Hana Hsiao Ma

Senior Program Associate

S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation

Q: Why did you join Tahirih's Pro Bono Network?: A: I first heard about the Tahirih Justice Center in 2010 as a second-year law student through my summer internship at the National Immigrant Justice Center in Chicago. At that time, NIJC and Tahirih collaborated on a few cases, and I was blown away by the Tahirih team's unparalleled advocacy and dedication to serving the most vulnerable immigrant women and girls. Seven years later, I jumped at the opportunity to take on a pro bono U visa case through Tahirih's San Francisco chapter.
Q: How has your pro bono service impacted you?: A: I currently work in philanthropy and am not practicing law on a daily basis, and I appreciate the opportunity to re-sharpen my legal skills through the mentorship of Tahirih's staff attorneys. As a board member of CORA – the only agency in San Mateo County solely dedicated to serving victims and survivors of domestic violence – I am able to apply my knowledge of DV as well as legal advocacy to this case. I feel humbled to have the opportunity to help my client, a single mother and a survivor of domestic abuse, with her U visa application. While it is easy to feel discouraged by the current political climate, working with my client has uplifted my spirits, reignited my sense of urgency, and reminded me that every little bit of effort counts. As a mother to a young daughter, I am thankful for Tahirih and its network of volunteers for bringing more justice to our country.

Meghan Leibold Lidster

Staff Attorney

Richards Kibbee & Orbe

It has been humbling to work with a client who, despite extreme hardship in her past, has been able to increasingly open up to me.
Lindsay Wright Brett

Associate Attorney

Baker & McKenzie LLP

The women and children I've worked with over the years inspire me to take on new cases.
Alicia Balthazar, Deborah Wei, Maria A. Arboleda, & Marta Thompson

Hogan Lovells US LLP

Realizing the impact of the case’s outcome not just for our client but for her son, shows how these cases can be completely life changing for a family’s future.

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