Overview
Due to increased awareness about human trafficking, financial institutions and other companies are looking to do more than just make a statement against this crime. The next step is programming to combat human trafficking at the company, among customers, down the supply chain, and in the community.
Distinguishing Moore & Van Allen in this work is the foundation laid by its Human Trafficking Pro Bono Project – a leading and lauded provider of legal aid. Several years of experience in representing survivors of sex- and labor-trafficking led to the demand by institutional clients for advice on anti-trafficking programs, enhanced anti-money laundering procedures to target the crime, and compliance with related law and regulation. Moore & Van Allen provides victim-informed advice to organizations seeking to strengthen their response to human trafficking.
In addition to raising awareness about human trafficking, we help our clients develop anti-trafficking initiatives that focus on workforce training, human rights policies, enhanced anti-money laundering and know-your-customer procedures that reflect victim realities, supply chains, and survivor support services.
We also advise clients on the legal and regulatory framework for prevention and detection of human trafficking. This includes various federal and state law, transparency in supply chain laws that may be triggered by doing business in certain geographic areas, and obligations under the Bank Secrecy Act related to reporting of suspected human trafficking.
Responding to human trafficking as an organization is a matter of social responsibility, compliance and risk mitigation. Moore & Van Allen’s Financial Regulatory Advice and Response Team guides organizations through program development.
News
News
Insights
Blogs and Resources
Blog Posts
People
People
HUMAN TRAFFICKING PRO BONO PROJECT
HUMAN TRAFFICKING PRO BONO PROJECT
Recognized as a leading law firm offering comprehensive legal services to survivors of human trafficking, Moore & Van Allen continues to meet the high demand to support victims of this crime. Common areas of service include expunction of criminal records, victim-witness advocacy, family law consultations, name changes, and assistance with credit repair and financial inclusion. The Project accepts referrals from community partners, federal and local law enforcement agencies, and national human trafficking partner organizations. All clients must be supported by a referring agency to be eligible for Project services.
Moore & Van Allen also advises organizations on their response to human trafficking to ensure regulatory compliance, increased awareness, and social responsibility through the Human Trafficking Prevention & Compliance team.
“A holistic approach to our clients’ needs best supports their path to justice and healing.” - Sarah Byrne, Human Trafficking Pro Bono Project Leader
For more information, please contact Sarah Byrne at sarahbyrne@mvalaw.com.
Direct Legal Representation
- Victim-witness advocacy
- Expunction analysis
- Immigration
- Custody and parental rights
- Public benefits
- Name change petitions
Client service successes include working with prosecutors and law enforcement to ensure that victim witness rights are protected at all stages of the criminal process; expunging criminal records that pose obstacles to employment, housing and education; and asserting parental rights.
Referrals
The Project accepts referrals from community partners, federal and local law enforcement agencies, and national human trafficking legal aid organizations. All clients must be supported by a referring agency to be eligible for Project services.
Project Leaders
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Sarah Byrne Senior Counsel, Financial Regulatory Advice & Response |
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Chris Thompson Member, Commercial Real Estate |
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Sally Hentz Senior Corporate Paralegal |
Collaborations
Trainings
Project leaders regularly train law firms, pro bono lawyers and governmental, academic, and community organizations about human trafficking and survivor legal needs.
Client Testimonials
“You will never truly know what you have done for me. You have helped in my freedom. You stepped up when everyone stepped down.” - Project Client
“MVA proved a community that values the importance of the individual . . . we found in you great friends.” - Project Client
Project Resources & Materials
- MVA Human Trafficking Pro Bono Project Flyer
- MVA AACCP Credit Repair Know Your Rights
- Financial Literacy for Survivors
- Trafficking Survivors Relief Act
- Legal Deserts Report 2.0
- Legal Desert Report: Accessing Legal Services for Survivors of Sex Trafficking
- Survivor Speak: Insight into How COVID-19 is Impacting the Legal Needs of Human Trafficking Survivors
- A21 Flex Volunteer Program for Triage