Janet Morris and Meetu Kaul
Janet’s Story:
I first learned of Tahirih at an event where Layli Miller-Muro spoke about the organization. I then got involved through other attorneys at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, the firm where my colleague Meetu and I worked at the time. I found out about Juliana’s* case through Meetu. Getting to know Juliana was the highlight of the case. Because most of our meetings with her were in the evening after she finished work, we would usually all have pizza together and take a few minutes break to eat and chat. Learning about Juliana’s hopes and dreams, through laughter and tears, helped us better understand and relate to her. Meetu and I understood that this was our chance to assist someone who really needed and deserved it. Certainly another memorable moment was being at Juliana’s side when the immigration officer granted her permanent resident status. As Juliana said good-bye to the officer, she asked him, teary-eyed, if she could shake his hand. After we left the building she gave me a big hug.
Meetu’s Story:
As a woman and an immigrant I’ve always been interested in issues that affected both groups. One of the reasons I became a lawyer was to be able to advocate for those who were in situations where they couldn’t effectively advocate for themselves, whether because navigating a foreign legal system or because they were victims of human rights abuses, including domestic abuse. Once I learned more about the work of the Tahirih Justice Center, I was incredibly touched by the stories I heard—Tahirih’s work fit in perfectly with my interests as a lawyer. Both Janet and I got to know Juliana very well as a client and as a person and we could see her emotions, attitude, and outlook on life change throughout the case. Juliana was so open and expressive of her gratitude for our help. Knowing that I have been able to make such a positive difference in the life of another human being and give someone hope for a better life that they didn’t have before, has been a very powerful and rewarding experience.
A few words from Janet and Meetu:
As individuals, we can become overwhelmed thinking about all of the different problems facing our world today and not take any action to effect change simply because we believe nothing we can do will actually make a difference. Even after graduating from law school it’s easy for a young lawyer to wonder, “What difference does this degree really make?” Representing Juliana showed us that as people and as lawyers we really can change someone’s life—which is an extremely worthwhile and gratifying experience. Professionally and personally, we found the experience tremendously empowering.
*Name has been changed to protect privacy.
