via: The Office of Clinical and Pro Bono Programs Blog
The Massachusetts Bar Association will honor Gerald Wall with an Access to Justice Award, for his exemplary legal skills and service to the community. He is a Clinic Supervisor at the Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinic and Senior Attorney at the Greater Boston Legal Services.
Gerald Wall is the most senior attorney in GBLS’ Immigration Unit, with a 40-year career in legal services. According to the Massachusetts Bar Association, he credits his longevity to both the satisfaction he gets from making a direct impact on real clients, and the “hard work and collegial nature” of his like-minded co-workers.
Students from the Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinic revere him. “He is the best mentor I have ever had. He is supportive, kind, patient, responsive, and encourages me to take more responsibilities. I feel really luck to have Gerry as my mentor, for his guidance and generous support” said Peng Lin, J.D. ’14.
“I can’t thank him enough for his kindness and patience in mentoring me. His commitment and dedication to his work inspired me to continue to work in asylum representation and advocacy after I graduate,” said Morgan Davis, J.D. ’15, another student.
The Massachusetts Bar Association describes Wall as more invested in his work than any other attorney in the Commonwealth. The first immigration cases he handled with GBLS involved El Salvadoran refugees seeking asylum in the United States from violence and death squads during their home country’s civil war. “Not only did Wall advocate for many of these individuals, he and his wife pursued adoption, ultimately bringing in to their family a 3-year-old son and 21-month-old daughter.”
“We are so proud of Gerry. He’s been a superb model and teacher for our students for so many years; his gentleness, experience, and sense of commitment will be carried forward by the students and clients whose lives he has changed,” said Deborah Anker,Clinical Professor of Law and Director of the Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinic.
The 2014 Annual Dinner Awards will be held at the Westin Boston Waterfront hotel on Thursday, May 15.