“The literal language translation itself doesn’t always work. There’s also a cultural part.

I helped in two Arabic-speaking women’s cases. One woman was applying for a visa based on honor-killing; she had married inter-faith. In the U.S., you can marry whoever. In her case, she was seeking asylum because of the danger.

Understanding the culture and society is a huge part of access to the law. Helping them in Arabic gave them the tools to be empowered and have access to more. It gave them confidence to have Arabic representation. If they have questions and concerns and they can’t ask, they are afraid. But with me, when they are intimidated, they could just ask me.

Now they have a better understanding of their cases. They understand the situation, rather than someone just handling papers for them.

I think the subject of the law is so empowering. How to improve societies or develop countries always starts from the understanding of legislation and its problems. It’s important to have knowledge about why things are functioning the way they are.

Knowledge is power. For a client to understand their case fully, its empowering. It gives them a grip on reality.”