Pro Bono Initiative
OUR MISSION
Pro bono, derived from Latin meaning "for the public good," involves offering legal services without charge. The urgency of pro bono work is undeniable. Every day, countless individuals face life-changing challenges—a family at risk of losing their home, an immigrant fighting for the right to stay. These aren’t just legal cases—they are people with stories, futures, and lives that depend on timely and thoughtful legal services. In a world where access to legal services is often out of reach for those who need it most, offering our expertise to those in need is a vital commitment to the values of justice. We understand that, at times, it may seem as though one small action cannot make much of a difference, but we believe otherwise. Each act of kindness and each hour of volunteer service contributes to the greater good. Imagine the ripple effect of helping just one person—like dropping a pebble in a pond, the impact extends far beyond the initial act. When we offer pro bono legal services, we are not only helping one client; we are contributing to a more just society, one in which people believe that someone will stand by them in their darkest hour.
At Anderson & Associates, we view pro bono work as more than just a professional obligation. We take on these cases with a deep sense of responsibility, recognizing that while not everyone can afford legal representation, everyone deserves to be heard and protected under the law. We believe that legal professionals—whether lawyers, law clerks, or support staff—have a profound duty to use their skills and knowledge to serve those in need.
Through our A&A Pro Bono Program, we strive to make meaningful impacts by addressing urgent legal challenges, particularly within underserved communities. There is a demanding need for accessible legal assistance, especially for immigrants in New York City, which is the primary focus of our firm. Immigrants represent 40% of NYC’s population and contribute to one-third of its workforce, yet many struggle to secure legal representation. However, many lack the means to secure legal representation. With immigrants facing challenges from proposed and enacted legislation, we are committed to forging partnerships with a diverse array of nonprofits to address the multifaceted challenges faced by immigrant communities. By building strong alliances with a variety of nonprofits, we aim to address the multifaceted legal challenges that immigrant communities face.
While immigration is the core focus of our pro bono efforts, we recognize that it intersects with many other legal areas. Our team handles cases related to housing, domestic violence, removal proceedings, employment and labor, business law, bankruptcy, education, and criminal justice. This broad approach allows us to leverage our diverse expertise to better allocate resources, while also empowering team members to select cases that align with their personal passions and areas of specialization.
Small actions can lead to significant change. Our goal is to offer help one step at a time, matching the urgency of the pro bono needs we encounter. Through our efforts, we hope to light the way for others and contribute to making the world a better place.
Robyn Gao
Johnny Nguyen
Yi-Pin Chou
Joanne Urena
Rongliang Liu
Will Anderson
HISTORY & IMPACT
Since its inception, Anderson & Associates has demonstrated a strong commitment to serving the Asian Pacific American (APA) community. In the summer of 2022, the firm launched a new initiative that involved high school interns in designing its pro bono program. Many of these interns were Asian Americans or children of first-generation U.S. immigrants, and their contributions were instrumental in helping the firm expand its focus into areas such as trusts and estates, housing, and immigration relief, including T Visas, U Visas, VAWA petitions, asylum, and removal defense. In 2023, the firm introduced an incubator program aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs, many of whom belong to the APA community. A&A has helped participants incorporate their businesses, protect their intellectual property, and ensure compliance with legal regulations.
SUCCESS STORIES
A&A's pro bono program has already made a substantial difference in several key cases:
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U-Haul Rampage Case: A&A assisted the family of a Chinese Uber deliveryman who was killed in a tragic accident, helping secure housing for his children and a visa for their grandmother.
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Eviction and Guardianship Case: The firm intervened on behalf of an elderly couple facing eviction, securing an emergency stay and arranging for a Guardian Ad Litem to protect their interests.
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Sunset Park Hammer Attack: A&A supported the victims of a violent attack, establishing a special needs trust for two young survivors and helping with immigration services for their family.
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Baby Faye Fung’s Special Needs Trust: A&A created a trust for a baby diagnosed with a rare brain tumor, allowing her family to raise funds without losing eligibility for essential government benefits.
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Charlotte Eats Case: A&A supported a former sex worker in starting a Korean catering business, assisting with LLC registration, trademark filings, and compliance with home kitchen regulations, helping her achieve stability and growth.
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AABANY Pro Bono Desk: Yen-Yi Anderson has helped the clinic provide legal aid to nearly 2,000 limited English speakers in Chinatown and Bay Ridge since 2015, enhancing access to legal services in these communities.
FUTURE DIRECTION & VISION
Looking ahead, the A&A Pro Bono Program is poised to expand its reach and deepen its impact. As we continue to address the immediate needs of immigrants and underserved communities, our vision is to broaden the scope of our services to further empower those who lack access to legal resources. We are committed to fostering long-term partnerships with nonprofits, educational institutions, and other law firms, enabling us to scale up our efforts and assist more individuals and communities in need.
The Pro Bono Program will increasingly focus on supporting economic independence through legal services for individuals and businesses in need. By offering legal support for business formation, intellectual property protection, and compliance, we aim to foster growth and stability, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources and guidance necessary to succeed.
We also plan to strengthen our educational initiatives by mentoring aspiring legal professionals through internships and community-based legal workshops. By empowering the next generation of attorneys with a commitment to public service, we hope to create a ripple effect that extends far beyond our firm.
Ultimately, our goal is to continue pushing boundaries and challenging ourselves to create lasting change in our communities. We will keep building on our successes while maintaining the adaptability to respond to emerging legal needs, all in service of making a meaningful impact and helping to create a more just and equitable world.
NONPROFIT PARTNERS
Anderson & Associates has partnered with a number of nonprofits that will facilitate intake for pro bono clients.
CONTINUING TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT
Anderson & Associates actively engages with the APA community through partnerships, workshops, and pro bono clinics. Founder Yen-Yi Anderson is deeply involved in advocating for immigrant rights, hosting educational events, and participating in legislative efforts to improve legal protections for APA communities. In recognition of her exceptional contributions, Yen-Yi was awarded the Lawyers Alliance of New York’s Cornerstone Award, honoring her dedication to providing superior pro bono services to nonprofits improving quality of life in low-income neighborhoods.
At A&A, we know that by helping individuals in need today, we can make a larger impact on society tomorrow. Our work is ongoing, and we remain committed to making positive, lasting change.
FORM TO DEMONSTRATE NEED
FOR PRO BONO SERVICES:
Please complete each section of this form to help us assess whether we can take on
your case. We evaluate cases for pro bono representation based on demonstrated
financial need, urgency, and our team's available resources and expertise. Please
note that we do not exceed 10 pro bono cases concurrently. We will respond to
your inquiry at our earliest convenience. For any further inquiries, please
contact us via email at probono@aalawpc.com.