New to New York City: A Place for Everyone
New York City is not just the physical location of our office; it is integral part of who we are as a firm. Through our pro bono work and corporate social responsibility efforts, Davis+Gilbert is committed to supporting, enhancing and learning from the people, cultures and causes of our extraordinary city.
Seeking Protection
Newly arrived immigrants who wish to apply for asylum must do so within one year of arriving in the U.S. and they are not able to obtain work authorization until they do. With thousands of new immigrant families arriving in New York City every year, the need for assistance in filing I-589 asylum applications has far outpaced the capacity of traditional pro bono counsel. This has made the asylum application process more frightening and challenging than ever before.
New Yorkers Working Together
Central American Legal Assistance (CALA) works to protect and defend Central and South American asylum-seekers and to expand the civil rights of all immigrants. Because of the dramatic influx of applicants, CALA has partnered with law firms to participate in one-day clinics in which its attorneys and staff can assist asylum seekers in completing the I-589 application form for asylum and withholding of removal. CALA has assisted hundreds of asylum seekers in their applications to date through these pro bono clinics. Through our amplified efforts, together, we can continue to ensure that there are free legal services to New York’s immigrant community.
“I was moved by the joy with which all involved went about this incredibly important and also incredibly difficult work – the genuine connections made between volunteers and families seeking asylum. I was so impressed with the level of professionalism and grace I saw as Davis+Gilbert volunteers faced some really complicated cases and situations.”
— Heather Axford, Esq., Director at CALA
Volunteers Assisting with Asylum
Ahead of the clinic, Davis+Gilbert completed training with CALA to ensure our volunteers were prepared for any questions that arose when working with an individual or family on their application. By working with CALA and Davis+Gilbert, asylum seekers can rest assured that their application is submitted completely and correctly. Davis+Gilbert volunteers were able to assist 26 asylum seekers in submitting their I-589 applications for asylum and withholding of removal.
“Being able to volunteer at the clinic meant so much to me and I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to provide even a little bit of help/guidance that I wish my mom and I could have had when we moved to the United States from Colombia when I was eight years old. Every individual deserves the opportunity to feel safe and protected.”
— Maria Guerra, Administrative Assistant at Davis+Gilbert
Continued Commitment to Pro Bono
Davis+Gilbert is committed to serving the diverse communities of New York with our own diverse talent. All attorneys and staff are encouraged to engage in their communities and give back and participate in pro bono and corporate social responsibility projects. Last year, in partnership with the Urban Justice Center, Davis+Gilbert participated in a similar clinic assisting Ukrainians in applications for Temporary Protected Status. We are grateful to be able to work with organizations such as CALA and the Urban Justice Center in offering these clinics in addition to our regular pro bono work.
“Pro Bono work is an important part of my experience at Davis+Gilbert and I am so proud to partner with CALA. Assisting immigrants in their application for asylum is incredibly rewarding. Every individual has a unique story and by partnering with CALA, I get to hear some of those stories and assist individuals in their quest for asylum. I hope to continue the relationship between Davis+Gilbert and CALA in the future.”
— Gabrielle White, Counsel at Davis+Gilbert