In a significant case concerning free speech and religious freedom, the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) filed an amicus brief in Dubash v. City of Houston, et al. The Fifth Circuit case challenges the arrest of Mr. Dubash for peacefully advocating against factory farming in a Houston public park.
Counsel on the brief included Jackson Walker partner Jennifer S. Freel and associate West M. Bakke, who provided their services pro bono in support of the HAF’s efforts to safeguard religious expression and free speech.
The case centers on Mr. Dubash’s right to publicly speak out against the unethical treatment of animals in factory farming, a stance deeply rooted in the Hindu principle of ahimsa (non-harm). HAF’s amicus brief educates the Court on the religious nature of Mr. Dubash’s advocacy, arguing that his protest was not only an expression of personal belief but also an exercise of his faith protected by the First Amendment.
The amicus brief draws upon Jackson Walker’s experience in defending First Amendment rights, as demonstrated in recent cases such as Little v. Llano County and Villarreal v. Alaniz. In Dubash, Jackson Walker continues its commitment to protecting free speech and religious expression.
The case is Dubash v. City of Houston, et al., No. 24-20485, in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. For more information, see HAF’s press release.
About Our Team
Jennifer S. Freel
is a former federal prosecutor who advises businesses and individuals under investigation by the government and conducts internal investigations for companies seeking an independent party. She also represents clients in civil disputes at the pre-trial, trial, and appellate levels in both state and federal courts. She is an elected Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, a member of the Texas Supreme Court Historical Society’s Board of Trustees, a past chair of the Criminal Law Section of the Federal Bar Association, and a past president of the Federal Bar Association Austin Chapter. Her Investigations & White Collar Defense experience has been recognized in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business since 2021 and The Best Lawyers in America since 2022.
West Bakke is a former federal law clerk whose practice focuses on critical pre-trial motions and appeals. West argued his first appeal while still in law school before a three-judge panel of the Fifth Circuit. Upon graduation he served as a law clerk to District Judge Andrew S. Hanen and Circuit Judge Karen LeCraft Henderson. His professional interest in First Amendment advocacy traces to his experience as a volunteer attorney in the inaugural class of SMU Dedman School of Law’s First Amendment Clinic.
Meet JW
Founded in 1887, Jackson Walker continues to advance the world of business by helping companies of all sizes navigate today’s increasingly complex legal landscape. With more than 500 attorneys across six offices, we are the largest law firm in the state and have been recognized by Law360 as a “Texas Powerhouse” and an “elite law firm” that regularly provides counsel to industry-leading clients. Our dedicated Pro Bono program provides support for attorneys’ pro bono efforts both in terms of legal service and financial support. We are proud of the fact that the Firm spends more than 6,000 hours on pro bono causes every year. To explore our efforts to help ensure equal access to justice, visit our Pro Bono page. Additionally, Jackson Walker’s experience defending First Amendment rights can be found on the Trial & Appellate Litigation and Media Law practice pages.
