NAVRA member Keith Franz has long been a victims’ advocate and is highly regarded for his decades of pro bono work throughout the United States.  His efforts on behalf of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), The Compassionate Friends, Bereaved Parents of the USA and other organizations that promote social justice have been a consuming interest throughout his career. 

Recently, Keith served as Counsel of Record on two cases for which NCVLI filed Amicus Curiae briefs before the Supreme Court of the United States.  This year Keith was also presented with the prestigious Frank Carrington Champion of Civil Justice Award by the National Crime Victim Bar Association in recognition of his work as lead counsel in U.S. District Court in New York for the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. 

 Keith had this to say about his work with NCVLI: 

“What a revelation it was for me to find NCVLI fighting so effectively for the rights of victims.  I joined NAVRA in 2005 to expand our understanding of issues facing victims and help develop best practices for enforcing victims’ rights, which has been a long term- passion of our entire firm.  I continue to be impressed with the impeccable choice of cases that NCVLI takes on to pursue justice and the scholarly approach it takes to each case, which has advanced the victims’ rights movement greatly over the years. 

I was greatly honored to be asked to be Counsel of Record for NCVLI on two Amicus Curiae briefs presently pending in the Supreme Court of the United States.  The successful conclusion of each case will significantly clarify and enhance the rights afforded to victims under the Crime Victims’ Rights Act of 2004.  NCVLI continues to lead the way nationally to obtain and enforce rights for victims that just one generation ago were unheard of in the criminal justice system.  The fight continues.  With the leadership of NCVLI, justice for victims of crime will advance to new heights in the future.”