Meet a Center member: Tahirih Justice Center

Protecting immigrant women and girls from all across the world, the Tahirih Justice Center works to end gender-based violence. With both in-house and a network of pro bono attorneys, Tahirih Justice Center provides the ammunition to help their clients struggle against injustice and inequality. Executive Director and Founder Layli Miller-Muro explains that Tahirih Justice Center “is about changing peoples’ lives through law.” Beyond their legal services, the nonprofit organization provides access to social services and advocates national public policy for gender equality.

In choosing cases, Tahirih Justice Center begins by doing a phone interview. From there, the potential client is asked to come to the office for a more in-depth look at the case. Once the facts are compiled, the case goes to the group of lawyers for a decision. If at any point during the process the woman’s case is not chosen, she is referred to other organizations. However, if the woman is chosen, the case is given to a particular lawyer, either a staff member of Tahirih Justice Center or a member of the organization's Pro Bono Legal Network.

Since its founding over ten years ago, Tahirih Justice Center has achieved a 99% success record and has never had a client deported. Guided by the vision of a bird with two equally strong wings, the organization seeks a day when both men and women are equally valued as members of society.

The Tahirih Justice Center is the recipient of The Washington Post 2007 Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management. Miller-Muro is a recipient of the Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman 2008 EXCEL Award. Click here to learn more about the Tahirih Justice Center.

[Thank you to Center intern Casey Linsey for contributing this post.]