Kirkland Honored With 2025 Pro Bono Partner Award From DRLC
The Disability Rights Legal Center (DRLC), the oldest disability nonprofit in the U.S., selected Kirkland as the winner of its 2025 Pro Bono Partner Award. The honor, which was presented at DRLC’s 50th annual Franklin Delano Roosevelt Gala, recognized Kirkland’s exceptional commitment to disability justice and long-standing pro bono partnership with DRLC.
Kirkland received the honor for its advancement of disability justice and protection of the rights of marginalized communities in Harry Langenbacher, et al. v. City of Fullerton, et al, a lawsuit challenging a city ordinance in Fullerton, California, that effectively bans people from living in their vehicles within city limits unless the driver has a valid city-issued permit.
In December 2022, a Kirkland team led by lawyers Matt Summers and Michael Shipley, along with the DRLC, filed suit in Orange County Superior Court, challenging the legality of the city ordinance. The lawsuit argued that this law violates the California Constitution and other state protections, particularly targeting people with disabilities and unhoused residents, and constitutes an unlawful use of public funds.
The Kirkland team filed a motion for preliminary injunction in May 2023, asking the court to block enforcement of the ordinance while the case proceeds. On June 26, 2023, following oral argument, the Orange County Superior Court granted the motion, prohibiting enforcement until the trial, which was originally scheduled for September 2024.
In response, the City of Fullerton amended the ordinance, and Kirkland and the DRLC team voluntarily dismissed the lawsuit. With Kirkland’s assistance, DRLC brought a motion to recover its attorneys fees for securing the injunction blocking enforcement of the city ordinance and for catalyzing the city’s amendments to the same. On August 15, 2025, the court awarded DRLC substantial attorneys fees, ending the litigation.
“This case highlights the value of law firm partners and the resources they bring to pro bono organizations facing tough cases,” Matt Summers said. “It’s a reminder that organizations committed to protecting the public can’t be ignored.”
