Human Rights Initiative Executive Director, Bill Holston, to receive 2015 SMU Dedman School of Law Distinguished Alumni Award for Public Service

DSC_0847For immediate release

Contact for comment: Kavita Khandekar, Marketing & Development Director

kkhandekar@hrionline.org/ 214.273.4334

On March 19, 2015, Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law will present Executive Director of Human Rights Initiative of North Texas, Bill Holston, the Distinguished Alumni Award for Public Service. Before coming to Human Rights Initiative, Holston was a partner in the Dallas law firm Sullivan and Holston.  During his time in private practice, Holston volunteered with Human Rights Initiative for over 10 years, representing survivors of torture and persecution in their application for asylum. His service to Human Rights Initiative is unparalleled and in 2005, the agency’s volunteer attorney program was re-named in his honor thanks to a generous gift from Charlie and Meredith Stimson.

In 2012, Holston left his career in private law to become the Executive Director of Human Rights Initiative. In the last three years, Human Rights Initiative has continued to grow under Holston’s guidance reaching new milestones in fundraising, legal and social services, and staff development. With Holston’s charismatic leadership, Human Rights Initiative enters its 15th year bigger and better than ever!

Bill says, “I’m very gratified to receive this award. It is an acknowledgment by this excellent law school of the critical nature of pro bono legal services to the community, the bar and our nation.  It’s a recognition of the excellence of the legal services provided by Human Rights Initiative, now celebrating our 15th year.  HRI’s reputation is based on the principles of excellence instilled by our founders and maintained by our gifted staff. I hope that the award is inspiring to young lawyers to make pro bono work a priority in their professional life.”

We are so proud of our leader, Bill Holston, and could not think of someone more deserving of this award.

Support HRI's Mission

Together we can extend the safety, liberty, and hope America has given us to those who desperately need it. Your support makes a great difference as we continue the fight.

Give Now