Third Annual Amy Kane Memorial Award
Third Annual Amy Kane Memorial Award
Chicago
March 4, 2025
Last week, HPS was honored to host the Third Annual Amy Kane Memorial Award ceremony on February 27th, recognizing Gina Ambrose as this year’s distinguished recipient. In addition to receiving the award, Gina was given a monetary stipend to support her continued education, refine her trial skills, and further her commitment to mentorship and leadership within the legal community.
The Amy Kane Memorial Award honors the life and legacy of HPS Partner Amy Kane, who passed away in March of 2022. Amy was not only an exceptional attorney but also a mentor, leader, and friend whose kindness, empathy, and generosity of spirit left a mark on those who had the privilege of working with her. This award celebrates individuals who embody her outstanding qualities and unwavering dedication to the legal profession.
Marilee Clausing, Managing Partner, noted that the award was created as a way to remember Amy and to support attorneys who exemplify her qualities in developing their legal abilities. She described Amy as “someone incredibly special to work with and who was always willing to give freely of her time, mentorship, and advice.”
Gina is a graduate of The John Marshall Law School, where she served as Staff Editor of The John Marshall Law Review. She is a dedicated advocate for healthcare providers, representing hospitals, long-term care facilities, and individual practitioners against claims of medical negligence, nursing home negligence, and premises liability.
Reflecting on the significance of receiving this award, Gina shared, “I am humbled and honored to receive this award, and am certain that this is the most meaningful award I will have in my career.” She added, “Amy was the epitome of grace, strength, and kindness – all of which made her a great attorney.”
Laura Ginett, a Partner who worked closely with both Amy and Gina, emphasized the incredible legacy that Amy left behind, stating, “Amy was a spectacular human being who led with kindness, compassion, and empathy as a person and extraordinary skills as an attorney. She operated with unparalleled grace, and being compared to Amy is the highest possible compliment.” Speaking about Gina, she added, “Gina is talented, hardworking, driven, fierce, humble, collaborative, and passionate. Everyone who gets to work with Gina at Hall Prangle feels lucky. She’s calm, collected, and thoughtful.”
HPS Partner Ben Patterson spoke about the overwhelming similarities between Amy and Gina, emphasizing their shared excellence, kindness, and generosity. He described them both as trusted allies, team players, and poised professionals. Reflecting on a case he worked on with Gina that had originally belonged to Amy, he shared how meaningful it was to secure the Defense Verdict, noting, “We could feel Amy in the courtroom.”
Each year, this ceremony serves not only as an opportunity to recognize an exceptional attorney but also as a moment to reflect on Amy’s lasting impact. “I love what this award stands for and that we have this time every year to remember Amy, her impact on the legal community, and those that love and miss her every day,” Gina expressed.
HPS is proud to continue honoring Amy’s legacy through this award and congratulates Gina Ambrose on this well-deserved recognition. Her dedication to excellence, mentorship, and advocacy exemplifies the spirit of the Amy Kane Memorial Award.
