Page 9 - Katten 2024 Pro Bono Annual Review

HENRY STAPP OBTAINS
SIJS FOR TWO TEENS
FROM GUATEMALA

A team from Katten’s Charlotte office, including Real Estate
Associate Henry Stapp, Real Estate Fellow Brandy Fuentes and
Litigation Paralegal Sara Brown, successfully obtained Special
Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) for two teenage boys from
Guatemala, one of whom was at risk of aging out of the program.
The boys, who fled an abusive, alcoholic father and gang violence,
were represented by Henry in collaboration with the Charlotte
Center for Legal Advocacy (CCLA). Despite challenges in serving
the ex-husband in Guatemala, Henry secured the necessary cus-
tody order and findings of fact for the children to receive SIJS
status, paving the way for them to obtain green cards and become
permanent US residents.

ZACHARY SCHMITZ AND
ALEXANDRA BRIGHT SUCCESSFULLY
SETTLE CONTENTIOUS
LIFE ESTATE DISPUTE

Chicago Financial Markets Litigation and Enforcement Associates Zachary Schmitz and
Alexandra Bright successfully resolved a family property dispute for a woman who planned
to live out her days in a home she had sold to her sister, following a referral from another
trusts and estates client. The client, an immigrant from Belize, had sold her Chicago-area
home to her sister in exchange for a life estate but faced eviction when her sister sued
to invalidate the agreement. With support from Chicago Volunteer Legal
Services (CVLS), Zach and Alexandra delved into the case details,
ultimately negotiating a settlement of significant value
to their client. The case was dismissed in
February, with the settlement
providing funds for the client to
relocate. Zach highlighted the
positive outcome for both par-
ties and his appreciation for the
partnership with CVLS, noting
the valuable experience he and
Alexandra gained while handling
most of the “heavy lifting.”

Katten 2024 PRO BONO ANNUAL REVIEW 7