Washington D.C. – In recognition of this year’s National Celebration of Pro Bono (October 20-26, 2024), Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), a leading nonprofit organization that mobilizes pro bono legal support for human rights programs, is pleased to announce Yale Law School’s Immigrant Justice Project as a recipient of its 2024 Outstanding Pro Bono Partner Award. This award recognizes their exceptional contributions to L4GG’s Project Corazon, supporting asylum seekers and immigrants at the U.S.-Mexico border and throughout the United States.
For the past two years, L4GG has hosted volunteer groups of law students from the Yale Immigrant Justice Project during their spring break, giving them the opportunity to contribute to L4GG’s immigration work firsthand. These students have provided critical support, conducting know-your-rights sessions, interviewing asylum seekers, and assisting with case intake at migrant shelters in Matamoros, Mexico, and detention centers in Laredo, Texas.
“Our team at Project Corazon was deeply impressed by the dedication and compassion shown by the Yale students. Their legal expertise and passion have had a significant impact on our clients, and we are proud to have worked alongside them to give these future immigration lawyers valuable, hands-on experience.
”
The Yale Immigrant Justice Project’s efforts have also extended beyond the border, where they have played a pivotal role in drafting and submitting a public comment opposing the 2023 asylum transit ban, advocating for more humane immigration policies. Moreover, their legal assistance helped *Marc, a Haitian asylum seeker who endured unimaginable trauma, including abuse and kidnapping, finally reunite with his family in the United States after a two-year ordeal.
“This past year, the Yale Law students were instrumental in helping many of our clients, and their advocacy has truly been life-changing,” added Riley. “The work they’ve done, from assisting asylum seekers to pushing for systemic reform, is inspiring.”
The Yale students’ work with L4GG goes far beyond individual cases. Their participation in legal advocacy efforts and their contributions to public policy reform demonstrate a deep commitment to fighting for the rights of the most vulnerable.
“Yale Law School’s Immigrant Justice Project exemplifies the spirit of pro bono work and the profound impact it can have on the lives of those in need,” said Lauren Worsek, L4GG’s Director of Pro Bono Initiatives. “We are honored to present them with this 2024 Outstanding Pro Bono Partner Award for the significant difference they have made in the lives of countless individuals, and we look forward to standing with them in the fight for human rights.”
Below are the students involved with the Immigrant Justice Project:
2023-2024 Board
Jennifer Dikler ‘25
Mijal Epelman ‘25
Dylan Farrell-Bryan ‘25
Audrey Huynh ‘25
María Mendoza ‘25
Neha Srinivasan ‘25
Gabriela Torres-Lorenzotti ‘25
Rosalyn Leban ‘24
Gabriela Monico ‘24
Ben Rodgers ‘24
2024-2025 Board
Daniela Alvarez ‘26
Danielle Cross ‘26
Zoë Mermelstein ‘26
Laura Plata ‘26
Natalia Poblete ‘26
María Mendoza ‘25
Neha Srinivasan ‘25
Gabriela Torres-Lorenzotti ‘25
Award Video:
Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) is a non-profit organization committed to upholding human rights and achieving equal justice, with a network of 125,000+ lawyers to assist in its efforts. Through large-scale pro bono programs and issue advocacy efforts, L4GG tackles pressing issues such as climate change, environmental racism, reproductive justice, immigrant rights, and racial justice.
Yale Law School’s Immigrant Justice Project is a student-led organization that advocates for immigrant rights and provides legal services to asylum seekers and immigrants.