The Steven J. Sharp Award of National Public Service
In 2004, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America awarded the firm the Steven J. Sharp Public Service Award. The Sharp Award is given only once a year on a nationwide basis, for the case that “best tells the story of American civil justice”. In that case, Mike Abourezk initially set out to help his terminally ill sister, Carol, after her insurance company denied her claim. In the process, he uncovered insurance underpayments to thousands of other patients, which led to a five year battle and a successful nationwide class action for cancer patients. Carol Abourezk died before conclusion of the case, which restored millions to many other cancer victims.