#United States #New York #Sanctuary for Families #Olga Lucia Fuentes-Skinner #Gender-Nonconforming

Glenn Agre Team Recognized for Advocacy of Gender-Nonconforming Abuse Survivor

On October 21, 2025, the Glenn Agre Bergman & Fuentes LLP team, including partner Olga Lucia Fuentes-Skinner, associates Samantha Bennett and Colleen Piasentin, was honored by Sanctuary for Families at their prestigious Above & Beyond Awards ceremony held at City Winery in New York City. This recognition was in acknowledgment of their pro bono efforts to support a gender-nonconforming abuse survivor from Jamaica, reflecting the firm’s commitment to advocacy and social justice.

The case highlighted the challenges faced by refugees due to their gender identity and the shifting legal landscape impacting immigration. The Glenn Agre team took on this case in August 2024, passionately preparing their client to share a deeply personal story amid the backdrop of an impending and potentially hostile legal environment. Just a day before the scheduled hearing, the attorneys received notice that the proceeding had been significantly shortened to only 30 minutes, which required a last-minute reorganization of their strategy to ensure their client’s narrative was effectively conveyed within this limited timeframe.

The team’s dedication and quick-thinking proved transformative; during this expedited hearing, the presiding judge granted asylum immediately, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) waived its right to appeal, a significant victory for the firm and, more importantly, for their client. This commendable decision came just four days before the inauguration of a new administration, which many anticipated would further complicate the asylum process.

With the asylum successfully granted, the Glenn Agre team continued their advocacy by assisting their client with additional immigration processes, such as applying for a refugee travel document and preparing a green card application. Their ongoing support exemplifies the firm’s holistic approach to legal advocacy, ensuring comprehensive assistance to those they represent.

Sanctuary for Families, the organization presenting the awards, is New York’s foremost service provider for survivors of domestic violence and related gender-based violence. Their recognition of Glenn Agre’s team underscores the communal effort required to support vulnerable populations, which includes their extensive network of over 200 lawyers and professionals dedicated to advocating for justice.

“Receiving this honor is not only meaningful for our team but also for the community we serve,” stated Fuentes-Skinner in response to the recognition. “It’s an affirmation of the rights of individuals facing threats due to their identity and the importance of standing up for those who often have no voice.” Her sentiments reflect the firm’s enduring mission to provide a safe haven for survivors of violence and oppression, regardless of their identity.

Glenn Agre Bergman & Fuentes LLP is a law firm that stands at the forefront of complex litigation, boasting offices in New York and San Francisco. With a rich history of trial readiness and an agile, collaborative approach to legal challenges, the firm balances large-firm sophistication with the personal touch of a boutique practice. Their attorneys specialize in various legal sectors, including commercial litigation and white-collar defense, and they consistently dedicate efforts to pro bono work that aligns with the firm’s ethical values.

This accolade, therefore, not only marks the success of a single case but highlights the critical work being done to support gender-nonconforming individuals, reinforcing the idea that every person deserves advocacy and representation based on their unique circumstances and needs. The Glenn Agre team looks forward to continuing their crucial work, showing the legal community’s potential to affect societal change.

As they plan to take on more pro bono cases, the firm remains committed to championing the rights of those seeking sanctuary and equitable treatment under the law.