Kashef trial team honored with the 2026 Public Justice's Trial Lawyer of the Year Award
Hausfeld is pleased to announce that the trial team behind Kashef v. BNP Paribas SA has received Public Justice's 2026 Trial Lawyer of the Year Award, recognizing litigation that advanced accountability for survivors of genocide and other mass human rights abuses in Sudan.
Presented during Public Justice's annual gala on July 27 in Chicago, the award honors attorneys whose work has made an exceptional contribution to the public interest through precedent-setting litigation.
The recognition follows a landmark federal jury verdict in October 2025, when a jury found BNP Paribas liable for aiding and abetting violations of Swiss law by providing financial services that helped sustain the Sudanese government's campaign of violence under former President Omar al-Bashir. The jury awarded three bellwether plaintiffs a combined $20.75 million in damages.
Representing a certified class of more than 23,000 Sudanese refugees living in the United States, the litigation sought accountability for the bank's role in processing billions of dollars in transactions that enabled the Sudanese regime to evade U.S. sanctions while carrying out widespread atrocities, including killings, forced displacement, sexual violence, and the destruction of villages across Darfur and other regions.
The verdict marked a significant milestone in human rights litigation, demonstrating that financial institutions may be held accountable when they knowingly provide substantial assistance to governments responsible for genocide and other crimes against humanity.
"This recognition reflects the extraordinary courage of our clients and the dedication of every member of the trial team over nearly a decade of litigation," said Michael Hausfeld. "We are honored that Public Justice has recognized this important step toward accountability for the survivors."
The Kashef v. BNP Paribas Legal Team
The Hausfeld team includes Michael D. Hausfeld, Amanda Lee-DasGupta, Mary Sameera Van Houten Harper, James D. Gotz, Claire Rosset, and Percy Metcalfe.
The firm worked alongside co-counsel from DiCello Levitt LLP, Hecht Partners LLP, and Zuckerman Spaeder LLP.
The DiCello Levitt trial team includes Bobby DiCello, Ken Abbarno, Greg Gutzler, Carrie Syme, Scott Gilmore, Mark DiCello, and Adam Levitt.
The Hecht Partners team includes Kathryn Lee Boyd, David L. Hecht, Maxim Price, Kristen Nelson, and Michael Eggenberger.
The Zuckerman Spaeder team includes Cy Smith, Aitan D. Goelman, and Josh Mathew.
