Pro bono: Serving communities in crisis
Many of our pro bono efforts this year have centered around protecting the rights of disadvantaged and vulnerable communities, as well as continuing on the path towards seeking equity in aspects of society where disparities continue to exist.” Suzie Turner Pro Bono Partner “
“The Immigration Judge failed to recognize the difference between the languages, or the need for an interpreter, resulting in fundamentally unfair proceedings,” explains partner Sozi Tulante. “The reversal of the initial decision, given these circumstances, is very significant.” Windrush compensation claims Working with the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, Dechert lawyers in London are supporting those affected by the 2018 Windrush Scandal, which saw migrants who came from Commonwealth countries following the Second World War wrongly detained, deported and denied legal rights. We took on casework to help those affected apply for compensation. Our turn to step up Our IP litigation teams in the U.S. stepped up to secure compensation benefits on behalf of veterans with service-connected disabilities. Arguing cases often required thorough studies of documents relating to veterans’ enlistment as far back as the 1960s, and then presenting cohesive, compelling stories to the Federal Circuit. Although very different from the patent litigation many team members are used to, these cases were
Fighting for immigration fairness Dechert won a precedent-setting and high-stakes immigration case on behalf of a Cameroonian asylum- seeker whose primary language is Cameroon Pidgin English (a language separate and distinct from standard English), creating a barrier to reliable communication between his language and standard English. and keep costs down, spending more funds on those in need,” says special counsel Sophie Lafay, who worked as part of the team supporting the charity. – to enable such meetings to be held virtually during lockdowns. “With our help, Les Restaurants du Coeur was able to continue running its essential operational meetings Supporting food security in Paris Les Restaurants du Coeur, which provides food packages to those most in need, faced an increased demand during the pandemic from many who lost their jobs and accommodation – including from students who had nowhere to go after universities closed their doors. Our Paris lawyers advised on labor and tax matters, as well as navigating French financial disclosure laws – which required board meetings to be held in person
high-stakes in their own way, helping veterans obtain their due benefits and making a substantial difference to the quality of their lives.
We hope that this ruling are fairer to those who are not fluent in standard English.” Sozi Tulante Partner “ A Dechert team forming part of a JUSTICE Windrush Compensation Scheme working group dedicated hundreds of hours to drafting the Reforming the Windrush Compensation Scheme report. This report reviews the much-criticized compensation scheme and makes recommendations for improvement to the Home Office. will result in immigration proceedings that
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