTRA found that no issue captured the community more than gay marriage,” the newspaper wrote. “Creating a moment in history is a special accomplishment. Picking up where that moment ends and carrying a cause to the finish is extraordinary.”

As Executive Director for NCLR, Kate was lauded for the following: “Her group settled a $1 million case on behalf of six Bay Area high school students subjected to harassment because of sexual orientation. The center has fought to allow same-sex marriages by counseling San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, representing same-sex couples and filing a constitutional challenge to marriage laws.” An unattributed source noted that, “She possesses a seemingly unparalleled combination of smarts, passion and charisma, and the power to move people across the political and social spectrum.”

Please join NCLR’s staff in congratulating Kate on this outstanding achievement.

The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education.