Dykema Receives Beacon Of Justice Award From National Legal Aid & Defender Association

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced that the firm has been selected to receive the National Legal Aid & Defender Association’s (NLADA) 2010 Beacon of Justice Award, which recognizes the firm’s significant commitment to pro bono representation in the area of immigration. Dykema will be honored at the NLADA’s Exemplar Award Dinner in Washington, D.C. on October 6.

Award criteria include commitment to pro bono immigration rights work through direct pro bono legal representation in either paralegal pro bono hours or engaging in law reform efforts between January 1, 2009 and April 30, 2010. Law firms were selected based on the impact of their representation of immigrant clients.

Between 2009 and April 2010, the law firm has accepted cases for clients seeking asylum, special immigrant juvenile status, U-Visas, VAWAs, T-Visas and withholding of removal claims. The firm’s current partner organizations include Freedom House, the National Immigrant Justice Center, Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, Immigration Equality, Coalition for the Abolition of Slavery and Trafficking, as well as other nationally recognized agencies.

"We are honored that the National Legal Aid & Defender Association has recognized Dykema for its dedication to pro bono immigration cases," said Rex E. Schlaybaugh, Jr., Dykema’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Dykema has a strong commitment to pro bono work and I commend all of our attorneys for their considerable amount of time and effort providing legal services for those who otherwise might go without representation."

The NLADA is the nation's leading advocate for attorneys and professionals who make a difference in the lives of low-income clients and their families and communities. The NLADA serves the equal justice community by providing first-rate products and services and acting as a leading national voice in public policy and legislative debates on the many issues affecting the equal justice community.

In the last year and a half alone, Dykema has handled more than 50 immigration cases and dedicated nearly 2,900 hours of professional time.

Lawyers involved in Dykema’s pro bono immigration rights work include attorneys from both our transactional and litigation practices, partners and associates.

Dykema’s Longstanding Commitment to Pro Bono
Dykema believes the practice of law, especially in a large corporate firm, is a privilege that carries with it profound societal responsibilities. Performing legal services for those who cannot afford to pay for them – or for organizations that benefit such persons – is a central part of the firm’s effort to improve the quality of life for the underserved in its community.

In 2009, Dykema attorneys and support staff performed more than 10,000 hours of pro bono work. The firm and its attorneys have earned several prestigious awards for its pro-bono work, including the 2009 Exceptional Service Award from the ABA Death Penalty Representation Project, the 2009 John W. Cumminsky Pro Bono Award and the 2009 Detroit Metropolitan Bar Pro Bono Service Award.

More information on Dykema’s pro bono program is available at: probono.html.