White & Case LLP - News - White & Case Honors Lawyers for Pro Bono Work

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White & Case Honors Lawyers for Pro Bono Work
Annual Awards Recognize Lawyers for Pro Bono Work in Diverse Fields

New York, Istanbul, Los Angeles, Ankara, Brussels, Miami, Washington, DC, Silicon Valley, June 27, 2007 ... White & Case LLP held its annual Pro Bono Awards, recognizing lawyers within the Firm for their outstanding contributions to pro bono legal service. Lawyers from eight White & Case offices, as varied as New York, Istanbul, Ankara and Brussels, were honored for a wide range of work, including assistance with the Aaron Lee Jones death penalty case, representing minors in amnesty and immigration cases and representing a journalist in a freedom of press case.

"For the second consecutive year, our pro bono practice has grown over 30 percent in terms of hours, and we have seen a significant increase in participation from partners and associates," said White & Case pro bono counsel James M. Stillwaggon, who heads the Firm's Pro Bono Committee. "This year we also expanded globally and started doing work with a number of non-governmental organizations."

Award recipients include:

Christoph Arhold (Brussels), for his work on behalf of journalist Hans-Martin Tillack, whose files were seized by Belgian authorities based on a complaint by the European Commission's Anti-Fraud Office. His complaint against the raids has been opened in the European Court for Human Rights, the last recourse for the protection of press freedom and the rights of individuals.
Maria Beguiristain (Miami) assisted Mark Martinez on Florida's Children First matter. This project involved an administrative challenge to rules that would have resulted in many children in foster care losing their Road to Independence scholarships, which assist them in pursuing secondary education. White & Case's work on this matter led the Florida State Department of Children and Families to publish revised rules, which corrected many of the problems.
Brianna Busch (Washington, DC) represented Grace Idun in an immigration matter before the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Brianna argued that the Bureau of Immigration Affairs abused its discretion when it denied Ms. Idun's motion for reconsideration of an in absentia deportation order caused by her previous ineffective counsel. The Second Circuit granted Ms. Idun's request for relief, and adjusted her status so she can remain here with her husband, a US citizen.
Gül Çiğdemtekin (Ankara) provided assistance to LOSEV, a Turkish nonprofit organization that provides educational, social and psychological support as well as free treatment for children with leukemia and their families, on a real estate matter that was decided in LOSEV's favor.
Craig Clark (Palo Alto), for his work on the case of one of our special immigration juvenile status clients, a 15-year-old Salvadoran national who fled gang violence and made his way alone to the US. After several days without food or water in the borderlands, he was picked up by US authorities and referred to us by the National Center for Refugee and Immigrant Children. Craig convinced the court to vacate its removal order, which had been granted in absentia.
Angela Daker (Miami), for her criminal appeal work on behalf of a client indicted for bankruptcy fraud.
Aaron Kahn (Los Angeles) is currently assisting a ten-year-old Guatemalan girl in removal proceedings. He filed an application for asylum and withholding of removal under the Convention Against Torture, based on the epidemic of misogynistic violence underway in Guatemala. In addition, the client has no immediate family left in Guatemala and is facing removal proceedings alone. A final ruling is due later this month.
Neal Millard (Los Angeles) continually works with the Alliance for College-Ready Public Schools, a network of high-performing public schools in historically low-income communities. Neal volunteered his expertise and time in securing much-needed bond funding for The Alliance's expansion and growth. In addition, he assists The Alliance with legal and regulatory issues relating to charter schools, in transactional services relating to property acquisitions and also serves on its Board of Directors.
Hansel Pham (Washington, DC) worked with VietHope, Inc., a volunteer-led nonprofit organization dedicated to funding and supporting education projects in Vietnam, on its successful application for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and with corporate governance. With White & Case's support, VietHope's annual fundraising revenues have increased by 1,000 percent, allowing them to triple the number of scholarships awarded while taking on additional school and library construction projects.
Sandra J. Warren (New York) recently completed the largest debt-for-nature swap under the US Tropical Forest Conservation Act on behalf of Conservation International and The Nature Conservancy. It will provide more than $24 million over the next 15 years to help protect critically threatened tropical rain forests in Guatemala.
Matt McQueen and Jenna Nicenko (New York) represented a 20-year-old girl who had lived in the United States since the age of four and was facing deportation. Jenna originally filed a 240A(b)(2) VAWA petition on the client's behalf because she was abused by her legal guardian. This was a novel argument since legal guardians are not included in INA definitions of a “parent,” but Jenna argued that this guardian still qualified because she stood in loco parentis to the client. The case was eventually decided on the resettlement of a Family Court Guardianship Order. Matt took the lead on the family court proceedings and secured a resettlement order. Because of that, the removal proceedings were closed and the client was able to receive her green card, six weeks before she would have aged out of eligibility.
Daren Orzechowski and Paul Godinez (New York) worked on behalf of Paolo Tatafiore, an Italian concert pianist, in connection with a breach of contract dispute against his former agent and with related immigration problems. The case touched on several key issues within entertainment law, primarily whether the defendant qualified as an “agent” or a “manager.” Based on an early summary judgment motion, Daren and Paul secured a settlement for the client that provided him with ample restitution, including the money he needed to return home to his family in Europe.
Natalie Kadas, Robert Wheal, and Matthew Wood (London), for their work on behalf of the Dickie Bird Foundation, which was founded to assist financially challenged youths under the age of 18 who wish to participate in sports. Kadas, Wheal and Wood provide ongoing commercial advice and administrative and fundraising support. In addition, they have recently assisted in an employment dispute and are advising the foundation on a complicated and sensitive trustee matter.
Thomas Biesty, Aaron Chase, Stephanie L. Cohen, David A. Fulco, Lydia E. Lin, Karen I. Lundeen, A. Kumari Nelson, Peter B. Patterson, led by Vincent R. FitzPatrick, Jr. and Heather K. McDevitt (New York), for their representation of Aaron Lee Jones from 1991 until his execution in May 2007. During the past year, the Jones team petitioned the US Supreme Court for certiorari review of Mr. Jones' federal habeas petition and filed a civil rights action on his behalf challenging the constitutionality of Alabama's method of execution by lethal injection as cruel and unusual punishment. Although the team sought the intervention of the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals and the US Supreme Court, Mr. Jones was executed before federal courts in Alabama could adjudicate the merits of his claim. The team continues to litigate two similar lethal injection challenges in Alabama.
Ceyda Akbal, Muhsin Deskin, Galip M. Selçuk, Refika T. Tüzün-Bird (Istanbul) completed numerous pro bono projects for Tohum Vakfı, a Turkish foundation providing assistance in early diagnosis and treatment of autism in young children, in addition to providing education to their families and teachers. The White & Case team managed the legal aspects of Tohum Vakfı’s local and international activities, as well as provide legal counsel to the foundation and its sister school.

