A New Century, A New Morgan Lewis

In one of the firm’s longest pro bono representations, Morgan Lewis in 2003 wins the retrial of John Thompson, a former death row inmate wrongly convicted of murder. The firm begins representing Mr. Thompson in 1988 and over the next 11 years argues his case in the Louisiana State and federal court systems. Shortly before he was to be executed, a defense investigator discovers evidence that had been withheld from the defense proving Mr. Thompson's innocence in the underlying armed robbery case. With his conviction set aside, Mr. Thompson receives a stay of execution and obtains a new trial in the murder case. After 35 minutes of deliberation the jury finds Mr. Thompson not guilty. The case becomes the subject of a book and, along with other criminal justice cases, gives the firm an important voice in the growing national debate over capital punishment.