Overview
Barack Ferrazzano is pleased to congratulate Michael Educate as a recipient of the National Immigrant Justice Center's (NIJC) “2019 Rising Stars Award,” which recognizes individuals who are dedicated to ensuring access to justice and who generously provide high quality pro bono services to clients with complex immigration cases. Michael received the Rising Stars Award in recognition of his work winning a grant of asylum on behalf of a 20-year old Jehovah’s Witness who fled Cuba after suffering religious and political persecution. Upon arrival to the United States, Michael’s client was immediately placed in detention, where he remained until Michael was able to secure his release. As a result of this win, Michael’s client was able to rejoin his family and start a new life for himself.
Michael joined Barack Ferrazzano as an associate in the Firm's Litigation Group in 2017. Michael is experienced in all aspects of civil litigation in both state and federal court and administrative proceedings across the country, in a wide range of industries. He has been an avid contributor of pro bono legal services throughout his career, representing individuals in taxation, special education, family law, and asylum cases.
The honor was presented during the 20th Annual NIJC Human Rights Awards luncheon on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile. The annual luncheon honored human rights champions such as Michael who have made outstanding achievements to promote, protect, and advance human rights throughout the world. The luncheon also celebrated the charitable contributions of business, philanthropic, and community leaders that ensure immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers can continue to realize their basic human rights through NIJC’s services.
To learn more about Barack Ferrazzano's pro bono initiatives, this case, and other victories, visit: about-probono
For more information about the annual luncheon, visit: https://immigrantjustice.org/nijc-human-rights-awards?q=HumanRightsAwards
About The National Immigrant Justice Center
The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) — a Heartland Alliance program — is a legal aid organization, dedicated to protecting human rights and access to justice for all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. In addition to legal services NIJC serves these vulnerable groups through policy reform, impact litigation, and public education. NIJC has provided legal services to more than 10,000 individuals with a success rate of 90% in asylum cases.
To learn more about the NIJC, visit: https://www.immigrantjustice.org/