CBA Record October 2016

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PRO BONOWEEK 2016–CARING, ONE PERSON AT A TIME
CBA RECORD 41
Bettering Others and Yourself
Through Pro Bono
By Christopher Elmore
The first time I saw [him], he pointed a gun
at me. The next time I saw [him], I witnessed
him murder someone outside the bar where
I worked. In the 2 months after I saw [him]
commit murder, [he] kidnapped me and
raped me on three different occasions.
My pro bono client came to the
United States seeking refuge, but
quickly found herself and her daughter
detained in a detention facility in south-
ernTexas. Thanks to the help of volunteer
attorneys, she and her child were able to
pass through the initial asylum screen-
ing process and bond out of detention.
Upon release, they were placed in removal
(deportation) proceedings to seek asylum
in an adversarial setting.
Despite my client being a single mother
with no criminal history, the government
appealed the bond. I took over her case to
handle the bond appeal and present her
asylum case in immigration court. We won
both cases. Now my client and her child
live safely in the United States.
The possibility that she would still be
in this country without the aid of volun-
teer legal representation is slim to none.
Although not monetary in nature, there
is a reward for pro bono work in knowing
Justice: An Evening of Stories and Community
The impact of pro bono work on both attorneys and clients alike is evident in these incredible stories. For
pro bono and legal aid attorneys, learning to tell your clients’compelling stories is essential to advocating
not only for your specific client but for greater access to justice in our community.
Join us on Tuesday, October 25 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Revolution Brewpub to get to know your fellow
justice-minded colleagues and enjoy listening to stories of justice shared by volunteers from the audience.
Interested in telling a story? Come preparedwith a five-minute story related to the theme (justice) to share
with attendees from the Chicago legal community. Those who volunteer to tell stories will be entered in a
prize raffle. Storytellers and listeners alike are encouraged to attend! More details and registration can be
found at
RESOURCES FOR NEW
LAWYERS
Just getting started in the practice of law
in Chicago?The CBA offersmany resources
and programs to help new lawyers. Find
outmore aboutMCLE, start-up boot camp,
career &mentoring services, practice area
pointer videos, and volunteer opportu-
nities. All under the YLS tab at www.
The Chicago Bar Association & The Chicago Bar Foundation
2016 Pro Bono Week Oct 24-28
My pro bono work means so much to me because of
the opportunity it affords to provide real, tangible
benefit to those who need it most. More importantly,
however, I think it helps to give voice, agency, and
even pride to some people who are aching to be heard,
to be active, and to be able to hold
their heads high in the face of
at-times debilitating adversity. It
is an honor to be able to do that
kind of work.
Christopher Wilson
Associate
Winston & Strawn LLP