It was unlike any courtroom I had seen before. The Immigration Judge appeared on a video screen a little blurry but larger than life. My client, an eight-year-old girl, sat next to me at a long table. This proceeding in Dilley, Texas was not open to the public but was held behind two locked doors … Continue Reading
The South Texas Family Residential Center here in Dilley, Texas is surrounded by metal fencing, video cameras, and tall light poles that you can see from miles away at night. The country’s largest immigration detention facility, it sprawls 50 acres and is comprised of 2,400 beds in a series of large barracks-style trailers which look … Continue Reading
As the Firm’s pro bono partner, I often have the privilege of looking beyond individual matters to see how we can make a difference on a wider scale. And at times I drop everything to immerse myself in a particularly important cause. For the week of June 17th, I am proud to report that I … Continue Reading
I was first affected by gun violence in 1993, when an armed gunman entered the conference room of a San Francisco law firm during a deposition and opened fire. Two people in that conference room were killed, and I knew both of them. One of the individuals who died was a partner at the firm … Continue Reading
In a crowded federal building earlier this month, against a backdrop of innocent child laughter and knowing adult tears, among joyful embraces and somber reassurances, a Proskauer client heard the last three digits of his alien registration number echo off the anxious faces around him, and he made his way to the window from where … Continue Reading
My 16-year-old daughter, Helena, recently expressed an interest in helping veterans for a high school service project. I immediately took out my phone and emailed my partner Colleen Hart, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, who is heavily involved in veteran volunteer efforts. Colleen wrote me back inviting Helena to help with the Los Angeles … Continue Reading
The Fund For Modern Courts and Proskauer hosted representatives from a diverse coalition of organizations in New York State and leaders of the state bar at our New York office on May 3 to discuss the necessity of court reform in New York. The keynote speaker, Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence K. Marks, laid out three … Continue Reading
When I walked into Manhattan Housing Court a few weeks ago, I knew we had a strong case. Our client, a disabled 87-year-old woman, was facing eviction from the rent-controlled apartment where she has been living for more than 40 years. Her landlord alleged that she had failed to pay rent that she had in … Continue Reading
As part of Proskauer’s collaboration with the New York City Bar Justice Center, I recently had the honor of assisting an Army veteran in his claim for disability benefits before the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) alongside Alex Hill, Karen Levya-Drivin and Paul Ramundo from Bloomberg LP. Injured while on active service overseas, the … Continue Reading
On March 30, 2018, Proskauer filed an amicus brief on behalf of New York University in the United States Supreme Court. The brief was filed in support of the State of Hawaii and its challenge to Proclamation 9645, the most recent version of the Trump Administration’s “travel ban.” The Proclamation at issue in the litigation … Continue Reading
Discussing the pervasiveness and impact of online sex trafficking and how to fight it, Proskauer hosted a seminar titled “Combating Online Sex Trafficking: Confronting Challenges, Forging Cooperation.” It is estimated that 50% of sex trafficking takes place online. The event brought together global players in the fight against human trafficking including François Delattre, Ambassador, Permanent … Continue Reading
Our client, The Universal Hip Hop Museum, which started two years ago as a “virtual” museum, will break ground in 2019 on a new 60,000 square foot facility in the birthplace of hip hop. The museum will open to the public in 2021, just a few blocks from Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. UHHM was … Continue Reading
The fast pace of technological change has left the poor and unrepresented behind in many parts of America. But in New York State family courts, Proskauer lawyers are part of an exciting new pilot project spearheaded by the non-profit Legal Information for Families Today (LIFT) which connects people representing themselves in family court with pro … Continue Reading
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. . . The children cross the border alone, without friends or family, sometimes walking, sometimes riding in the back of a truck, train or car. They come from … Continue Reading
Serving veterans is a vital part of Prosakuer’s pro bono and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Knowing that an integrated approach is the best approach to the unique challenges faced by low income veterans, Proskauer recently hosted a panel discussion on the state of veteran affairs locally and nationally, and specifically how to best connect veterans … Continue Reading
On January 30, Proskauer sponsored a panel discussion alongside the Hispanic National Bar Association and the Dominican Bar Association, titled “International Perspectives on Immigration: Personal Reflections on the Impact of Immigration on Our Society.” In 2017, over 200 Proskauer lawyers worked on immigration-related pro bono matters on behalf of individuals seeking asylum, unaccompanied minors, and … Continue Reading
Tradition is a funny thing. It can be tempting to dismiss it as something static and fixed, when in fact, it is a dynamic and ever-evolving creature. It is a tradition’s inheritors who determine what to maintain, adapt and carry on; traditions are an amalgamation of both the present and the past. It is through … Continue Reading
In the following short video, Anthony Smith, the grandson of Judge Joseph M. Proskauer, discusses his grandfather’s strong commitment to public service. We are proud that this tradition of giving back and making a difference continues today through our corporate social responsibility and pro bono work across the Firm.… Continue Reading
A team of Proskauer attorneys, on behalf of 12 leading non-profit organizations specializing in advocacy for victims of domestic violence, drafted an amicus brief in support of a mother seeking to uphold a district court’s determination that her child would be subject to a grave risk of harm were he to be returned to his … Continue Reading
The Boston based Chinatown Community Land Trust (CCLT) has been a perennial pro bono client of Proskauer. CCLT seeks to promote efforts to stabilize the future of Boston’s Chinatown in light of the recent influx of gentrification and development that has sharply limited affordable housing and diluted the traditional culture in one of Boston’s minority … Continue Reading
Amanda Nussbaum, a partner in the Tax Department and a member of the Not-for-Profit Group at Proskauer, chairs a comprehensive seminar each fall for non-profits to discuss current developments and topics of interest related to tax, labor, governance and benefits. This year marked the Firm’s 22nd conference.… Continue Reading
Those seeking to escape immediate danger or imminent persecution often rely on false documents when fleeing to a safe country. But can a fraudulent or illegal entry into the U.S. pose an issue for asylum? The manner of entry into this country, or the circumvention of an orderly refugee process abroad, is indeed one of … Continue Reading
Nearly 10 years ago, in the summer of 2008, I began my first job after college as a program associate at Association to Benefit Children (A-B-C) in East Harlem. Entering the real world unsure of what career I wanted to pursue, I leapt at the chance to have a two-year fellowship at a community-based nonprofit … Continue Reading
Update: On June 11, 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a decision purporting to overturn Matter of A-R-C-G referenced below, stating that: “Generally, claims by aliens pertaining to domestic violence or gang violence perpetrated by non-governmental actors will not qualify for asylum.” When can domestic violence form the basis of a successful asylum claim? … Continue Reading
