Cleary Gottlieb Hosts Pro Bono Client Painting Dedication

On March 20, 2017, Cleary Gottlieb hosted a painting dedication in the firm’s New York office featuring pro bono client Ndume Olatushani’s artwork. 

The event was in celebration of an exhibit of his paintings, entitled “Perseverance,” in the Eastern District of New York Courthouse’s Charles P. Sifton Gallery. He presented the firm with one of his paintings, entitled OLP, which is now on display in the New York office.

Mr. Olatushani, formerly known as Erskine Johnson, was convicted of murder and sentenced to death when Cleary began representation. The pro bono team convinced the court to set aside his death penalty sentence, reverse and vacate his entire conviction, and order his release without any conditions. While incarcerated, Mr. Olatushani began painting as an outlet.