Law Firms Honored With Pro Bono Award for Representation of Iraqi Refugees

Bill Hing posted a story earlier today about Iraqi refugees settling in the San Diego area.  Many of these migrants seek relief from removal for fear of persecution if returned to Iraq.  Corporate law firms have long been integral in providing free legal assistance to asylum-seekers.  The National Law Journal has given PRO BONO AWARDS to HOLLAND & KNIGHT, MAYER BROWN, and PROSKAUER ROSE for the pro bono work of those firms in assisting Iraqi refugees.  These firms have really stepped up to the plate.  At Holland & Knight, for example, 75 attorneys and paralegals are managing more than 180 active cases involving more than 600 Iraqi people.

I have a special place in my heart for pro bono asylum and refugee work, having cut my "immigration teeth" on such work with Heller Ehrman White & McAuliffe in the 1980s.  Many asylum-seekers cannot afford counsel and would go unrepresented -- and be very unlikely to gain relief -- absent pro bono representation by law firms.  Hurrah for HOLLAND & KNIGHT, MAYER BROWN, and PROSKAUER ROSE and the other law firms involved in helping refugees!

KJ