Forty-second President Will Receive 2011 William O. Douglas Award Presented by the Legendary Singer/Actress Barbra Streisand

LOS ANGELES, March 2, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- President Bill Clinton, founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation and the 42nd President of the United States, will receive Public Counsel's 2011 William O. Douglas Award at its annual event on March 18. The former president will be introduced by actress/singer Barbra Streisand.

"Public Counsel is thrilled to honor President Clinton as we celebrate 40 years of fighting for the rights of families, persecuted immigrants and veterans," said Hernan Vera, Public Counsel's President and CEO. "Our nation faces huge challenges in educating our children, protecting our returning veterans, and helping Americans hurt in the economic crisis get back on their feet. We are proud to share President Clinton's vision for America as a land of opportunity and equality for all."

Public Counsel will also honor CBS Television, which will receive the Corporate Achievement Award, and the law firm of Irell & Manella LLP, which will receive the Law Firm Pro Bono Award.

About Public Counsel: Public Counsel was founded in 1970 and is the nation's largest nonprofit law firm that provides free legal services through a partnership with the nation's top law firms. We provide free legal services to more than 30,000 people every year, including children in the foster-care system, persecuted immigrants seeking asylum and American military veterans. The William O. Douglas Award is named for the late Supreme Court justice noted for his support for civil rights and freedom of speech. Learn more at www.publiccounsel.org

SOURCE Public Counsel