McGuireWoods has joined a group of Fortune 1,000 general counsel and more than 70 law firms in The Alliance for Asian American Justice, a national pro bono initiative committed to standing up for victims and preventing future acts of anti-Asian hate. The coalition was formed in response to a recent surge of anti-Asian violence across the country.
The Alliance will coordinate and direct pro bono resources to assist victims and support them in pursuing legal remedies. These efforts can include providing victims with counsel to bring lawsuits seeking compensatory and other civil damages, or working with law enforcement to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable, where appropriate. The Alliance also will identify additional resources to help victims, including specialized legal services, social services and other community support.
The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, and other frontline legal and community organizations will perform the initial intake with victims and refer them to the Alliance.
“The recent wave of violent acts targeting Asian Americans alarms us all,” said McGuireWoods partner Rakesh Gopalan, chair of the firm’s Asian Pacific Lawyer Network. “We know many victims lack access to legal remedies and support because of language and cultural barriers. This national coalition will ensure victims have culturally responsive advocates to assist them.”
Richmond associate Jonathan Tan will help lead McGuireWoods’ participation in the Alliance’s pro bono efforts.
“McGuireWoods has a long history of focusing pro bono efforts on helping marginalized people gain access to justice,” said Angie Zimmern, the firm’s pro bono director. “We are proud to join this powerful partnership to assist victims of discrimination and racism.”