Advocate
Expanding Justice Access
Human trafficking survivors require free legal counsel to overcome the legal collateral damage they face. Through our Advocate initiative, we expand survivors’ access to justice by connecting them with Legal First Responders.
Watch Jennifer’s Story
Legal Collateral Damage
The Justice Gap separates many survivors from the resolution of their legal issues. While every survivor’s legal needs are unique, they often include…
Criminal Record Impediments
Over 90% of survivors exit their exploitative circumstances with a criminal record, severely hindering their ability to seek higher education, pursue employment opportunities, secure independent housing, and obtain needed benefits.
Family Law Obstacles
Survivors face family law obstacles, including divorce and child custody disputes. Unfortunately, the vast majority of trafficked individuals are low-income earners, and over 90% of the legal problems reported by low-income Americans receive inadequate or no legal help.
Immigration Challenges
Each year, thousands of foreign nationals are trafficked into the U.S. from other countries. These victims require legal assistance to navigate the complexities of the immigration system and access the relief afforded to them under U.S. law.
Legal First Responders
A Legal First Responder is a pro bono attorney committed to meeting the urgent legal needs of human trafficking survivors free of charge. We recruit, train, and deploy Legal First Responders to help survivors resolve their legal collateral damage.
Recruit
We recruit Legal First Responders who are…
Licensed, Active, and In Good Standing with their State Bar
Specialized in the Area of Need
Committed to Pro Bono Service
Train
We train Legal First Responders on trafficking and trauma issues to serve survivors effectively.
Deploy
Survivors’ legal needs often cross jurisdictional boundaries. We deploy Legal First Responders from a growing network of law firms, legal aid clinics, and solo practitioners across the U.S. so survivors can receive assistance wherever their legal needs arise. Thank you to all our incredible legal partners for your pro bono support!
Legal Intake Process
Our Legal Intake Process is a 4-step sequence that involves identifying trafficked individuals, assessing legal needs, initiating referrals, and empowering survivors. Eligibility for service is based on established criteria.
