Kids in Need of Defense (“KIND”) Northern Virginia has recognized Williams & Connolly Discovery Attorney Amanda Koman as its Pro Bono Advocate of the Year. KIND noted that Amanda “built strong, trusting relationships [with] clients through some difficult experiences including a Child Protective Services investigation and housing instability.”  "Once the family stabilized, [Amanda] quickly filed the custody petition and obtained a state court order less than a month later,” a requirement for the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status application which is a path to Legal Permanent Residency. “[Amanda’s] rapport-building skills helped [her] prepare clients to give difficult testimony while still feeling empowered.”  KIND also commended Amanda for her remarkable commitment and unwavering resolve to her pro bono case work.

Founded in 2008 by the Microsoft Corporation and UNHCR Special Envoy Angelina Jolie to address the gap in legal services for unaccompanied minors, KIND is a U.S.-based nongovernmental organization devoted to providing pro bono legal representation for forcibly displaced children across the United States. Since its inception, KIND has received referrals for tens of thousands of cases, and protects children through direct legal assistance and by leveraging the pro bono legal resources provided by hundreds of law firms, law schools, and bar association partners. To learn more about the KIND organization, please visit their website here.