By Rebecca Goldfrank in partnership with Paul Lee

DC Affordable Law Firm or DCALF delivers accessible justice to modest-income DC residents who do not qualify for traditional sources of free civil legal services and cannot afford standard representation, empowering community members with unmet legal needs while also launching the careers of public interest lawyers committed to accessible justice. We represent clients in family law, immigration and probate and estate planning matters.

DCALF and Steptoe LLP are thrilled to profile a recent, tremendous pro bono collaboration. One of DCALF’s long-standing clients had been awaiting an asylum interview for nearly 7 years when we had the opportunity to collaborate with the Steptoe team. Shaun Boedicker and Gammon Fain, with the support of Pro Bono Partner, Paul Lee. The team quickly rallied to file a mandamus brief in federal court in the Eastern District of Virginia demanding that USCIS hear our client’s long-pending asylum case. Our client is a gay man who suffered persecution in his home country in west Africa where being gay is illegal. With Steptoe’s filing, within weeks, the 7-year wait was over – USCIS quickly scheduled him for an asylum interview and was granted asylum. Our client’s fears and anxieties are now lifted and he is able to plan for his future and continue his small business.

DCALF was delighted to partner with Steptoe on behalf of our client. We simply did not have the staffing or time to file for mandamus on our own. This collaboration was essential to enabling our client to access justice as he deserved.

Shaun and Gammon were interviewed about their pro bono experience generally and their collaboration with DC Affordable Law Firm:

Q: Please give us bit of info about yourself and your pro bono experience.

“ I am a partner in Steptoe’s energy group that regularly advises clients on regulatory and litigation matters.  I have done a number of pro bono projects throughout my career and came to work on this particular project as I had led a similar mandamus proceeding for a different pro bono client a year earlier.” – Shaun

“ I am a third-year litigation associate at Steptoe, and I came to get involved in pro bono cases through the firm’s pro bono department, which makes it very easy for lawyers to get involved in pro bono cases with a ton of support throughout the process.” -Gammon

Q: Why were you are drawn to pro bono work? What about this particular case peaked your interest?

“I am always drawn to pro bono work because of the clients.  The legal system can be complex and esoteric, and can be daunting for individuals who are not familiar with it.  I have seen the real-world positive impact pro bono representation can have on clients, and am consistently drawn to pro bono work for this reason. “ -Shaun

“I was initially drawn to this case because of my own background and identity – and because I recognize that it’s a great privilege to be born in a place where you don’t have to fear political persecution for being yourself.  No person should be persecuted or treated as less-than for being themselves in any circumstance, and I’m really happy that we were able to help our client permanently relocate to the United States where he can live openly, freely, and safely.” -Gammon

Q: How does pro bono help enhance your practice, skill set, etc.—

“Pro bono has provided me with unique and valuable opportunities I might not otherwise get in my traditional practice, and has allowed me to develop real-world, on-my-feet skills that are always valuable in my work.” -Shaun

“Participating in pro bono cases as an associate is a great way to gain valuable practical experience, and also to find moments that make the tougher, more demanding parts of practicing law worth it.  I think it’s really important to remember that there are real people whose lives are affected directly by the practice of law, and it’s easy to forget that sometimes in corporate-facing practice.  Pro bono work is a great reminder.” -Gammon

Q: What support did you receive while working on the case?

DCALF provided wonderful mentoring on this case from start to finish.  They clearly knew this client well, having worked with him for several years prior.  They were involved in every step of the process and helped the client ultimately obtain asylum.

Rebecca Goldfrank is the Legal Director at DC Affordable Law Firm and Paul Lee is the Pro Bono Partner at Steptoe and a Board Member with Washington Council of Lawyers.