Press Release
Published on September 30, 2026
Human Rights First is proud to announce that Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP will receive the 2026 Marvin E. Frankel Award, recognizing the firm's exceptional commitment to protecting the rights of refugees and asylum seekers through pro bono legal representation and its longstanding partnership with Human Rights First.
Named in honor of the late Judge Marvin E. Frankel—a founder of Human Rights First and a lifelong champion of justice, the rule of law, and pro bono service—the award recognizes law firms whose dedication to defending human rights reflects Judge Frankel's enduring legacy.
Quinn Emanuel has been a steadfast advocate for asylum seekers and other vulnerable immigrants through its partnership with Human Rights First. Over the past year alone, the firm's attorneys contributed more than 2,700 hours of pro bono representation across 47 active matters, providing life-changing legal advocacy for individuals and families fleeing persecution, violence, torture, and other grave human rights abuses.
From representing clients in complex asylum proceedings to responding to urgent legal challenges, Quinn Emanuel's attorneys have consistently brought exceptional litigation skills, strategic advocacy, and unwavering dedication to every case. Their efforts have secured critical protections for clients at some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives, while reinforcing the fundamental principle that access to justice should never depend on one's ability to afford legal representation.
"Quinn Emanuel has brought exceptional expertise to some of the most challenging matters in our refugee representation program," said Uzra Zeya, President and CEO of Human Rights First. "They have demonstrated what the Marvin E. Frankel Award was created to recognize: the use of extraordinary legal talent in service of people whose rights and futures depend on it. "
Human Rights First has partnered with Quinn Emanuel across a range of refugee and asylum matters, drawing on the firm's deep litigation experience to help protect the rights of vulnerable individuals navigating an increasingly complex legal landscape. The firm's commitment reflects the essential role that pro bono advocacy plays in ensuring that access to justice remains available to those who need it most.
"Quinn Emanuel has earned our trust by taking on difficult cases and staying with clients through every stage of the legal process," said Robyn Barnard, Vice President of Refugee and Immigrant Rights at Human Rights First. "Whether responding to an urgent detention, litigating an appeal, or representing asylum seekers with particularly complex claims, their attorneys consistently bring thoughtful advocacy, sound judgment, and an unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for each client."
"We take pro bono service seriously at Quinn Emanuel, and we're proud that our attorneys bring the same rigor and dedication to this work that they bring to our demanding commercial matters,” said William A. Burck, Quinn Emanuel’s Global Co-Managing Partner. “We deeply value our partnership with Human Rights First, which has given our attorneys the opportunity to stand with asylum seekers and refugees at some of the most consequential moments of their lives. This award is a meaningful recognition of that work, and we look forward to building this partnership in the years ahead."
"This work has a profound impact on our attorneys, and especially our associates,” said Marc L. Greenwald, partner-in-charge of Quinn Emanuel’s New York pro bono practice. “Taking on an asylum matter or a complex immigration appeal means owning a case from start to finish — developing legal strategy, preparing witnesses, and standing up in court. Those experiences make them better trial lawyers. Our partnership with Human Rights First has given our attorneys some of the most formative experiences of their careers, and we're proud to see that commitment recognized with this award."
The Marvin E. Frankel Award celebrates law firms that exemplify Judge Frankel's belief that lawyers have a profound responsibility to advance justice and protect the fundamental rights of those most vulnerable. Quinn Emanuel joins a distinguished group of past recipients recognized for their leadership in expanding access to justice and defending the rights of refugees and asylum seekers through extraordinary pro bono service.
Quinn Emanuel will be recognized at the 2026 Human Rights First Awards Celebration on October 13, 2026, at Gotham Hall in New York City. The annual event brings together leaders from law, business, government, philanthropy, and civil society to celebrate individuals and organizations whose work advances human rights and democratic values around the world.
For more information about the Human Rights First Awards Celebration, visit humanrightsfirst.org.
