NWIRP directly represents many clients in legal proceedings, but the demand for services is greater than our staff can address. A client's chance of avoiding removal from the U.S. is highly dependent on whether or not he or she has legal representation. As a result, NWIRP places great emphasis on training others, in order to stretch its resources as far as they can go. One of NWIRP's great successes is our pro bono panel of attorneys, who are instrumental in sharing the workload in directly representing immigrants and refugees.
Approximately 250 attorneys participate in NWIRP's pro bono program. These attorneys make a profound difference in the lives of their clients, and have found the pro bono experience to be deeply rewarding for them as well. Without the hard work of this dedicated group, scores of individuals would be lost in an overwhelming bureaucracy and subject to removal from the country, separation from their family, and often a life of poverty and fear.
Spotlight on One of NWIRP's Pro Bono Attorneys: Lynne Forristal Gallivan
Lynne lives on Bainbridge Island. She is a wife and mother of two boys, ages 12 and 14. Prior to becoming involved with Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, Lynne was employed by Lexis Nexis. She currently works in litigation support and is an avid swimmer. Lynne’s interest in immigrant rights first developed after hearing about the struggles of her grandfather, who emigrated from Ireland. In July 2008, Lynne was listening to an interview with Jorge Barón, NWIRP’s Executive Director, and Lorie Dankers, ICE Spokeswoman, which was broadcast on National Public Radio. The interview focused on the more frequent immigration raids and the increased emphasis on immigrant detention. Within an hour of the interview, Lynne called NWIRP to get involved. As she describes, “I was struck by the underrepresentation of the detainees. I also thought that it was unjust that the detainees, facing such dire consequences, had so few rights and resources. I was inflamed by the interview and I immediately called Jordan to get involved.”
Since hearing Jorge’s interview, Lynne has represented five detained individuals. Two of her clients have been released and granted a Green Card. Two other clients have bonded out and await a hearing on their eligibility for relief. Lynne’s fifth client remains detained. According to Lynne, “I like representing detained clients because you can really affect their lives in a positive way. It can be highly impactful.”
Before volunteering with NWIRP, Lynne did not have any removal defense experience. At first, Lynne was nervous, but because she was able to rely on NWIRP staff for support, she soon began to feel comfortable representing detainees. Lynne says, “At first, I felt like I was being a pest by asking so many questions. But NWIRP staff made me feel welcome. I could ask Jordan and Betsy any question that I needed answered.”
Though she has had many memorable experiences while volunteering with NWIRP, the most memorable moments came in court. According to Lynne, “I recall being in court for two different clients and I was thinking that my clients were going to lose their case. When the judge granted their case, I could see the complete relief on my client’s face and on the faces of their family members. They were so appreciative that they didn’t have to say 'goodbye' to their family. This was a life-altering moment for my clients.”
NWIRP salutes Lynne for her hard work and commitment to immigrant rights. She has truly made a difference in the life of her clients.
