Greenberg Traurig, LLP issued the following announcement on Oct. 25.
Angela A. Korge, a Litigation Practice associate in the Miami office of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, P.A., was named a Pro Bono Hero by Americans for Immigrant Justice (AIJ).
AIJ is a non-profit law firm that focuses on the mission of protecting and promoting the basic human rights of immigrants through a combination of free direct legal services, impact litigation, policy reform, and public education.
Korge was named a Pro Bono Hero for obtaining U.S. asylum for a Honduran national and AIJ client who was a frequent target of violence and harassment in Honduras due to her status as a bisexual woman and lifelong, high-profile LGBT rights activist in the country. Korge successfully proved that the violence experienced by the client exceeded the typical violence experienced by others in Honduras solely on account of the client’s sexual orientation, and that the Honduras’ police did not fulfill their obligation to protect her as demanded by a previously attained status of protection from the Interamerican Commission of Human Rights.
Korge submitted 26 exhibits to the court, including U.S. and U.N. reports on abuse against the LGBT population in Honduras, and letters from a U.S. Department of State official and a U.S. college professor attesting to the client’s activism, character, and her status as a target in Honduras because of her bisexuality. She also obtained an expert affidavit from a U.S. college professor about the danger the client would face if she returned to Honduras. Ultimately, the client was granted asylum.
“The second the client heard this, she started crying hysterically with relief,” Korge said. “This case deeply spoke to me. I felt strongly about helping someone who cared so much about helping others, even though she herself was in danger. It’s in situations like these that I truly appreciate the privilege of being able to serve those who deserve justice the most.”
At Greenberg Traurig, Korge concentrates her practice on civil litigation matters in both federal and state courts. She largely works on various complex commercial disputes including breach of contract, products liability, fraud, and business torts claims.
“In climate, winning an asylum case is no easy feat. The constantly changing laws and regulations pose challenges for even seasoned immigration practitioners. Nevertheless, Angela stepped up to the plate to take on a detained asylum case and zealously advocated for her client,” said Jessica Schneider, AIJ program director for the Detention and Asylum, Residency, and Citizenship programs. “Americans for Immigrant Justice is thrilled for the client and is grateful for its pro bono partnership with Greenberg Traurig, which continues to take on these difficult, yet rewarding cases.”
Original source can be found here.