Microsoft backs free legal-aid program
SeattlePI | at | by Mike
Detained immigrants seeking asylum or other help with their status could soon receive free legal assistance through a new project offered in Washington by the Microsoft Corp. and six Seattle law firms. The pro bono project will handle about 50 cases per year and will be administered by the American Bar Association, which is holding its midyear meeting this week in Seattle.
Lawyers from Microsoft's in-house legal department and the six Seattle firms will be trained, mentored and matched with immigrants. The software company is paying most of the administrative costs in a three-year, $375,000 grant. Microsoft lawyers will handle a minimum of 10 cases per year. Smith said 300 immigrants are detained on an average daily basis in Washington, and only one out of six can afford a lawyer.