WASHINGTON, D.C., August 19, 2026 – Corvane Ryle LLP today announced that a pro bono team from the firm has won an appeal before the Board of Immigration Appeals on behalf of a family of five seeking asylum in the United States. The Board reversed an immigration judge's denial and remanded the case with instructions to grant relief, ending a process that had lasted more than four years.
The clients, two parents and their three children, fled their country of origin after the family faced threats because of the parents' political activity. An immigration judge denied their application, finding that the family had not shown that the government was unable or unwilling to protect them. On appeal, the firm argued that the judge had applied the wrong legal standard to the evidence of past persecution and had overlooked country conditions reports that supported the family's claim.
The Corvane Ryle team was led by Theo Abernathy, an associate in Washington, D.C., who wrote the brief and presented the argument, supervised by Naomi Feldspar, a partner in Chicago. Owen Castellanos, a litigation partner in New York, advised on appellate strategy and prepared the team for oral argument. Julian Okonkwo-Hart, a partner in Washington, D.C., helped to prepare witnesses and the documentary record in the earlier stages of the case.
"Our clients waited years for a decision, and the result is life-changing for them," said Theo Abernathy. "It was a privilege to represent them and to see how much careful legal work can matter."
Corvane Ryle lawyers contributed 310,000 pro bono hours in 2025, and the firm's goal is 100% partner participation in pro bono work. Immigration and asylum representation is one of the firm's core pro bono priorities.
About Corvane Ryle LLP: Founded in Chicago in 1958, Corvane Ryle LLP has approximately 2,400 lawyers in 26 offices across 14 countries. The firm advises on transactions, regulatory matters and disputes for clients in technology, consumer, healthcare and energy transition. Counsel for what comes next.