New York State Bar Association To Host Program To Aid Human Trafficking Victims, Connect Lawyers With Pro Bono Opportunities

New York State Bar Association To Host Program To Aid Human Trafficking Victims, Connect Lawyers With Pro Bono Opportunities

5.6.2024

By Rebecca Melnitsky

Human trafficking – labor that is forced through fraud or coercion – is often hidden in plain sight. From 2007 to 2021, the New York State Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking identified 2,137 victims in the state including more than 500 minors. About two-thirds were exploited for sexual acts while the rest engaged in other kinds of labor.

The New York State Bar Association is hosting a seminar on combatting human trafficking that will explore how the legal profession can help.

“Human trafficking is a crime that can affect anyone,” said Richard Lewis, president of the New York State Bar Association. “Victims often find themselves in need of caring and compassionate representation. Our seminar will empower lawyers to provide much-needed legal assistance.”

The program will showcase pro bono opportunities for New York lawyers to make a tangible difference in the lives of trafficking victims. It will also detail how to assist with acquiring visas, accessing support services, and using the Debt Bondage Repair Act to help survivors repair their credit history.

The speakers will be:

• Estelle C. Davis, assistant director at the New York State Bureau of Refugee Services.
• Amy Marques, senior immigration attorney at My Sisters’​ Place.
• Carmen Maquilon, director of Catholic Charities of Long Island.

Margaret J. Finerty, partner at Getnick & Getnick, will moderate.

The program, “Legal Advocacy Against Human Trafficking: Empowering Victims & Engaging Lawyers” will take place on Thursday, May 30, from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free for New York State Bar Association members, and $25 for non-members. Attendees will receive 1.5 Continuing Legal Education credits.

Journalists interested in attending should contact Rebecca Melnitsky at [email protected].

The association’s Committee on Immigration Representation and Committee on Civil Rights are sponsoring the program.