Recent Chapman pro bono efforts have resulted in a landmark decision from the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois, awarding more than $50 million in total damages to sex trafficking survivor Adriane Moen in her civil case against her trafficker. This ruling helps establish a comprehensive roadmap for civil justice under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act and the Illinois Trafficking Victims Protection Act and is groundbreaking precedent.
Pro Bono Partner Sara Ghadiri and partner Eric Silvestri represented Ms. Moen, working alongside a team from the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE). The result reflects the strength of mission-aligned partnerships in achieving meaningful outcomes for survivors and is an important example of Chapman’s ongoing commitment to pro bono service by taking on high-impact matters, supporting vulnerable communities, and using our skills to help ensure access to justice. Chapman congratulates the team and recognizes Ms. Moen’s courage in pursuing accountability and helping pave the way for other survivors.
To learn more about the case, read the Chicago Tribune article that broke the story here. Pro Bono Partner Sara Ghadiri and CAASE Legal Director Elizabeth Payne also discussed the judgment on ChicagoLIVE—watch the segment here.
