Dear Friend,
Did you know that Immigration Equality works with 1,200 attorneys who donate their time and talent each year?
This National Volunteer Week, we’re celebrating these pro bono attorneys, and spotlighting one remarkable volunteer who has made a major difference in the lives of Immigration Equality clients: Maddy Dwertman.
Please join us in recognizing all of our amazing volunteers by submitting your message of support and gratitude today!
Maddy Dwertman (they/them) has gone above and beyond for our clients in the south. They are a Senior Associate at Baker Botts based in Austin, Texas.
We sat down with Maddy to hear more about their work, and what it has meant to them to be a volunteer. Read the interview:
Could you give me some background about your time volunteering with Immigration Equality?
Immigration Equality gave me my first ever immigration case. In 2016, a friend of mine from undergrad who worked at Immigration Equality asked me to represent a man from Palestine in his asylum claim. I actually still represent him, and just submitted his application for citizenship.
What made you interested in volunteering for Immigration Equality?
Pro bono work has always been a big part of my practice. After my first case, I took on another client, a 19-year-old trans woman from Honduras. That just led to even more cases. As a trans-identified person, it has been a way for me to connect with local trans and immigrant communities, which is both fulfilling, and deeply needed here in Texas.
What has been your favorite part about volunteering?
The clients, by far.
The asylum system is so complicated, and representation is so critical. Being able to help people navigate a complex legal system and facilitate their telling their own stories as they pursue their claims for relief is such a rewarding experience. And the clients themselves are both impressive advocates and just amazing people.
Does a specific case stand out to you as a favorite?
Not one case, no. Every case is different. Every time a client has been able to obtain relief has been an equally joyous and relieving moment.
What has this work taught you?
I’m always learning lessons from clients about what resilience and community look like.
I’ve learned to do a lot of “holistic lawyering”. Most, but not all, of my clients are trans-identified. Trans people often have very thin resource networks. I have built up a network of providers and experts, including Immigration Equality, that I can offer a client so that they are well-positioned to build their case.
How can you expect a client to advocate for themselves if they are not healthy mentally and physically, or don’t have safe housing? Because of this, I am part of a broader community of dedicated advocates here in Texas who play a critical role in terms of supporting clients while they are in proceedings and even after they are granted relief.
We are grateful for Maddy’s exemplary service, and for all the pro bono attorneys who support Immigration Equality!
Will you help us say thank you to this amazing volunteer network by writing a message of gratitude and support?
Your friends,
Immigration Equality |
