Photo: Ballard Spahr

Catholic University law school graduate Chris Lemming is one of two attorneys selected by the Tahirih Justice Center to receive its Washington, DC Area Pro Bono Attorneys of the Year Award at Tahirih's 18th Annual Gala, on April 14, 2015, at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington D.C. Lemming, Class of 2013, is an associate with Ballard Spahr. The organization's award is presented to an outstanding pro bono partner or team that has demonstrated excellence in protecting immigrant women and girls from violence. Along with a partner, Lemming has been a "tireless and effective advocate" for the client, a young mother fleeing horrific violence and trauma, according to the Justice Center. The organization said in a statement: "Chris and Scott are not only incredibly responsive and attentive to the challenging issues in the client's immigration case, they also display the highest degree of professionalism and care in building trust with the client. Consistently creative and collaborative, they work holistically with the client's therapist and Tahirih staff to identify innovative solutions to provide excellent client-centered representation. Thanks to their hard work, the client and her family are on the path to safety, independence and health."