Stinson Named a 2020 Beacon of Justice Award Winner for Pro Bono Immigration Work

07.30.2020

Stinson LLP has been recognized by the National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA) with the 2020 Beacon of Justice Award for pro bono immigration work across the firm's 13 offices.

The 2020 Beacon of Justice Awards honor law firms with pro bono programs serving vulnerable people fleeing to the U.S. border, and include representation in family separation, removal proceedings, detention, immigration information hotlines and more. More than 100 Stinson attorneys, paralegals and legal assistants throughout the firm donated over 3,100 hours to immigration matters last year, including citizenship and adjustment of status cases, submission of public comments on regulatory and policy changes along with human rights and removal litigation.

Attorneys in Phoenix, led by Partner Larry Wulkan, notably represented churches and volunteers in a civil defamation suit as they provided necessary food and clothing to recent immigrants, after volunteers were threatened and churches were vandalized by members of the public who lodged allegations that the churches were engaged in human and sex trafficking. With Stinson's assistance the case was successful, ensuring their safety and ability to continue serving those in need.

Attorneys from across the firm, led by Washington, DC Partner Harvey Reiter, drafted amicus briefs in immigration proceedings and submitted public comments to Department of Homeland Security-proposed rules that would curtail immigration and work authorization options for those fleeing human rights abuses.

"We are very proud of the work we are doing in this space, in Phoenix and across the firm," said Mark Hinderks, Stinson's managing partner. "The mission of our pro bono work is always to champion the cause of justice and make the legal system more accessible."

Stinson's pro bono program is driven by the firm's Pro Bono Committee led by co-chairs Allison Woodbury and Bradley Yeretsky and implemented by Pro Bono Director Theresa Hughes and Pro Bono Manager Katie Cronin. Stinson's strategic plan notes a commitment to annually donate 3% of total billable hours to pro bono legal services that will have a positive impact on our profession and the communities in which we live. Additionally, 100% of the firm's associates performed pro bono legal work last year.

NLADA is America’s oldest and largest nonprofit association devoted to excellence in the delivery of legal services to those who cannot afford counsel. A leader in the development of national standards for legal aid and indigent defense, NLADA also provides advocacy, training and technical assistance for equal justice advocates across the country.