CHICAGO – May 2, 2016 – The Domestic Violence Legal Clinic (DVLC) will present the international law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP with the Champion of Justice Award for its support of its Equal Justice Works Fellow, Ginger Devaney. The award will be given at DVLC’s Spring Benefit, held at the Casino in Chicago May 5, 2016.
Greenberg Traurig provides funding to Equal Justice Works, a non-profit organization that facilitates two-year fellowships for recent law school graduates pursuing careers in public service. Greenberg Traurig serves as the largest sponsor of Equal Justice Works Fellowships in the United States, having invested approximately $9 million to support, in whole or in part, almost 142 Equal Justice Works Fellows since 1999. These fellows have served over 40 cities across the United States and have provided over 445,000 attorney hours on behalf of underrepresented populations. Through their two-year fellowships, they have delivered critically-needed legal services at more than 90 nonprofit host organizations, working on 28 issue areas ranging from community development and disability rights to domestic violence and immigrant populations. Together, the sponsors, fellows, and host organizations ensure equal access to the justice system for society's most vulnerable individuals and communities.
Devaney, an Equal Justice Works Fellow supported by Greenberg Traurig, is housed by the Domestic Violence Legal Clinic, which provides free civil legal assistance to victims of domestic violence. Devaney’s project is focused on helping domestic violence victims obtain immigration status as part of their efforts to find safety and security away from their aggressor.
“Greenberg Traurig’s support of our Equal Justice Works Fellow has had an incredible impact on our practice, allowing us to serve clients more fully and help them access more of the tools they need to begin new lives, free from violence,” said Margaret Duval, Executive Director at DVLC. “Prior to the award of the fellowship, DVLC was unable to provide our clients with the immigration services that are so crucial to their long-term independence and safety. With [their] support and Ginger Devaney’s hard work, we now have a flourishing immigration practice that is engaged in cutting edge systemic advocacy as well as providing excellent representation to our individual clients. I know that Ginger is grateful for this opportunity and we want you to know our agency is as well.”
Gretchen N. Miller, one of the pro bono coordinators in Greenberg Traurig’s Chicago office, stated, “At Greenberg Traurig, our support for equal justice goes beyond our long-standing commitment to pro bono work and volunteer service to our communities. We understand equal justice also requires the full-time service of dedicated professionals like Ginger, which is why we have made funding Equal Justice Works Fellowships a cornerstone of our public interest program. We are deeply honored to be recognized by the Domestic Violence Legal Clinic, and are proud to support Ginger’s outstanding efforts.”
About Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GTLaw) has more than 2,000 attorneys in 38 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East and is celebrating its 50th anniversary. One firm worldwide, GTLaw has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, was named the largest firm in the U.S. by Law360 in 2017, and among the Top 20 on the 2016 Am Law Global 100. Web:www.gtlaw.com Twitter: @GT_Law.