Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles Presents Orrick with Pro Bono Service Award

The result of collaboration between Orrick, University of California Irvine School of Law and the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, the Permanency Project helps undocumented victims of crime and domestic violence obtain permanent resident status (i.e. a green card), and be free from their abusers. With the threat of deportation hanging over their heads, many of these clients are afraid to report the crimes they are victims of. However, through a special government program that encourages undocumented crime victims to cooperate with law enforcement, our clients are able to obtain a green card by reporting the crimes and assisting law enforcement to prosecute the offenders. With a green card, our clients can obtain a measure of security and self-sufficiency, as well access to education and job opportunities that would have previously been out of reach. Orrick attorneys supervise UCI students in these cases, giving the students valuable hands-on experience assisting real clients as well as one-on-one guidance from our experienced lawyers. To date, the Permanency Project has helped 39 clients successfully obtain permanent resident status.

Orrick Senior Associate Don Daybell, who has led the project since 2011 and been a driving force in its expansion, accepted the award on the firm’s behalf. Don was previously recognized by the Legal Services Corporation alongside Anna Strasburg Davis, director of Public Interest Programs at UCI, for their work on the Permanency Project.

Founded in 1929, LAFLA seeks to provide access to justice for poor and low-income people in greater Los Angeles who face systemic barriers to equal justice, equal opportunity and basic human rights.