[Blog]

The Missouri Bar urges its members to engage in occasionally providing free legal services: "Pro bono service is an integral part of the legal profession. In America, the tradition of standing up for those who cannot defend themselves is a part of our national heritage. It is a hallmark of our freedom, and it is the measure of our commitment to others less fortunate than us. Lawyers who provide pro bono help fulfill a commitment to individuals as well as to our system of government. Through pro bono service, lawyers ensure that justice is for all, not just the prosperous."  See the Missouri Bar Pro Bono Statement here.

The American Bar Association Model Rule for Professional Conduct 6.1 says: "Every lawyer has a professional responsibility to provide legal services to those unable to pay. A lawyer should aspire to render at least (50) hours of pro bono publico legal services per year."

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Strategic Goals include: "Promote and support delivery of competent, ethical, and lawful immigration services by lawyers, authorized accredited representatives, and pro bono programs. Encourage and facilitate member participation in, and support for, pro bono services and programs.”  See AILA’s Strategic Goals here.

To that end, Willmoth Immigration Law, LLC has taken on two pro bono cases involving children in removal (deportation) proceedings, including one for an unaccompanied minor.  We will post more later about how these cases turn out.  There are many organizations which need attorneys to help provide pro bono representation in immigration court matters including the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants.  The Committee also has a National Center for Refugee and Immigrant Children, which you can read about here.

The Immigration Court, part of the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR), a part of the Department of Justice, does not have the authority to appoint counsel on behalf of unrepresented children, unlike a state court which appoints guardians ad litem to represent children in family and criminal matters.  Because of this, children must rely on agencies like the National Center for Refugee and Immigrant Children to help find them legal counsel.

We ask all attorneys who are able to find time to take on pro bono commitments, and to consider representing unaccompanied minors, or immigrant victims of violence, trafficking, or other abuses.