During the 2026 National Celebration of Pro Bono, the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center (NMILC) proudly honors the attorneys, law firms, medical providers, interpreters, community partners, and other professionals who make our work possible.
Our pro bono professionals generously offer their time, talent, and tenacity to NMILC free of charge to further justice and strengthen democracy, the theme of this year’s celebration. Whether taking a case, hosting a legal clinic, organizing a fundraiser, reviewing medical records, interpreting at an appointment, or encouraging colleagues to volunteer, their service helps immigrant communities throughout New Mexico access justice, dignity, and opportunity.
A Year of Meaningful Service
Over the past year, pro bono professionals supported NMILC’s clients and programs by providing:
Assistance with more than 50 Special Immigrant Juvenile Status state predicate orders
Support at six Family Preparedness Clinics, along with individually requested Power of Attorney assistance
Representation in more than 27 habeas corpus petitions through the New Mexico Habeas Project
Support at 11 Entrepreneur and Business Resources Workshops and individual consultations
Medical-record reviews, virtual examinations, and psychiatric evaluations for clients seeking asylum
Court-certified interpretation at clinics, workshops, and individual appointments
Each contribution has made a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, and neighbors.
Collaboration Across New Mexico’s Legal Community
Our pro bono partnerships extend far beyond individual cases. Attorneys and firms also host clinics, organize fundraising events, recruit colleagues, and create networks of support.
In March, the New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association brought members of the legal community together for a special fundraising evening hosted by McGinn, Montoya, Love, Curry & Sievers, P.A. and Singleton Schreiber LLP. Inspired by the event, many attendees volunteered to take cases through the New Mexico Habeas Project.
Advancing Justice Through the New Mexico Habeas Project
Launched in April 2026 with the ACLU of New Mexico and Innovation Law Lab, the New Mexico Habeas Project connects pro bono attorneys with people facing unjust immigration detention and deportation. Participating attorneys receive training, resources, and collective support.
The project has already achieved life-changing results. In one case, ICE arrested a longtime U.S. resident in April 2025. After he had spent approximately a year and a half in detention, NMHP pro bono attorney Yarrow Allaire filed a habeas petition on his behalf. On October 21, 2026, a judge granted the petition and ordered his immediate release.
In July, St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church hosted a gathering celebrating another milestone: the first attorney to successfully secure a person’s release from immigration detention through the project.
Thank You
Amid challenging and demoralizing moments, this year has also brought community gatherings, milestones, and accomplishments worth celebrating. None of them would have been possible without our outstanding pro bono community.
To every attorney, medical provider, interpreter, law firm, association, and community partner: thank you for all you do. We are deeply grateful to have you on this journey with us.
Interested in joining NMILC’s pro bono volunteers? Visit website to learn more.
To volunteer with the New Mexico Habeas Project, visit nmilc.org/toolkit/nm-habeas-project. Law firms interested in hosting a clinic or fundraiser may contact probono@nmilc.org.
Happy National Celebration of Pro Bono!