Faegre Drinker and Attorneys Receive The Advocates for Human Rights’ 2023 Awards

Faegre Drinker has been recognized with the 2023 “Law Firm Pro Bono Award” by The Advocates for Human Rights for its extraordinary efforts to ensure legal representation to Afghan evacuees. In addition, attorneys Amy Fiterman and Christin Eaton were honored with the “Volunteer Award” for their pro bono efforts. Retired partner Linda Svitak will also be recognized as a “Volunteer Award” recipient.

Fiterman, product liability and mass torts partner and practice group leader, received the “Volunteer Award” for interviewing victims and witnesses of war crimes during the invasion of Ukraine and UN advocacy.

Eaton, product liability and mass torts senior counsel, was honored with the “Volunteer Award” for gathering the culinary stories of The Advocates’ community. Eaton and Svitak are currently working on a cookbook that will raise awareness of the Advocates and of the importance of immigrants to our community. They have been gathering, testing and documenting recipes shared by immigrants.

In our first phase, 14 cross-office, cross practice group teams represented Afghan families seeking asylum and other relief. The firm recently expanded our efforts. Combined, more than 100 Faegre Drinker volunteers are involved.

The Advocates for Human Rights’ mission is to implement international human rights standards to promote civil society and reinforce the rule of law. By involving volunteers in research, education, and advocacy, they build broad constituencies in the United States and select global communities. The award honorees were recognized at the Human Rights Awards Dinner Reception, which celebrates all who have contributed significantly to the human rights movement and to The Advocates’ work, on June 15 at The Depot in Minneapolis.