Jackson Lewis Recognized for Pro Bono Efforts with 2024 Beacon of Justice Award
NEW YORK, NY (April 23, 2024) Nationwide employment law firm Jackson Lewis P.C. is pleased to announce that the firm was selected by the National Legal Aid & Defenders Association (NLADA) as a 2024 Beacon of Justice Award recipient. This year’s recipients were selected for their efforts to address issues related to civil and human rights. Jackson Lewis will be honored at the 2024 NLADA Exemplar Awards Gala on June 6, 2024.
“Jackson Lewis is deeply committed to providing pro bono representation to vulnerable communities across the globe,” said Principal and National Pro Bono Chair Robyn L. Aversa. “The resilience and determination demonstrated by the refugees that we assisted in 2023 serves as an inspiring reminder of one’s ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. We are honored to be a supportive force in the journeys of these individuals.”
In 2023 alone, Jackson Lewis attorneys assisted asylum seekers and refugees from countries including Afghanistan, Kenya, Guatemala and Ukraine with asylum and green card applications. Many of these individuals could not return to their homes because of legitimate threats of violence against them and their families.
Carolina Guiral Cuervo, an associate in the firm's Washington, D.C. office, managed the asylum application of a young Afghan asylum seeker whose family was being targeted as a result of his mother’s work advancing women’s education in. After the Taliban seized control of Kabul, the minor fled to the U.S. and was placed in an immigration shelter. In November 2023, Carolina prepared and represented her client during his asylum interview—ultimately securing his a grant of asylum status from USCIS—and the minor has since been reunited with his parents and siblings in the U.S.
Marissa A. Prianti, an associate in the firm’s White Plains office, successfully demonstrated to the New York City Immigration Court that the deportation of a Guatemalan father would hinder his family’s daughter’s access to vital special education resources. In February 2024, Marissa secured relief known as Cancellation of Removal for a Non-Permanent Resident, allowing the father to live and work in the U.S. with his family while he waits for a green card to become available to him.
Meredith K. Stewart, a principal in the firm’s Boston office, successfully assisted an Afghan asylum seeker in being granted asylum in September 2023. After arriving in the U.S., Meredith’s client has continued her higher-level education, and is currently studying criminal justice with aspirations of becoming a human rights lawyer.
The NLADA is America's oldest and largest nonprofit association devoted to delivering excellent legal services to those who cannot afford counsel. The organization has pioneered access to justice at the national, state and local levels and also provides advocacy, training and technical assistance for equal justice advocates across the country.
Jackson Lewis attorneys have successfully served indigent clients in a wide variety of pro bono matters, including securing civil rights and access to housing; representing children, parents, and vulnerable adults in custody disputes; ensuring appropriate outreach efforts for veterans; and filing disability claims for disabled veterans experiencing homelessness. In addition, the firm partners with its corporate clients to provide legal services and training on legal topics to public interest organizations.
More information about Jackson Lewis’ pro bono and community involvement is available here.
About Jackson Lewis
Focused on labor and employment law since 1958, Jackson Lewis P.C.’s 1,000+ attorneys located in major cities nationwide consistently identify and respond to new ways workplace law intersects business. We help employers develop proactive strategies, strong policies and business-oriented solutions to cultivate high-functioning workforces that are engaged, stable and diverse, and share our clients' goals to emphasize inclusivity and respect for the contribution of every employee.
Additional information about the firm can be found at jacksonlewis.com.
For more information, please contact:
Lara Hamm, Chief Communications Officer
T: (267) 319-7803 / E: Lara.Hamm@jacksonlewis.com
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