Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm serving clients across the Americas, today announced the recognition of three lawyers for their pro bono efforts in a refugee case involving a group of 92 Somali citizens deported in 2017, known as the "Somali 92." Rebeca Mosquera, Alexandra Mora, and Maria "Marisa" Casablanca were presented with the Advocates for Human Rights' 2019 Human Rights Volunteer Award and the American Immigration Lawyers Association's 2019 Arthur C. Helton Memorial Human Rights Award for their representation of one of the refugees.

In late 2017, the Somali 92 were flown out of the United States under orders of deportation, before being rerouted due to logistical reasons and landing in Florida. A team of lawyers across the United States, including Mosquera, Mora, and Casablanca, mobilized to represent the Somali 92. They took the case of a refugee who suffered horrific conditions during the two-day flight.

Mosquera was successfully granted a motion to reopen the refugee's case, and a hearing has been set. In the meantime, Mora assisted Mosquera in the preparation of the case, while Casablanca, who serves as chair of Akerman's Immigration Planning and Compliance Practice, offered her expert assistance.  

About Akerman
Akerman LLP is a top 100 U.S. law firm recognized among the most forward thinking firms in the industry by Financial Times. Its more than 700 lawyers and business professionals collaborate with the world’s most successful enterprises and entrepreneurs to navigate change, seize opportunities, and help drive innovation and growth. Akerman is known for its results in middle market M&A and complex disputes, and for helping clients achieve their most important business objectives in the financial services, real estate and other dynamic sectors across the United States and Latin America.