Equal Justice Works Announces New York State Family Security Project Fellows

WASHINGTON, Feb. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Equal Justice Works, the nation's leading nonprofit organization committed to mobilizing the next generation of public interest attorneys, today announced the selection of 12 Equal Justice Works Fellows, who will serve at select nonprofit legal organizations as part of the New York State Family Security Project (NYSFSP).

More than 4.4 million immigrants live in New York, with more than 1.2 million living outside the five boroughs of New York City. Forty-five percent of New York's immigrants, 2 million people, have not yet become naturalized U.S. citizens, and are therefore subject to removal from the country under certain circumstances.

"New York continues to take action to deliver the protection and opportunities to immigrant men and woman that they deserve," New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said. "These experts will help provide the legal services immigrant families' need, while reaffirming our commitment to justice and equal rights for everyone."

NYSFSP is part of a broader state initiative known as the Liberty Defense Project, which was announced by Governor Cuomo in March 2017, in response to the surge in demand for help that is overwhelming nonprofit organizations serving immigrants. Supported by the New York State Commission on National and Community Service and two foundation allies, Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Ford Foundation, NYSFSP will focus on fostering family security and community education through the delivery of high-quality legal services to immigrant families across New York.

During a one-year term from February 2018 through January 2019, Equal Justice Works NYSFSP Fellows will provide high-quality legal services including community outreach and education; legal screening, brief advice and full-scope representation; and pro bono placement

"These well-qualified attorneys will help individuals fully understand their legal rights, which will improve the safety and security of immigrant New Yorkers, their families, and their communities as a whole," said David Stern, Executive Director at Equal Justice Works.

Over the past three decades, Equal Justice Works has awarded more than 2,000 Fellowships to public interest lawyers committed to building a more just society. Roughly 85 percent of Fellows continue to serve the public interest beyond their Fellowship.

Below is the full list of the Equal Justice Works NYSFSP Fellows:

• Azin Ahmadi
• Vasiliki Economou
• Kimberly Harbin
• Heather Hester
• Amy Kellogg
• Maya Leszczynski
• Jordan Manalastas
• Sheeba Raj
• Andrew Roby
• Jessica Simon
• Adela Smehlik
• Ashley Springsteen

Click here to learn more about the Fellows.

About Equal Justice Works

Equal Justice Works is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a just society by mobilizing the next generation of attorneys committed to equal justice. In collaboration with the nation's leading law schools, law firms, corporate legal departments, and nonprofit organizations, Equal Justice Works offers a continuum of opportunities that provide the training and skills that enable attorneys to provide effective representation to underserved communities and causes. Visit www.equaljusticeworks.org for more information.

CONTACT: Heena Patel
Communications Manager
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 202-466-3686
www.equaljusticeworks.org

SOURCE Equal Justice Works