Pursuing Justice Podcast Episode 4: Big Law lawyers are among the best-resourced counsel out there, and they are eager to provide pro bono assistance for those that need it most. But legal issues faced by women dealing with poverty and domestic violence are a far cry from the legal needs of corporations and multinational organizations. Pursuing Justice explores how one organization is mentoring Big Law lawyers to harness their amazing potential as pro bono lawyers.
We speak with Immigration, Domestic Violence, and Human Trafficking expert Hamra Ahmad, Legal Director at Her Justice, to share best practices on training and mentoring lawyers looking to jumpstart their pro bono practice. Based in New York, Her Justice focuses on recruiting and mentoring volunteer lawyers to provide free legal help to address legal issues faced by women living in poverty.
This podcast provides a behind-the-scenes exploration of pro bono and public interest legal work. These heartening stories are told from both clients’ and lawyers’ perspectives to showcase intimate portraits of lawyers helping those with limited access to justice.
Please note: CLE is not offered for listening to this podcast, and the views and opinions expressed within represent those of the speakers and not necessarily those of PLI.
FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE
Hamra Ahmad
Hamra Ahmad is Legal Director at Her Justice, a nonprofit organization providing legal services to women living in poverty throughout New York City by training and mentoring volunteer attorneys to address individual and systemic barriers.
Prior to joining Her Justice, Ms. Ahmad was Executive Director of the Hudson Valley Justice Center (HVJC), a nonprofit organization providing civil legal services to immigrants. She has also served as Director of the Center for Legal Services at My Sisters’ Place, a nonprofit organization working with victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. She co-authored a chapter in the Lawyer’s Manual on Human Trafficking, "Services for Trafficking Victims: A Brief Guide for Lawyers," on best practices when working with trafficking survivors. She is a leading expert in the area of Immigration and Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking, conducting trainings and presentations to law enforcement, judges, and social service agencies.
Ms. Ahmad also implemented the Immigration Project of the Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, providing a variety of immigration services to the large East African resettlement population. Ms. Ahmad received her J.D., cum laude, from the University of Minnesota Law School. She is licensed to practice law in New York and Minnesota.
