At NIJC’s annual Human Rights Awards, we honor early-career attorneys who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to ensuring access to justice for immigrants by devoting substantial time to NIJC pro bono work, serving a significant number of NIJC clients, or representing clients with complex cases.
We appreciate the commitment of over 2,000 legal professionals in NIJC’s pro bono network who generously volunteer their time and expertise to advocate for immigrants and people seeking asylum, and to uphold their rights.
At NIJC’s 27th Annual Human Rights Awards, we will award 16 outstanding attorneys with the Rising Star Award. We congratulate them and thank them for their life-changing pro bono work!
Here are the recipients of the 2026 Rising Star Award:
Batul Ather
Troutman Pepper Locke
“My work with NIJC has meant the absolute world. What started as a legal externship in law school out of simple curiosity for immigration law has turned into a lifetime commitment to an organization that I am truly grateful to be a small part of. I have had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people with captivating stories that I am honored to advocate for.”
Amarto Bhattacharyya
Kirkland & Ellis
“As a first-generation American, I am honored to represent immigrant families who are fleeing persecution and navigating a complex legal system. But this work can’t be done alone, and I’m deeply grateful for the partnership with the National Immigrant Justice Center, and all the attorneys, paralegals, and countless others who have contributed their time and resources to support this important endeavor.”
Benjamin Bosmans Verdonk
Sidley
“My work with NIJC has been a powerful reminder that the law is most meaningful when it protects the most vulnerable. The promise of this country rests on its commitment to dignity, fairness, and the rule of law. As lawyers, we are called to uphold these ideals, especially when they are under strain. Our clients are constantly navigating real risk and uncertainty, so it is an honor to help bring safety and stability where it is needed most, when it matters most.”
Robert Bourret
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP
“I am extremely grateful to NIJC for all of their support and the opportunity to represent asylum seekers. Seeing the joy on my clients’ faces when they have been granted the chance to build a life in the United States makes all the hard work worth it, and I look forward to continuing this critical work with NIJC.”
Haley Casper
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
“I’m grateful for the chance to use my law degree to support individuals seeking asylum, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, especially during a time when immigrants in this country face increasing challenges. One of my proudest career moments was seeing my first NIJC client granted asylum and being able to celebrate that milestone with them. I’m continually inspired by my clients and their resilience, stories, and everything they teach me.”
Erica Duff
Jones Day
“Working with NIJC to represent clients seeking asylum has been some of the most important and rewarding work I’ve had the privilege to be a part of. This work is so meaningful to me because it embodies my fundamental belief that every person, no matter where they come from, deserves to be heard, treated with dignity, and given due process and protection under the law.”
Arie Feltman-Frank
Jenner & Block
“Our clients are real people, kind people, people with real futures ahead of them. The case was hard and demanded everything we had—but that’s exactly the point. Every person deserves the same opportunities I’ve been fortunate enough to have. Showing up to fight for that—especially at a moment when those opportunities are under direct threat—is the most important thing I can do as a lawyer.”
Gilberto Gonzalez
Rathje Woodward LLC
“What good does the law serves when it sometimes reversed to those who can afford it. To give the privileges of the law to those who cannot afford, that is why I choose to work with NIJC.”
Bryan Gray
Bartlit Beck LLP
“NIJC is doing critical work at a critical time. Their unwavering defense of the rights of people—no matter their immigration status—is as inspiring as it is humbling. In the face of a daily-shifting landscape, NIJC bears the brunt of the oath we all took to support the Constitution. It has been an honor to stand alongside them, and I am proud to have shared that burden for a time.”
Anna Kenneally
Mayer Brown LLP
“It has been a tremendous privilege to work with NIJC in supporting asylum seekers as they navigate extraordinarily difficult circumstances in pursuit of safety and stability. At a time of profound uncertainty in immigration law and policy, when access to humanitarian protections faces growing challenges, this work is more urgent and meaningful than ever. I continue to be inspired by the remarkable resilience and courage of our clients, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to advocate on their behalf alongside such dedicated, compassionate and committed colleagues at the NIJC.”
Will Nicolaides
Winston & Strawn LLP
“Working with the NIJC to successfully secure asylee status for our client was an incredibly rewarding experience. It was a privilege to work alongside the impressive NIJC team to achieve a truly life-altering result for our client. I have learned a tremendous amount from this experience that I will continue to use in my everyday practice.”
Dinora Orozco
Littler Mendelson PC
“As the daughter of Central American immigrants, I see this work as both a responsibility and a privilege. If we can help someone find safety, stability, or relief in an overwhelming immigration system, I know I have to do everything I can.”
Emmie Phillips
Winston & Strawn LLP
“My work with NIJC on behalf of my client has been profoundly rewarding. It is an honor to contribute to my client’s pursuit of safety, security, and belonging in this country. Compassionate advocacy is an important part of my legal practice, and NIJC has provided a meaningful opportunity to uphold that commitment at this early stage in my career.”
Monica Sharma
Zuckerman Spaeder LLP
“I’m honored to partner with NIJC in the fight to protect the right to representation for individuals whom courts have deemed mentally incompetent and unable to represent themselves in immigration proceedings. NIJC’s unwavering commitment to serve the most vulnerable groups is inspiring, and I feel privileged to work alongside such dedicated and talented advocates to ensure due process for all.”
Anneliese Thomas
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
“It has been an honor and a privilege to work with NIJC. My experiences have made me a better lawyer and advocate, and I am deeply grateful to have learned from and collaborated with NIJC’s dedicated attorneys while helping secure relief for resilient and deserving clients. Now more than ever, NIJC needs attorneys willing to lend their skills, and I strongly encourage any lawyer looking for impactful, meaningful work to take on a case.”
Lyndsey Wajert
Dentons US LLP
“It has truly been an honor to be able to work with NIJC and assist clients who have a crucial need for legal services. With the support of my firm, Dentons, NIJC has enabled and equipped me to advocate for these clients, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to work to secure their safety and freedom.”
Solomon Collins is the digital communications and graphic design specialist at NIJC.