Microsoft & Angelina Jolie Help ‘Kids in Need of Defense
Ayman — October 25, 2008 — Social Good
References: blog.seattlepi.nwsource & bizjournals
Microsoft Corp. teamed up with Angelina Jolie, law firms and corporate law departments on a new initiative, Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), to provide pro bono legal defense system for children of parents involved in U.S. immigration proceedings.
Angelina Jolie described the importance of the initiative in a statement. “These children often have nothing; no money, no support and no family, yet they come to America seeking its promises of a better life. But many end up becoming lost, traumatized, and ultimately forgotten.”
According to Amnesty International USA, about 8,000 children arrive in the US on their own each year, with only half of them represented by lawyers when they are taken into custody.
Microsoft explained that kids are, “eight times more likely to be granted asylum if they have an attorney.”
“Through our support of KIND, we hope to inspire the participation of many more representatives of our legal community to offer these children the fundamental protection they need. Every lawyer has a professional responsibility to provide pro bono legal services to those unable to pay,” said Brad Smith, Microsoft’s general counsel, in a statement.
KIND, which will be based in Washington, D.C, has already received more than $2 million in donations. It has also received more than 13,000 pro bono hours during its first year of operation contributed by more than 25 law firms and corporate law departments.
Angelina Jolie described the importance of the initiative in a statement. “These children often have nothing; no money, no support and no family, yet they come to America seeking its promises of a better life. But many end up becoming lost, traumatized, and ultimately forgotten.”
According to Amnesty International USA, about 8,000 children arrive in the US on their own each year, with only half of them represented by lawyers when they are taken into custody.
Microsoft explained that kids are, “eight times more likely to be granted asylum if they have an attorney.”
“Through our support of KIND, we hope to inspire the participation of many more representatives of our legal community to offer these children the fundamental protection they need. Every lawyer has a professional responsibility to provide pro bono legal services to those unable to pay,” said Brad Smith, Microsoft’s general counsel, in a statement.
KIND, which will be based in Washington, D.C, has already received more than $2 million in donations. It has also received more than 13,000 pro bono hours during its first year of operation contributed by more than 25 law firms and corporate law departments.
Trend Themes
1. Pro Bono Legal Defense - Creating a system for providing pro bono legal defense for children involved in immigration proceedings presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation.
2. Representation for Unaccompanied Minors - Improving access to legal representation for unaccompanied minor immigrants can lead to disruptive innovation and better outcomes for these children.
3. Collaboration Between Law Firms and Corporations - The collaboration between law firms and corporate law departments to support initiatives like Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) highlights the potential for disruptive innovation in the legal industry.
Industry Implications
1. Legal Services - Innovations in the provision of pro bono legal services for immigrants can disrupt the legal services industry and improve access to justice.
2. Nonprofit Organizations - The establishment of organizations like Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) opens up opportunities for disruptive innovation in the nonprofit sector, particularly in the area of immigrant child support.
3. Technology - Technological advancements can play a role in disrupting the immigration process by improving access to legal resources and information for children in need of defense.
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