The awards reception will be held at White & Case's New York office.

About White & Case
White & Case LLP is a leading global law firm with more than 2,000 lawyers in 35 offices in 23 countries. Our clients value the breadth and depth of our US, English and local law capabilities and rely on us for their complex cross-border commercial and financial transactions and for international arbitration and litigation. Whether in established or emerging markets, the hallmark of White & Case is our complete dedication to the business priorities and legal needs of our clients.

Contact:
Reilly Starr
Regional Media Relations Manager - Americas
White & Case LLP
1 212 819 8315

	Press Releases
Lawyers Christoph Arhold Maria Beguiristain Aaron Chase Angela D. Daker Vincent R. FitzPatrick Jr. Aaron A. Kahn Lydia E. Lin Heather K. McDevitt Daren M. Orzechowski Hansel T. Pham Robert Wheal Matthew D. Wood Locations New York Istanbul Los Angeles Ankara Brussels Miami Washington, DC Silicon Valley	White & Case Honors Lawyers for Pro Bono Work Annual Awards Recognize Lawyers for Pro Bono Work in Diverse Fields New York, Istanbul, Los Angeles, Ankara, Brussels, Miami, Washington, DC, Silicon Valley, June 27, 2007 ... White & Case LLP held its annual Pro Bono Awards, recognizing lawyers within the Firm for their outstanding contributions to pro bono legal service. Lawyers from eight White & Case offices, as varied as New York, Istanbul, Ankara and Brussels, were honored for a wide range of work, including assistance with the Aaron Lee Jones death penalty case, representing minors in amnesty and immigration cases and representing a journalist in a freedom of press case. "For the second consecutive year, our pro bono practice has grown over 30 percent in terms of hours, and we have seen a significant increase in participation from partners and associates," said White & Case pro bono counsel James M. Stillwaggon, who heads the Firm's Pro Bono Committee. "This year we also expanded globally and started doing work with a number of non-governmental organizations." Award recipients include: Christoph Arhold (Brussels), for his work on behalf of journalist Hans-Martin Tillack, whose files were seized by Belgian authorities based on a complaint by the European Commission's Anti-Fraud Office. His complaint against the raids has been opened in the European Court for Human Rights, the last recourse for the protection of press freedom and the rights of individuals. Maria Beguiristain (Miami) assisted Mark Martinez on Florida's Children First matter. This project involved an administrative challenge to rules that would have resulted in many children in foster care losing their Road to Independence scholarships, which assist them in pursuing secondary education. White & Case's work on this matter led the Florida State Department of Children and Families to publish revised rules, which corrected many of the problems. Brianna Busch (Washington, DC) represented Grace Idun in an immigration matter before the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Brianna argued that the Bureau of Immigration Affairs abused its discretion when it denied Ms. Idun's motion for reconsideration of an in absentia deportation order caused by her previous ineffective counsel. The Second Circuit granted Ms. Idun's request for relief, and adjusted her status so she can remain here with her husband, a US citizen. Gül Çiğdemtekin (Ankara) provided assistance to LOSEV, a Turkish nonprofit organization that provides educational, social and psychological support as well as free treatment for children with leukemia and their families, on a real estate matter that was decided in LOSEV's favor. Craig Clark (Palo Alto), for his work on the case of one of our special immigration juvenile status clients, a 15-year-old Salvadoran national who fled gang violence and made his way alone to the US. After several days without food or water in the borderlands, he was picked up by US authorities and referred to us by the National Center for Refugee and Immigrant Children. Craig convinced the court to vacate its removal order, which had been granted in absentia. Angela Daker (Miami), for her criminal appeal work on behalf of a client indicted for bankruptcy fraud. Aaron Kahn (Los Angeles) is currently assisting a ten-year-old Guatemalan girl in removal proceedings. He filed an application for asylum and withholding of removal under the Convention Against Torture, based on the epidemic of misogynistic violence underway in Guatemala. In addition, the client has no immediate family left in Guatemala and is facing removal proceedings alone. A final ruling is due later this month. Neal Millard (Los Angeles) continually works with the Alliance for College-Ready Public Schools, a network of high-performing public schools in historically low-income communities. Neal volunteered his expertise and time in securing much-needed bond funding for The Alliance's