McDermott Sponsors Equal Justice Works Fellow to Advocate for Immigrant Rights - McDermott Will & Emery
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McDermott Sponsors Equal Justice Works Fellow to Advocate for Immigrant Rights

Overview

International law firm McDermott Will & Emery has partnered with Equal Justice Works (EJW) to facilitate projects for its Fellowship Class of 2024, which includes more than 84 law school graduates. Through the partnership, the Firm will sponsor Fellow Annie Whitney, who plans to spend her two-year fellowship at New York Legal Assistance Group challenging egregious due process violations in Immigration Court.

Annie’s work will ensure respect for the right to seek asylum and protect the rights of those fleeing persecution. It is among the many critical initiatives that McDermott and other firms, nonprofits and legal organizations seek to address through the EJW Fellowship program to increase equal access to justice for underserved communities.

Since the spring of 2022, more than 160,000 asylum seekers have arrived in New York City from Texas. Despite legal protections, New York’s Immigration Courts face significant challenges, including overburdened caseloads and systemic due process violations. Many asylum seekers are wrongly deported, potentially forced to return to places where they fear persecution.

Annie will take a multifaceted approach to address these issues:

  • Direct Representation: Challenging wrongful deportation orders through direct legal representation, advocating for fair hearings and due process rights.
  • “Know Your Rights” Sessions: Hosting workshops at migrant shelters and community centers, empowering asylum seekers with essential information.
  • Toolkit Development: Building resources for lawyers and pro se litigants, equipping them to effectively challenge due process violations in Immigration Court.

“We are thrilled to sponsor Annie, and we firmly believe that her advocacy will significantly benefit our communities and beyond. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to fighting for the protection of rights for all,” said Elizabeth Lewis, Firm-wide pro bono and community service partner at McDermott. “We stand behind EJW’s mission to activate lawyers’ passion for equal justice and inspire a lifelong commitment to public service.”