Paul, Weiss is committed to providing impactful pro bono legal assistance to individuals and organizations in need. Our program is all-encompassing, spanning the core issues facing our society.
Paul, Weiss and Legal Aid Society File Petitions for Release of Transgender Prisoners
- Client News
- June 2, 2020
Paul, Weiss, in partnership with the Legal Aid Society (LAS), filed petitions for the release of two transgender pro bono clients currently incarcerated at Eastern Correctional Facility in Naponach, NY and Groveland Correctional Facility in Sonyea, NY. The filings are part of an ongoing litigation campaign led by Paul, Weiss and LAS to secure the release from state prison of transgender, gender non-conforming, non-binary and intersex (TGNCNBI) New Yorkers, who are especially vulnerable to COVID-19.
Our clients have medical conditions that place them at higher risk for severe illness or death if they contract the virus. One client has been diagnosed with HIV, an underlying condition that could lead to serious complications from COVID-19. Our second client suffers from Type 2 diabetes, asthma and high blood pressure.
TGNCNBI people are particularly vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19 due to higher rates of HIV, chronic medical conditions, substance abuse and poorly controlled pre-existing medical conditions, stemming from discrimination in healthcare, housing, employment and education. These vulnerabilities are compounded by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision practice of housing transgender women in men’s prisons, leading to high rates of sexual abuse and assault in prison.
The Paul, Weiss team includes litigation partner Audra Soloway; and associates Eric Felleman, David Giller, Ariane Rockoff-Kirk, Teresa Akkara, Sarah Joseph, Jin Kim, Natsumi Antweiler, David Berman and Jessica Puterman.