Pro Bono The Holloway Project: Leveraging The First Step Act to Reduce Excessive Prison Sentences

The Holloway Project was created to fight for criminal justice reform and against racial inequality. This short documentary highlights two of the 24 incarcerated men for whom Debevoise & Plimpton has obtained reduced sentences. Leveraging the compassionate release statute and The First Step Act, John Gleeson, litigation partner and former U.S. District Court judge, leads teams of Debevoise pro bono lawyers whose innovative legal arguments have resulted in victory after victory for The Holloway Project. Todd Ellerby and Kevin Haynes were both first-time offenders when over-zealous prosecutors inappropriately charged each man under the § 924(c), which resulted in stacked sentences of over 45 years. Here they share their emotional journeys with us along with Judge Gleeson and associate Marisa Taney. Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is a premier law firm with market-leading practices, a global perspective and strong New York roots. Our clients look to us to bring a distinctively high degree of quality, intensity and creativity to resolve legal challenges effectively and cost efficiently. Debevoise provides a wide array of pro bono legal services to marginalized communities and underserved populations on matters ranging from landmark international and national disputes to representations of low-income individuals. We also partner with clients on a range of corporate, litigation and tax pro bono matters in clinic settings, and on individual matters. This profile may constitute attorney advertising. Website: LinkedIn: Twitter: