Attorney Pirazzolo Honored with Adams Pro Bono Publico Award for Dedication to Disability Rights and Civil Rights Cases

Attorney Pirazzolo has been recognized for her exceptional commitment to pro bono legal work, accumulating nearly 24,100 hours of service throughout her career. Her efforts have significantly impacted the lives of marginalized individuals, particularly in cases involving disability rights and civil rights.

In a landmark case, Pirazzolo served as pro bono counsel for a class action suit representing deaf and hard of hearing individuals incarcerated in Massachusetts correctional facilities. The case, initiated in 2015, highlighted the lack of essential accommodations such as hearing aids and emergency notification systems. After years of litigation, a recent ruling by Judge Richard Stearns found that the Massachusetts Department of Correction violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by failing to provide adequate emergency alerts. The ruling mandates the development of a comprehensive policy to ensure effective communication for deaf and hard of hearing inmates, setting a precedent that could influence similar cases nationwide.

Additionally, Pirazzolo achieved a significant victory in a discrimination lawsuit involving black police officers in Boston. The officers challenged the reliability of a hair test used to detect drug use, which they argued was flawed. After years of legal battles, including a successful appeal to the US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, the city agreed to settle the case for $2.6 million and discontinued the controversial hair test.

Her colleagues have praised Pirazzolo for her unwavering dedication to her clients and her mentorship of junior lawyers, providing them with invaluable hands-on experience in complex litigation. The SJC Standing Committee on Pro Bono Legal Services awarded her the Adams Pro Bono Publico Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to pro bono work.

In her acceptance speech, Pirazzolo expressed gratitude for the support of her family and colleagues at WilmerHale, emphasizing the collaborative nature of impactful litigation. Her work continues to inspire others in the legal community, reinforcing the importance of pro bono service in advancing social justice.