Oasis Celebrates Pro Bono Week 2024
Last week, we celebrated Pro Bono Week as a way to express our deep gratitude to the firms and attorneys who help us expand our capacity to serve LGBTQ+ immigrants. As one of the handful of organizations in the U.S. specifically dedicated to providing accessible legal services to queer and trans immigrants, we rely on our incredible network of pro bono partners who share their time, expertise, and passion for queer and trans immigrant justice.
From October 21 through October 25, we spotlighted the incredible firms and partners who donate their time and legal expertise to serve Oasis’ clients.
Morrison Foerster (MoFo) is one of our long-standing pro bono partners. For years, they have supported us with conducting research on the conditions of our clients’ countries of origins, a critical element in strengthening asylum applications.
This year, we also launched the “Pro Bono Asylum Declaration Project”, allowing MoFo attorneys to work directly with our clients by interviewing them and completing their declarations. Through this initiative, they’ve already worked on declarations for 9 clients in 2024!
“It is a privilege to work with these courageous Oasis clients to help them tell their stories as they work to start a new life in the U.S.”
-Dorothy Fernandez, MoFo Pro Bono Counsel
“I truly enjoyed the experience of volunteering with Oasis on the declaration project. I hope that the work I did will allow Oasis to help more people and will help my client win asylum.”
-Briana Mittleman, MoFo Associate
Perkins Coie LLP: Since partnering with us this year, Perkins Coie LLP attorneys have already made a lasting impact in supporting Oasis with four asylum cases. We look forward to continuing our partnership and making even more strides in supporting LGBTQ+ asylum seekers.
Fragomen: Since 2022, we have been lucky to work with the passionate Fragomen team as a pro bono partner. Their attorneys have thoroughly prepared and represented our clients in their naturalization interviews, helping guide LGBTQ+ immigrants through their citizenship journey. Their work has expanded the reach of our Naturalization Program for LGBTQ+ immigrants.
Morgan Lewis will be our partner in one of our newest research pursuits: The Circuit Law SOGI Research Project! The goal of this project is to complete comprehensive outlines of case law relating to asylum claims based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) in each U.S. circuit court. Morgan Lewis’ incredible support will be crucial in finalizing our outlines and expanding our resources for legal advocates. Our online legal resource portal equips immigration providers nationwide to better support LGBTQ+ asylum seekers.
Lastly, thank you to our four private attorneys who, over the years, have served as dedicated pro bono partners working closely with our Legal Teams. We are grateful for their service and the profound impact each attorney has had during their time at Oasis!
Are you interested in joining our team as a Pro Bono Attorney? Click here to apply to join our team.
Published October 21, 2024