Attorneys Jennifer Archer, Timothy Steigelman and Lauri Boxer-Macomber have been honored for their continued pro bono legal services in the Katahdin Counsel Recognition Program. On October 31, 2013, Archer, Steigelman and Boxer-Macomber were recognized as Katahdin Counsel for devoting more than 50 hours of pro bono work in the past year. All three attorneys were honorees in the inaugural year of the program as well. The Maine Supreme Judicial Court launched the Katahdin Counsel Recognition Program in 2012 to recognize attorneys in Maine for providing pro bono legal services and assuring meaningful access to justice in a State that has so many people with moderate and low incomes.

Jennifer Archer’s client, an activist from the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) who advocated for equal treatment of women within that country, was granted asylum based upon the persecution inflicted by the Congolese government. Jennifer’s clients are now safe from harm and enriching the State of Maine through their knowledge and tremendous work ethic.

After a selection process across several states, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) named Jennifer Archer a “Pro Bono Hero” for summer 2013. She received this recognition for her years of service to the immigrant community, her work with the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Program (ILAP), and her pro bono service to include asylum cases and a current class action lawsuit to protect lawful permanent residents’ access to healthcare. Ms. Archer is a shareholder at Kelly, Remmel & Zimmerman.

For details on the award, please visit the AILA website announcement:
AILA Announces Summer 2013 AILA Pro Bono Heroes Honorees

Several years ago, Jennifer’s client fled the Democratic Republic of Congo after he was tortured by that country’s government. Jennifer successfully tried his case in the Boston Immigration Court, the government waived appeal, and her client received asylum. Now that her client is safe in the United States, Jennifer is working toward reunifying him with his family.

Following a multi-day trial in Boston Immigration Court, Jennifer Archer won asylum for her Congolese client, a Tutsi who was persecuted in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This success helped to reunite a family of six after they were forced to spend four years apart. They can now focus on rebuilding their lives in Maine.

John A. McArdle, III was recently recognized for completing a 4 year appointment to The Maine Trial Lawyers Association Executive Committee which included him serving as President of MTLA in 2011 and 2012.

Terry Duddy will be doing a series of 4 lectures at the University of Maine School of Law this semester. The lectures will be on handling tort cases and civil litigation of tort cases.

At a ceremony held on February 12, 2013, the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project presented its 2012 Pro Bono Firm of the Year award to the Portland law firm of Kelly Remmel and Zimmerman (KRZ). The award was given to recognize KRZ’s excellence in providing pro bono representation to asylum seekers and other noncitizens in 2011 and 2012. As part of its comprehensive legal services, KRZ is a leader in providing immigration law services to individuals, families, hospitals, and businesses, and is involved in many multicultural representations and activities.

John Kelly will be teaching an eight week “Trial Practice” course to law students this spring at the University of Maine Law School.

Jennifer A. Archer has been awarded Maine Equal Justice Partners’ prestigious Equal Justice Hero Award, which honors legal professionals who have made a significant contribution to strengthening access to justice in Maine during the past year.
(more…)