Danielle Picozzi
I got involved with Tahirih as a “baby associate.” As soon as I started my first year, I requested a pro bono assignment, and I was referred to Tahirih. Representing Julia* in her asylum case was a perfect combination of service and learning opportunity for me. I speak Spanish, and taking this case allowed me to use my foreign language skills to better understand my client. In addition, I was in the corporate department, and I wanted to develop my litigation skills so that I could be a more well-rounded attorney. Finally, it presented an opportunity for me to be in charge of my own case, which is not something that first-year associates get to do outside of the pro bono context.
Julia escaped her native El Salvador because of the severe domestic abuse she suffered at the hands her common law husband for over ten years. The abuse left her with many physical and psychological conditions, including a traumatic brain injury that at times affected her behavior. As a result, we faced a number of unique difficulties. Finding ways to overcome those challenges has been extremely rewarding. When we had Julia’s hearing on the merits, virtually two years after the date of her first master calendar hearing, seeing her finally be able to focus on the reasons she came here and to tell her story in her own words was extremely moving and gratifying. The day we received the judge’s order granting Julia asylum was the happiest day of my professional career.
When this case began, I could not have imagined how emotionally involved I would become. Julia and I have been through many challenging times together, and I have come to admire and respect her courage and dedication. I have seen her go from truly terrified at the idea of returning to El Salvador one week, to elated with the news that she could stay here and build a life for herself the next. Knowing that I had a part in that joy has given me joy as well. I know we will remain in contact, and I look forward to the day when she is happily settled here with her children, whom we are hopeful she will be able to bring from El Salvador soon.
Because of my work with Julia, I am now more aware of the struggles that many immigrants in the Washington, DC, area face and the horrors they often escape from in their home countries. I feel more strongly now than ever that it is vital for attorneys to offer their services to those who cannot afford to pay for them, because they deserve access to justice just like everyone else.
Professionally, I have grown as well. I do not engage in litigation in my day-to-day work, and working on this case has been a fantastic opportunity to develop skills I otherwise would not have had. Furthermore, preparing for and running the hearing has given me confidence that I can take on a wide variety of legal tasks.
*Name has been changed to protect privacy.
