August 21, 2024
Wesley Powell, Co-Chair of Willkie’s Antitrust Practice Group and the firm’s Pro Bono Practice Group, has been named among the finalists for “Attorney of the Year” at The American Lawyer 2024 Industry Awards.
He is one of four finalists recognized for going “beyond success in their practice” and making “a profound impact in the profession or community.” Wes is recognized for his success in closely watched cases concerning access to gender-related health care, and for his work resolving litigation with New York State to expand Medicaid dental coverage.
Wes led a Willkie team in Lange v. Houston County that, working alongside the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund, won a historic ruling in Georgia federal court that held that employers who refuse to cover gender-affirming care violate federal law. In May 2024, the 11th Circuit affirmed the landmark victory.
Working with the The Legal Aid Society, Wes also obtained victory in Ciaramella et. al. v. Bassett, a federal class action lawsuit filed against the New York State Department of Health on behalf of Medicaid recipients in New York who were denied coverage for medically necessary dental care by the state, resulting in a watershed settlement that is expected to impact approximately five million New Yorkers with Medicaid coverage statewide. Wes and his team secured critical changes to law mandating expanded dental coverage to New Yorkers who use Medicaid, including both new dental coverage benefits and a significant broadening of existing benefits.
Wes has also been recognized for his extensive pro bono work on behalf of asylum seekers and his decades of civic leadership, including his role on the board of the NYC AIDS Memorial and his longtime support for the Hetrick-Martin Institute, a leading provider of services to at-risk LGBTQ+ youth and home of the Harvey Milk High School in New York City.
The finalists will be honored at an event in New York City on November 13, when the award winner will also be announced.
Partner Anna Martini G. Pereira has also been named among the finalists for “Young Lawyer of the Year – Corporate” award. Learn more here.
Read about “Attorney of the Year” finalists at the 2024 The American Lawyer Industry Awards here.
