Page 8 - Katten 2024 Pro Bono Annual Review

ASHLEY BRINES’ TENACIOUS PRO BO NO
EFFORT REUNITES UGANDAN REFUGEE FAMILY

In April, a Ugandan family was reunited after years of dedicated pro bono work by Katten
in collaboration with Human Rights First. The case began with two former Katten associ-
ates securing asylum for a Ugandan refugee who was persecuted for defending gay rights.
The client, accused of being gay for refusing to incriminate gay soccer team members,
endured torture and threats from Ugandan police and villagers. After fleeing to South
Sudan and then the United States, he was granted asylum in 2019. Los Angeles Litigation
Associate Ashley Brines then guided the family through the complex process of I-730
Asylum Relative Petitions, interviews and medical exams.

The client expressed profound gratitude in a note to Ashley, saying,

“I am really wordless, and I am grateful that my family

is here. It has been your effort for this to happen.

Thank you so much and I am really grateful.”

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