As the Midwest Innocence Project marks 25 years of working to correct and prevent wrongful convictions, this year’s Faces of Innocence celebration will recognize two honorees whose dedication has helped make freedom possible.

The Freedom Award will be presented to the Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner Fellowship Program, a partnership that has quietly expanded what is possible in innocence work. Through the program, BCLP associates divide their time between firm practice and the Midwest Innocence Project, bringing their skill, persistence, and care into the long process of investigating and litigating wrongful conviction cases. Over the years, fellows in the program have helped move complex legal work forward piece by piece, strengthening the foundation that allows truth to surface and justice to follow.

This year’s Justice for the Innocent Award will be presented to Stuart Chanen, whose advocacy reflects the kind of determination innocence work requires. His commitment was especially clear in the case of Charlie Vaughn. Through years of legal obstacles and uncertainty, Stuart remained engaged in the fight for Charlie’s freedom, continuing to press forward when progress was slow and difficult. After years of persistence, Charlie Vaughn was finally released this January.

Innocence work is rarely quick and never simple. It depends on people who are willing to stay with the work over time. This year’s honorees reflect that spirit of persistence, partnership, and belief in the possibility of justice.