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Hi friend,

Every month, We The Action recognizes lawyers who embody our mission to expand access to justice and deliver free legal services where they are critically needed. This month, we are proud to honor Jim Wood and Sara Swartzwelder, whose partnership with Mobile Pathways has empowered immigration nonprofits to stay ahead of a changing legal landscape.

Join us in saying congratulations to Jim and Sara!
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A Collaboration Rooted in Shared Purpose: When Mobile Pathways, a nonprofit that utilizes technology to expand access to immigration resources, required legal guidance to develop a playbook for responding to government information requests, they turned to We The Action for assistance.
* Recognizing the complexity of the task, Mobile Pathways enlisted two volunteers from opposite coasts and different areas of expertise: Jim Wood, a seasoned trial attorney based in Oakland, California, and Sara Swartzwelder, a New York–based litigator specializing in financial services representation.
* Together, they combined decades of experience to create a clear, actionable Warrant and Legal Subpoena Playbook ([link removed]) to help immigration nonprofits navigate sensitive legal inquiries and safeguard the communities they serve.
* “It really did feel like a Hollywood script,” recalls Bart Skorupa, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Mobile Pathways. “Jim was the seasoned veteran with decades of experience, and Sara was the rising star in litigation. Jim brought depth and perspective; Sara brought drive and would follow the leads. The way they jived turned into something special and resulted in this incredible playbook.”

Meet the Volunteers: Every project through We The Action is powered by volunteers who bring their expertise and passion to the work.
* Jim Wood, a graduate of the University of San Francisco Law School, has spent more than 30 years representing prescription drug manufacturers. Inspired by a message from Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg — “Every attorney has the right, the duty, the responsibility and the obligation to give voice to those who have none” — he has made pro bono service a central part of his career.
* Sara Swartzwelder, who earned her law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law, practices in financial services litigation. For her, volunteering for this project through We The Action is about transforming fear into clarity for organizations on the front lines.
* “There’s something powerful about being that calming force when a situation feels frightening,” says Sara. “For lawyers, knowledge really is power, especially when turning something terrifying into guidance that’s clear and actionable.”

The Impact of Empowering a Network of Immigration Advocates: The results of Jim and Sara’s work extend well beyond one organization, creating a resource that now informs and empowers immigration advocates nationwide.
* Over several months, Jim and Sara worked closely with Mobile Pathways to translate complex legal principles into accessible, practical guidance. The resulting playbook now serves as a model of preparedness across the immigration advocacy sector.
* “This resource didn’t just serve Mobile Pathways,” says Bart. “It became a resource our partners could use and adapt that continues to strengthen the broader social justice network.”
* “The playbook empowers nonprofits to be proactive to know their rights and build relationships with lawyers before an issue ever arises,” Jim explained.

The Importance of Pro Bono Work: For Jim and Sara, this collaboration reaffirmed a shared belief: that legal expertise, when shared freely, can safeguard entire communities.
* “A lot of people are sitting on the sidelines looking for something to do,” says Sara. “If you have something to offer in a time like this, you should offer it.”
* To follow in their footsteps and support mission-driven organizations like Mobile Pathways, sign up for a We The Action project today. ([link removed])

Congratulations, Jim and Sara, on behalf of our community of 54,000+ lawyers!

Best,
The We The Action Team

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