NEW YORK, April 15, 2019: Morgan Lewis will receive an Allegiance Award from KIND (Kids in Need of Defense) for its continued commitment to representing unaccompanied minors seeking legal status in the United States.
KIND provides pro bono legal services to unaccompanied immigrant and refugee children throughout their deportation proceedings. During their 10-year partnership, Morgan Lewis and KIND have worked together to help more than 60 children across the United States apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and asylum.
“At Morgan Lewis, we recognize a deep responsibility toward helping children in need,” said Firm Chair Jami McKeon. “KIND has been an amazing partner in our efforts to help these incredibly vulnerable members of our global community. We look forward to continuing our work together to ensure that no child faces the US judicial system alone.”
Morgan Lewis has demonstrated its support for children and the nonprofits that help them, such as KIND, through the law firm’s signature pro bono program, Helping Children Thrive. Last fiscal year alone, Morgan Lewis lawyers contributed more than 117,000 hours to pro bono work and nearly a quarter of that time was spent advising immigrants, including children. The firm has been recognized for its pro bono service on behalf of immigrants by a number of organizations, including Immigration Equality, Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights Coalition, Her Justice, Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program, Tahirih Justice Center, and HIAS Pennsylvania.
Jami will accept the Allegiance Award on behalf of Morgan Lewis at KIND’s 2019 Gala Dinner, “Coming Together for Children Alone,” on Wednesday, April 17, in New York.