L-R: Pro Bono
Perspectives Panelists:
Dr. Christina Marshall
Brown (Fish &
Richardson, PC), Monica
Khant (Georgia Asylum
& Immigration Network),
Hon. Beverly B. Martin
(United States Court of
Appeals) and Christopher
C. Marquardt (Alston &
Bird, LLP)
panel and a lively audience, it was a terrific
event. We look forward to continuing to
explore ways that our members can help
address the needs of this underserved
population.”
Immigrants make up ten percent of
Georgia’s population and represent one in
seven workers in the Georgia labor force. In
2019, the asylum denial rate in the Atlanta
Immigration Court exceeded ninety
percent, which is one of the highest denial
rates in thecountry.
The panelists emphasized that it was not
necessary to have experience in dealing
with legal immigration matters in order to
volunteer to serve. Dr. Christina Marshall-
Brown explained, “The skills that you have
from your everyday practice –managing
a challenging set of facts, interviewing
witnesses, writing persuasive briefs, etc.
– coupled with the guidance you receive
by working with a volunteer immigration
organization will enable you to provide
critical legal assistance to an immigrant in
need. If you are interested in volunteering
on an immigration case, please do not let
lack of experience in immigration law stop
you.”
The Georgia Asylum and Immigration
Network (GAIN), formerly known as the
Atlanta Bar Asylum Project, was formed in
2005 through the joint efforts of the Atlanta
Bar Association, Catholic Charities, and
associates from several top Atlanta law
firms. GAIN executive director Monica
Khant expressed appreciation for all that
are volunteering their time.
“GAIN and all the legal immigration
organizations recognize and are grateful
for the incredible amount of volunteer
work which is powered by pro bono
attorneys who generously give their time
and expertise to our immigrant clients.
Thank you to the Atlanta Bar for bringing
undivided attention to this underserved
population[...]we have a chance to be
stronger than ever. I hope many of you,
including those who could not make it to
our discussion, will join us in the work.
We're ready for you!”
Lester concluded, “Pro bono events
are always inspiring, and the Atlanta
Bar panel describing the need for and
essential value that pro bono lawyers
can and are providing to asylum seekers,
unaccompanied children, and victims of
violence was no exception. Here is a large
indigent population desperate for a new life
in America that need legal assistance, and a
super star group of organizations to guide
your efforts to meet those needs. All you
have to do is step forward to help.”
If you are interested in learning more
about the needs facing the local immigrant
community and how you can volunteer
to serve, view the list of volunteer
opportunities on the Immigration Legal
Service Providers list.
www.atlantabar.org THE ATLANTA LAWYER
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