Creating a path to stability for vulnerable young people

Freshfields teams work directly with young people and their proposed guardians to prepare the evidence and New York Family Court filings needed to pursue Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). For many clients, this offers a vital route toward remaining in the United States and becoming lawful permanent residents.

By July 2026, more than sixty Freshfields lawyers, paralegals and staff supported approximately 24 clients and contributed more than 1,300 hours of pro bono work.

A route to protection

SIJS is a form of humanitarian immigration relief for young people in the United States who are under 21 and have never been married.

To qualify, a juvenile court must find that the young person is dependent on the court; that reunification with one or both parents is not viable because of abuse, abandonment, neglect or a similar basis under state law (death of a parent); and that returning to their country of origin would not be in their best interest.

The young person must first obtain a special findings order from a family court. They can then petition US Citizenship and Immigration Services for SIJS and, if granted, later apply for lawful permanent residence.

For someone unfamiliar with the US legal system, often working in a second language and living with trauma, navigating this process alone can be almost impossible.

Expanding access through partnership

Freshfields established the clinic with The Ark in spring 2026 to meet growing demand.

The Ark screens clients before referring appropriate matters to Freshfields. Each young person is supported by a team of two or three lawyers.

Kyla Reitzel, Rebecca Kerr and Heather Cameron have helped lead and develop the clinic. Kyla coordinates referrals, conflict checks and matter teams, while Rebecca and Heather have helped broaden participation across the firm and track the project’s contribution.

Once connected with a client, the team interviews the young person and their proposed guardian to understand their circumstances and identify the evidence needed. The team then prepares the Family Court documents, including the Guardianship Petition, Motion for Special Findings, and related filings such as affidavits from the client and proposed guardian.

Once The Ark has reviewed the documents, the young person and proposed guardian sign them and The Ark supports the client through filing and the court process.

By taking responsibility for this substantial part of each matter, Freshfields reduces the administrative and drafting burden on The Ark. This enables the organization to assist more young people who might otherwise have to attempt the process alone or continue living without secure status.

Making a complex process more human

Freshfields volunteers receive training in trauma-informed client interviewing, including how trauma can affect memory, communication and trust. They learn to explain why sensitive questions are necessary, recognize when a client is becoming overwhelmed and create a sense of safety.

This helps the team produce accurate and persuasive evidence while capturing the young person’s voice. It also makes a complicated process clearer, more supportive and more human.

Supporting young people to build their futures

One young client from Haiti had lost both parents and been raised by his aunt, whom he described as the most important person in his life.

Freshfields helped him prepare the documents needed to pursue the required Family Court findings. When they came to Freshfields’ offices to sign the completed papers, his aunt embraced the team in tears and thanked them for their support.

The young person has since graduated from high school, secured a college place and plans to become a nurse, following in his aunt’s footsteps.

Legal services partner perspective

“I have been consistently impressed by the legal work provided by the Freshfields teams. They have all shown incredible patience, trauma-informed lawyering, and compelling and persuasive writing that is able to both capture the clients’ voices and establish that the young person meets the eligibility requirements for SIJS. The work of the Freshfields attorneys is life-changing and I don’t use that term lightly.”

Deidre Stradone, The Ark, SIJS Program Director

Building a broader pro bono community

The clinic has brought together colleagues from across Freshfields’ US practices, as well as summer associates and early-career lawyers. For many, it has been their first substantive pro bono matter at the firm.

Most importantly, their work gives vulnerable young people a better chance of obtaining the Family Court findings needed to pursue SIJS – and of building their lives in the United States with greater stability and security.