David DeBruin
In 2001, MCCA® created the “Rainbowmaker” award to recognize exceptional lawyers whose leadership, courage, and commitment stand tall as advocates for a more diverse legal profession and who, through their advocacy, have sought to create rainbows of opportunity for future generations of lawyers.
This year, the Rainbowmaker award was presented to David DeBruin and Deanne Maynard of Jenner & Block, who led the efforts to produce the corporate amicus brief filed in support of the University of Michigan during its affirmative action trials.
Recognizing that the future of American business and the economy depends upon academic institutions’ freedom to select racially and ethnically diverse student bodies, 65 leading corporations gathered to submit an amicus brief to the United States Supreme Court in support of the belief that “a racially and ethnically diverse student body produces significant educational benefits” and “constitutes a compelling government interest.” At both the United States Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court, these corporate leaders were represented on a pro bono basis by DeBruin and Maynard and their firm, Jenner & Block, strongly supported their efforts.
It is somewhat fitting that DeBruin received his J.D. summa cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School, the university at the center of this landmark affirmative action case. A partner in Jenner & Block’s Washington D.C. office, DeBruin is a member of the firm’s Appellate and Supreme Court, Litigation, and Securities Litigation Practice. DeBruin’s specialty lies in complex litigation, both at trial and appeal. He has extensive experience in both civil and criminal litigation, and has argued cases before the United States Supreme Court, numerous federal appellate courts, and state supreme courts.
Deanne Maynard
Maynard is also a partner in the Jenner & Block Washington D.C. office. She graduated with distinction from the University of Virginia in 1987 and graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1991. She is a member of the firm’s Media and First Amendment, Litigation, Appellate and Supreme Court Practices.
Maynard’s significant media and First Amendment practice includes a recent successful challenge in the Eighth Circuit to a local ordinance restricting “violent” video games. She also has substantial appellate and Supreme Court experience.
Maynard currently serves as editor of the American Bar Association’s publication, the Communications Lawyer, and is a subcommittee chair of the ABA Litigation Section’s First Amendment and Media Litigation Committee.
These two exceptional attorneys devoted their time, talents, and commitment to help produce one of the most important amicus briefs filed with the court.
From the November/December 2003 issue of Diversity & The Bar®