Bridget Wholey Recognized for Pro Bono Service by Seventh Circuit Bar Association

On May 4, 2026, the Seventh Circuit Bar Association presented Goldman Ismail associate Bridget Wholey with a 2026 Pro Bono & Public Service Award. Bridget and co-counsel at Sidley Austin were recognized for their representation of James Breyley on appeal before the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

In 2016, Mr. Breyley was attacked by a fellow inmate in a Wisconsin prison. He later sued prison staff members for failing to protect him and for refusing to provide him with adequate medical treatment in the aftermath of the attack. The District Court granted the defendants’ motion for summary judgment in 2022, reasoning that Mr. Breyley failed to exhaust administrative remedies prior to filing suit.

Bridget was the lead associate on Mr. Breyley’s appeal and argued before the Seventh Circuit in February 2024. She argued that the District Court should not have dismissed Mr. Breyley’s claims without holding an evidentiary hearing to resolve disputed issues of fact. In October 2025, the Seventh Circuit agreed, vacating the District Court’s judgment and remanding the case for further proceedings. In the opinion, the Court thanked Bridget and co-counsel “for their able service to Breyley on appeal.”