Dykema has been selected to receive the National Legal Aid & Defender Association’s (NLADA) 2010 Beacon of Justice Award, which recognizes the firm’s commitment to pro bono representation in the area of immigration.
Dykema was honored at the NLADA’s Exemplar Award Dinner held recently in Washington, D.C.
Award criteria, according to the NLADA, included commitment to pro bono immigration rights work through direct pro bono legal representation in either paralegal pro bono hours or engaging in law reform efforts between January 1, 2009 and April 30, 2010.
Law firms were selected based on the impact of their representation of immigrant clients.
According to NLADA, Dykema has accepted cases for clients seeking asylum, special immigrant juvenile status, U-Visas, VAWAs, T-Visas and withholding of removal claims.
The firm’s current partner organizations include Freedom House, the National Immigrant Justice Center, Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, Immigration Equality, Center for the Abolition of Slavery and Trafficking, as well as other nationally recognized agencies.
“We are honored that the National Legal Aid & Defender Association has recognized Dykema for its dedication to pro bono immigration cases,” said Rex E. Schlaybaugh, Jr., Dykema’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Dykema has a strong commitment to pro bono work and I commend all of our attorneys for their considerable amount of time and effort providing legal services for those who otherwise might go without representation.”
According to NLADA, Dykemand during the last year and a half has handled more than 50 immigration cases and dedicated nearly 2,900 hours of professional time.
Lawyers involved in Dykema’s pro bono immigration rights work include attorneys from both our transactional and litigation practices, partners and associates.
Schlaybaugh said Dykema believes the practice of law, especially in a large corporate firm, is a privilege that carries with it profound societal responsibilities.
Performing legal services for those who cannot afford to pay for them — or for organizations that benefit such persons – is a central part of the firm’s effort to improve the quality of life for the underserved in its community, he said
In 2009, Dykema attorneys and support staff performed more than 10,000 hours of pro bono work.
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