Jennifer Kroman Recognized as Lawyer Who Leads by Example by New York Law Journal

Jennifer Kroman was selected by New York Law Journal as a Lawyer who Leads by Example in the Pro Bono category for her outstanding record of providing crucial legal services to poor or nearly poor New Yorkers, particularly victims of human trafficking.

Jennifer has been the Director of Pro Bono Practice since 2011 and has devoted herself full time to the firm’s pro bono efforts since then. Previously, Jennifer was a partner and an associate in the litigation group of the firm.

Since New York became the first state to allow defendants who have been convicted of prostitution-related offenses to vacate their convictions if they can prove that their convictions were a result of having been sex trafficking victims, Cleary Gottlieb has partnered with The Legal Aid Society to represent defendants in their post-conviction motions. The firm has taken dozens of these cases for domestic and international survivors of sex trafficking and Jennifer has overseen each of these cases. Jennifer has strived to provide holistic legal services for Cleary Gottlieb trafficking clients as they often face interlocking legal issues. Jennifer has tackled SSI appeals, child custody cases and employment issues for her clients. Most recently, Jennifer has been active in the implementation of a new pilot project to assist sex trafficking victims with their immigration issues. Launched in conjunction with The Mayor’s Office To Combat Domestic Violence and Sanctuary for Families, where Jennifer is a member of the Board of Directors, the project seeks to connect undocumented trafficking victims with free lawyers to help them apply for legal status through U-Visas, T-Visas, and asylum.

Jennifer will be featured in a special section of New York Law Journal and honored at a dinner in October.