Dennis Windscheffel Selected as “Pro Bono Champion” by Texas Access to Justice Commission
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(San Antonio) – Akin Gump litigation senior counsel Dennis Windscheffel has been selected as an ATJ Pro Bono Champion as part of the Texas Access to Justice Commission’s quarterly series featuring the work of attorney and his/her “volume of and length of time spent on pro bono work.”
In this case, Mr. Windscheffel was selected for his 10+ years’ work representing refugees in immigration proceedings, including his role as one of the founders of the Karnes Pro Bono Project, a multiorganizational effort that Akin Gump, along with nongovernmental and academic organizations, developed to help undocumented Central American immigrants fleeing regional violence (learn more here).
In the Q&A profile on the occasion of his selection, Mr. Windscheffel spoke about immigration work and its challenges, noting that “Immigration removal proceedings are a complex labyrinth. We attempt to help detained families throughout every step of the process.”
Regarding what he most often sees in pro bono cases, he said, “My pro bono clients have typically experienced horrific violence and/or abuse. They have fled to the United States seeking protection. They are incredibly appreciative of any help they might receive.”
When asked which pro bono case he has handled stands out, he replied, “[O]ur representation of an Afghan interpreter for NATO forces who fled to the United States after being attacked by the Taliban…When I originally met the client in a remote detention center in South Texas, he had been detained in various prisons for over a year and had lost more than 30 pounds on a hunger strike. Over the government’s objections I secured his release on bond; and earlier this year, after his case was transferred to New York, my colleagues secured asylum for this deserving client.”
To read the full interview, please click here.
Founded in 1945, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
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