During this National Celebration of Pro Bono week, we are thrilled to uplift the dedication and impact of attorneys at commercial law firms who provide their services free of charge to Tahirih clients, many of whom are living below the poverty line. The compassion, generosity, and commitment of these attorneys make possible the support and services Tahirih provides to immigrant women, girls, and survivors of gender-based violence.
While our gratitude is by no means limited to this week, during this celebration we will highlight several of our wonderful pro bono partners. We begin with Erin Culbertson, Senior Associate at Three Crowns LLP. Erin has collaborated with Tahirih in a variety of capacities for over 18 years. Her experience working with Tahirih began as a law student and has extended through her career as an attorney. We are proud to showcase our long-standing partnership with Erin and the impact we have created together with survivors.
How did you first get connected to Tahirih Justice Center?
I started working with Tahirih in 2006, when I was attending George Washington University Law School. I was participating in GW’s Domestic Violence Project, and we were encouraged to find externships that would allow us to explore violence against women from many different angles. That’s when I found Tahirih, and I ended up working with them for my entire second year of law school. It was an incredibly inspiring experience. I really appreciated the one-on-one interactions with clients and opportunities to help amplify clients’ voices. I worked on applications under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), assisted with an asylum case, prepped clients for interviews/testimony and attended their immigration hearings, and helped with policy research. Through this experience, I saw things I would have never learned or thought about otherwise, like the impact that a translator’s tone and demeanor can have during a hearing.
Later in 2008, I became an associate in the DC office of Milbank LLP. After my experience from the externship with Tahirih, I made a case to bring Tahirih on as a partner organization and continued to work on a variety of cases. Once I joined Three Crowns LLP, I immediately introduced Tahirih, and we are thrilled to continue this partnership.
What do you appreciate most about partnering with Tahirih as a pro bono attorney?
Tahirih truly stands out in its approach to pro bono partnerships. Whenever a team takes a case, attorneys at Tahirih explain the legal framework, provide sample materials, and conduct periodic check-ins, all of which are much appreciated. The lawyers at Tahirih are very responsive and truly experts in the field. At times, cases can be tricky and involve unique issues, but the Tahirih attorneys always made me feel like they had time to get on the phone and brainstorm the best way to present a case. Also, I think it’s great that Tahirih provides a holistic approach to their cases, as so many clients have other social service needs, in addition to their legal needs. I’m really inspired by the way Tahirih operates.
What inspires you to support Tahirih’s mission serving immigrant survivors of gender-based violence?
Ever since college (and even earlier!), I’ve been passionate about women’s and girls’ rights. I have spent nearly 5 years working in Africa on development and human rights projects, and I wanted to continue aspects of that work in the U.S. When I learned about Tahirih, I identified strongly with the organization’s message and work—to assist women and girls in finding safe and better lives. My legal practice focuses on international law, and I’ve always appreciated that Tahirih’s work offers an ideal way to pursue my various interests in international law and human rights.
Is there a particular story or case working with Tahirih that stands out that you’d like to share?
A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to work on a case for Tahirih’s Afghan Asylum Project. I’m happy to share that my client from the case was granted asylum shortly before the Fourth of July in 2023! It’s been truly a life-changing experience to learn about her background, help her tell that story and find safety in the U.S., and see how much she has flourished. For example, in our initial work, she used a translator in our communications, but by the time of her asylum interview, she was able to conduct the whole interview in English without any interpretation. She’s now excelling as a university student focused on nursing. I’m still in contact with her, and, in fact, we were emailing just last week. The one-on-one client contact is a special part of working with Tahirih, and I am honored that I had the opportunity to work on such an important and impactful case.
How has working on pro bono cases with Tahirih impacted your career?
Working on pro bono cases with Tahirih has enabled me to pursue my interest in advancing women’s and girls’ rights, while also giving me the opportunity to use the skills I have developed as a litigator focused on international law. Working with Tahirih and its clients has underscored to me the importance of rule of law and international obligations.
What would you say to others who are considering working on a case with Tahirih?
Jump at the chance! Immigration law is specialized, so I have found that lawyers often doubt their ability to handle a case, fearing lack of knowledge/expertise and/or being unsure of how to navigate client trauma. But Tahirih is there to hold your hand every step of the way. Their training is survivor-centered and trauma-informed, including discussing how to manage the secondary trauma for attorneys in this line of work. Tahirih provides such a great support network, and they need caring and talented people to continue taking cases.