expansion and growth. In addition, he assists The Alliance with legal and regulatory issues relating to charter schools, in transactional services relating to property acquisitions and also serves on its Board of Directors. Hansel Pham (Washington, DC) worked with VietHope, Inc., a volunteer-led nonprofit organization dedicated to funding and supporting education projects in Vietnam, on its successful application for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and with corporate governance. With White & Case's support, VietHope's annual fundraising revenues have increased by 1,000 percent, allowing them to triple the number of scholarships awarded while taking on additional school and library construction projects. Sandra J. Warren (New York) recently completed the largest debt-for-nature swap under the US Tropical Forest Conservation Act on behalf of Conservation International and The Nature Conservancy. It will provide more than $24 million over the next 15 years to help protect critically threatened tropical rain forests in Guatemala. Matt McQueen and Jenna Nicenko (New York) represented a 20-year-old girl who had lived in the United States since the age of four and was facing deportation. Jenna originally filed a 240A(b)(2) VAWA petition on the client's behalf because she was abused by her legal guardian. This was a novel argument since legal guardians are not included in INA definitions of a “parent,” but Jenna argued that this guardian still qualified because she stood in loco parentis to the client. The case was eventually decided on the resettlement of a Family Court Guardianship Order. Matt took the lead on the family court proceedings and secured a resettlement order. Because of that, the removal proceedings were closed and the client was able to receive her green card, six weeks before she would have aged out of eligibility. Daren Orzechowski and Paul Godinez (New York) worked on behalf of Paolo Tatafiore, an Italian concert pianist, in connection with a breach of contract dispute against his former agent and with related immigration problems. The case touched on several key issues within entertainment law, primarily whether the defendant qualified as an “agent” or a “manager.” Based on an early summary judgment motion, Daren and Paul secured a settlement for the client that provided him with ample restitution, including the money he needed to return home to his family in Europe. Natalie Kadas, Robert Wheal, and Matthew Wood (London), for their work on behalf of the Dickie Bird Foundation, which was founded to assist financially challenged youths under the age of 18 who wish to participate in sports. Kadas, Wheal and Wood provide ongoing commercial advice and administrative and fundraising support. In addition, they have recently assisted in an employment dispute and are advising the foundation on a complicated and sensitive trustee matter. Thomas Biesty, Aaron Chase, Stephanie L. Cohen, David A. Fulco, Lydia E. Lin, Karen I. Lundeen, A. Kumari Nelson, Peter B. Patterson, led by Vincent R. FitzPatrick, Jr. and Heather K. McDevitt (New York), for their representation of Aaron Lee Jones from 1991 until his execution in May 2007. During the past year, the Jones team petitioned the US Supreme Court for certiorari review of Mr. Jones' federal habeas petition and filed a civil rights action on his behalf challenging the constitutionality of Alabama's method of execution by lethal injection as cruel and unusual punishment. Although the team sought the intervention of the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals and the US Supreme Court, Mr. Jones was executed before federal courts in Alabama could adjudicate the merits of his claim. The team continues to litigate two similar lethal injection challenges in Alabama. Ceyda Akbal, Muhsin Deskin, Galip M. Selçuk, Refika T. Tüzün-Bird (Istanbul) completed numerous pro bono projects for Tohum Vakfı, a Turkish foundation providing assistance in early diagnosis and treatment of autism in young children, in addition to providing education to their families and teachers. The White & Case team managed the legal aspects of Tohum Vakfı’s local and international activities, as well as provide legal counsel to the foundation and its sister school. The awards reception will be held at White & Case's New York office. About White & Case White & Case LLP is a leading global law firm with more than 2,000 lawyers in 35 offices in 23 countries. Our clients value the breadth and depth of our US, English and local law capabilities and rely on us for their complex cross-border commercial and financial transactions and for international arbitration and litigation. Whether in established or emerging markets, the hallmark of White & Case is our complete dedication to the business priorities and legal needs of our clients. Contact: Reilly Starr Regional Media Relations Manager - Americas White & Case LLP 1 212 819 8315