The National Legal Aid and Defender Association (NLADA) honored Nixon Peabody with the 2024 Beacon of Justice Award for the life-changing impacts of our pro bono initiatives. The Beacon of Justice award recognizes members of the pro bono legal community who are tireless advocates for equal justice; the 2024 award focuses on law firms making a positive impact on Civil & Human Rights.
Nixon Peabody’s pro bono efforts to protect civil and human rights are extensive, innovative, and unwavering. Attorneys across the firm participate in many different projects that move the needle forward on equality and justice for all. Some of these initiatives include:
- The firm’s representation of Bay Area Host Committee to develop a human rights action plan for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Our longtime partnership with School of Leadership Afghanistan to broaden educational opportunities for Afghan women
- Our work with Empire Justice Center monitoring the implementation of special education services for students with disabilities
- The successful challenge of an unconstitutional “divisive concepts” law that threatened the safety and quality of education for students, particularly LGBTQ+ students, in New Hampshire
As part of our pro bono program’s focus on immigration and asylum, NP colleagues have also provided ongoing support to Afghan refugees displaced from the 2021 United States withdrawal from Afghanistan and subsequent Taliban takeover. Nixon Peabody partner Adam Tarosky and associates Sarah Tufano and Katie Mallon helped several individuals fleeing Afghanistan to settle and stay in the United States. Through this initial effort, they met the Karimzai family who had also fled Afghanistan and reached the United States.
Watch Nixon Peabody attorneys discuss their pro bono efforts
The father of the family, Mr. Sarajuddin Karimzai, served for over twenty years in the Afghan military’s Presidential Protective Service. As a result, the Taliban targeted him for his affiliation with the United States and Western democracies. Adam, Sarah, and Katie represented the family of eight, including Mr. Karimzai, his wife, and six children in their asylum merits hearing, where the judge granted them asylum—a moment met with enthusiastic applause across the courtroom. The team described that moment as one of their most rewarding experiences as attorneys and expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to help the family secure a safe life in the United States.
Nixon Peabody remains steadfast in its pro bono commitment to serving the most vulnerable and marginalized communities in our society. This recognition is a testament to our ongoing dedication and promise to continue making a difference in the lives of those who need it the most.
