The cornerstone of the American judicial system is justice and due process. When these principles fail, the consequences can be devastating. For those unjustly imprisoned, the road to freedom is often long and requires relentless advocacy.

Our pro bono client Eric DeBerry experienced this firsthand when he was wrongfully convicted for first-degree assault and robbery related to a 1999 shooting. After serving more than 20 years in prison, White & Case was able to vacate Eric's wrongful conviction and, in November 2024, secure Eric a US$9.45 million civil rights settlement from the City of New York.

Wrongfully convicted

Although he maintained his innocence, Eric was arrested, charged and ultimately convicted upon the testimony of a single witness, who falsely claimed that Eric shot him during a gang-related dispute. He was sentenced to 25 years to life.

After serving 18 years, Eric reached out to New York partner Samuel Hershey. Working with a core team of four White & Case lawyers, Eric filed a motion to vacate his conviction in Kings County Supreme Court based on a new sworn affidavit from the victim contradicting his original testimony.

In June 2020, the judge found Eric innocent—the first finding of innocence in New York State since 2014. He was released less than two weeks later.

A milestone settlement

Eric’s legal battle did not end when he was released. The White & Case team filed a lawsuit against the City of New York for violating Eric's civil rights and for the years he lost while being unjustly imprisoned.

In November 2024, the White & Case team secured a US$9.45 million settlement from the City, providing Eric with the financial means to rebuild his life.

"Coming home to my family after more than 20 years in prison was the greatest day of my life," says DeBerry. "Still, I was worried that I would not have the means to provide for them. This settlement gives me the fresh start that I’ve been praying for."

Continuing the fight

While the settlement with the City marks another significant legal victory, the fight is not over. The Firm is representing Eric in his ongoing civil rights litigation against the State of New York, seeking further accountability for the injustice he has endured.

"The battle is not over," explains Hershey. "Although we won against the City, we continue to litigate with New York State, which refuses to provide any compensation to Eric despite the fact that one of its own judges ruled that Eric is innocent. We will continue to fight for Eric until he receives the full measure of justice to which he is entitled."

Eric's case is a stark reminder of the injustices that still exist within the legal system—and of the power and privilege of relentless advocacy to correct them.

More highlights of our work providing access to justice

• Won freedom and compensation for an electrician and father in Poland wrongfully accused of manslaughter in a workplace incident
• Operated ongoing legal clinics with Australian nonprofit Asylum Seeker Resource Centre to assist asylum seekers with applying for protection visas
• Sealed 29 criminal records from 2022 to 2024, offering clients renewed prospects for education, employment and housing

© Kimprobable / GettyImages
Architectural detail from the United States Supreme Court building.