Lathrop GPM Receives The Advocates for Human Rights 2023 Law Firm Pro Bono Award
MINNEAPOLIS (JUNE 16, 2023) – Lathrop GPM has been presented with a 2023 Law Firm Pro Bono Award by The Advocates for Human Rights ("the Advocates"), an international human rights organization, for the firm’s role in the Afghan asylum project and for "remarkable work to defend the human rights of Afghan evacuees." The 2023 Law Firm Pro Bono Award was presented at the Human Rights Awards Dinner on June 15 at The Depot Minneapolis.
This cross-office and cross-practice team, led by Partner Dean Eyler, represented 12 Afghan evacuees and their families with the lengthy process of seeking asylum and other immigration protections. These clients fled persecution by the Taliban and are seeking safety and freedom to create new lives for themselves and their families in the United States. Altogether, more than 50 Lathrop GPM lawyers and staff from 6 different offices have dedicated thousands of pro bono hours to the effort since August 2021.
"I greatly appreciate how this team stood up to help with this important work that really showcased the best of our firm," said Partner Dean Eyler. "Many people were trained and helped with this life-saving work for the first time, while others stepped up to lead the coordination of asylum filings and to represent and reassure clients at their asylum interviews. We are honored we were able to defend human rights and make a real difference in the lives of our clients."
Robin Phillips, the Executive Director of The Advocates, shared, "The rapid mobilization of Lathrop GPM’s team has been critical to ensuring legal representation of Afghan evacuees in our communities. We are grateful for their tireless commitment to human rights. It is especially meaningful to recognize this extraordinary work during our 40th Anniversary year."
To learn more about the firm’s pro bono services and initiatives, contact Pro Bono Counsel Kate Nolen, or visit www.lathropgpm.com/social-probono.html.