October 23, 2020
Immigration Equality is the nation’s leading LGBTQ immigrant rights organization.
On October 22, Willkie received the #ProudandFree Law Firm Award from Immigration Equality, the nation’s leading LGBTQ and HIV-positive immigrant rights group. The award, which was presented as part of Immigration Equality’s Safe Haven Awards 2020, recognizes the firm’s demonstrated commitment in providing pro bono legal service for many asylum seekers represented by the organization.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Immigration Equality has represented and advocated for people from around the world fleeing violence, abuse, and persecution because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status. The Immigration Equality legal team has won asylum for more than 1,000 LGBTQ and HIV-positive immigrants while maintaining a 99% success rate. Over 60% of the organization’s clients reside in New York City, and nearly all live at or below the poverty level.
Over the course of its several-year partnership with Immigration Equality, Willkie has seen 35 of its lawyers work on pro bono cases in aid of 15 asylum seekers.
The award was accepted digitally by Wesley Powell, Willkie partner and co-chair of the firm’s pro bono practice. “We really value the partnership and the small part that we played in Immigration Equality’s 25 years of helping LGBTQ and HIV-positive asylum seekers, and we congratulate Immigration Equality on that milestone today,” said Mr. Powell in his acceptance speech.
Listen to the full award acceptance speech here. For more information on Immigration Equality, please visit the organization’s website here.
