The February issue of Atlanta Lawyer included two articles that highlight Alston & Bird’s involvement with the Georgia Asylum & Immigration Network (GAIN), a non profit organization that pairs volunteer attorneys with detained asylum immigration cases. The article “GAIN Holds Their First Annual Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony” mentions the firm’s recent win in an asylum immigration case and features a photo of Cheryl Naja, our Pro Bono-Community Service Coordinator.
Brian Stimson, Hetal Doshi and Josh Becker authored the second article, “GAIN Attorneys Obtain Favorable Asylum Ruling for Shanka Thakali.” This article discusses their representation of Mr. Thakali, who “fled Nepal after supporters of Maoists guerillas persecuted him for expressing anti-Maoist political beliefs.” They worked on his case with the help of GAIN employees and two Atlanta physicians, and Mr. Thakali was granted asylum. The government is appealing the ruling, so he will remain in custody until the parole and appeal process is complete. However, Stimson, Doshi and Becker will continue to work on his appeal and Rebeca Crawford, Rob Fortson and Elizabeth Jordan have also volunteered their time to assist with the parole and appeal process.