Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP

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2025 "I Make Justice Happen!" Campaign image

2025 "I Make Justice Happen!" Campaign

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$1,525 towards $10,000

2025 I Make Justice Happen! Campaign

Through the end of October, also known as Pro Bono Month, Choate will be participating in the I Make Justice Happen! Campaign in support of the Political Asylum/Immigration Representation (PAIR) Project.

Since 1989, the PAIR Project has provided free immigration services to indigent asylum seekers and detained immigrants, assuring fairness and access to justice. PAIR's clients leave behind everything to flee torture, abuse, and possible death to forge new lives in safety and freedom.

As many of you know, Choate has maintained a long-standing relationship with PAIR since 2001. For over 30 years, PAIR staff have worked on a lean budget to accept as many indigent asylum-seeking clients as possible, to place each client with volunteer attorneys, and to provide 24/7 mentoring and strategic support for each and every case. PAIR’s costs are substantial, as the scope of their work is demanding and broad.

Every hour of time an attorney donates to volunteer on a PAIR case has the value of a billable hour. Last year, PAIR calculated that attorneys donated more than 20,000 hours—a value of over $14 million—allowing PAIR to serve more than 1,700 clients. Each one of these clients has found new hope because of PAIR.

An average case costs PAIR thousands of dollars because of the expenses related to intakes, conducting training for new volunteers, and maintaining mentoring and support programs. This year, there has been a seismic shift in immigration law and policy in the U.S, one that targets and punishes immigrants, regardless of status. PAIR clients, who fled the dangers of their home country, are terrified of ICE enforcement, being detained, and of being removed without due process. PAIR is at the forefront of fighting for the legal rights of clients and ensuring stable status and a safe haven in the U.S. But they cannot do this alone.

This year, PAIR’s rising costs are due in large part to the dramatic increase in demand from the immigrant community. PAIR’s goal is to raise $50,000 this month—with all raised funds going directly to PAIR and its clients. Our goal is for Choate to raise $10,000 in support of PAIR’s efforts.

Many Choate attorneys have shown an incredible commitment to representing asylum clients, but even those of us who cannot take on cases can support PAIR’s work. Please consider donating to PAIR and help us Make Justice Happen for thousands of immigrants in Massachusetts!