Charlotte Gillingham and Jeanne Sourgens
Mary* was born out of wedlock and raised by her grandparents. Due to her perceived illegitimacy, she was physically, emotionally, and, later, sexually abused. At age 10, she was forced to undergo female genital mutilation (FGM). She objected to the practice and refused to participate in further rites and classes required for acceptance in her village. Mary’s family had arranged a marriage for her with a man who already had four wives. Because of Mary’s refusal to complete the rites associated with FGM, the man whom Mary was to wed refused to marry her, which brought shame on her family and further abuse. Attempting to flee for a better life, she accepted a woman’s offer for an educational study scholarship to escape her country in East Africa, but horrifyingly, she instead found herself captive in a brothel in Mexico where she was regularly beaten, drugged, and forced to have sex with men. When Mary arrived in the United States, she was overwhelmed, depressed, and in shock. Today, having won asylum, she now works in the medical field and is continuing to pursue her education. Although her past is unimaginable, she is finally free and no longer afraid.
Charlotte Gillingham, Crowell & Moring LLP
In late 2005 and early 2006, I was horrified by the human trafficking stories I had been reading about in the newspaper. I could not stand by any longer while these human rights abuses were being committed knowing that I could use my legal skills to help relieve some suffering. For that reason, I contacted Susie Hoffman, Crowell & Moring’s Public Service Partner, and she put me in touch with the Tahirih Justice Center. I had recently attended a Tahirih fundraiser where I fell in love with the organization, so I was pleased to accept Mary’s case. Crowell & Moring LLP has a tremendous pro bono program, and it has been great to work with such a strong team over the years that included my colleagues Adrian Mebane, while he was with Crowell & Moring LLP, and Jeanne Sourgens.
There were many truly inspiring moments during this case, but of course, the highlight was when our client was granted asylum after over three long years of advocacy. It was a moment of overwhelming relief that our client could now live with her children in a world free of the often debilitating fear that she had been experiencing. Working on this case, we had many long days and nights filled with emotional, difficult times as our client had to essentially relive very painful memories and experiences. Through this time together, however, we witnessed the beginning of an amazing healing process that demonstrated the resilience and strength of spirit in women like Mary. To be a part of this process with Mary was an extremely moving experience that will remain with us for the rest of our lives. Mary demonstrated inspiring courage, perseverance, and tenacity.
By taking on a pro bono case you are afforded both professional and personal rewards. Professionally, you realize that to be a zealous and effective advocate you must take the time to really know your client. On a personal level, we could not help but be inspired by Mary and women like her. These women face unique challenges as they try to navigate a foreign legal system. In this country we are afforded many opportunities that we often take for granted until we work with someone like Mary. Her case demonstrates the impact that attorneys can have on the lives of others if we do our part to use our legal skills to help those in need.
I have really enjoyed working with Tahirih over the years. It’s an incredible organization. Several years ago, during the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, two friends (lifelong residents of New Orleans) were staying with me in D.C. as they grappled with their experience as survivors of the storm and the devastating changes that had just occurred in their lives. I invited them to join me at the Tahirih Benefit dinner that September, and they accepted. After listening to the incredible stories of the women who spoke at the event, my friend turned to me with tears in her eyes, and said, “If she was able to find the courage and strength to face her experience, then we will find the strength to get through this too!” Through this “pay it forward” process of inspiration, Tahirih has made a difference and planted the seeds of hope not only in the lives of the women and children they directly help every day, but in the lives of countless others, pro bono attorneys included.
Jeanne Sourgens, Crowell & Moring LLP
In 2009, I joined Charlotte to work on Mary’s case. During our work on her case, we were inspired by the amount of support Mary was able to garner for herself during this process. Mary has a remarkable way of rallying the troops around her. She had the support of Tahirih, her pro bono attorneys, her church, and a nonprofit organization that helped her get housing and job training. Also, we were able to connect Mary with the medical clinic at Bread for the City, which was able to provide Mary with a free physical examination to support her testimony that she was a victim of FGM.
In addition to helping clients, pro bono attorneys gain a great deal professionally. Attorneys in firms that would not otherwise have the opportunity to work closely with clients until later in their careers are afforded a great opportunity to take a lead role in representing a client. You have direct contact with the person whose life will be impacted by your work. You work closely with that client to develop the factual record, draft her affidavit, and determine whether there are other witnesses who may support her case. You have an opportunity to work directly with experts and take testimony in court. I would strongly recommend this amazing experience to other attorneys. You have the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. Take it.
*Name has been changed to protect privacy.
Become A Pro Bono Advocate
We are always looking for attorneys willing to give their time and energy to help women and girls in need. Participating in our Pro Bono Attorney Network offers you an opportunity to transform the life of an immigrant woman or girl.
To read more visit the Pro Bono Attorney Network section of our website. If you have questions or are interested in providing pro bono help, please email legal@tahirih.org.
