^{From left:  Elizabeth Perez, Lawyers Alliance;  Sylvie Goursaud, White & Case LLP;  May Chen, NYSIAF;  Chung-Wha Hong, NYIC.}

Date: March 18, 2011
Name of Attorney: Sylvie Goursaud
Name of Firm: White & Case LLP
Client Served: New York Immigration Coalition (‘NYIC’)

Accomplishment: Formed a 501(c)(4) corporation, the New York State Immigrant Action Fund (NYSIAF), in order to expand NYIC’s advocacy programs on behalf of new immigrants.

Specific Case Highlights: The New York Immigration Coalition (‘NYIC’) is a 501(c)(3) umbrella policy and advocacy organization for more than 200 groups in New York State working with immigrants and refugees. Since forming in 1987, NYIC has become a leading advocate for immigrant communities on local, state, and national levels.

 Although beginning as a small coordinating body among New York’s immigrant communities, NYIC has evolved into a powerful advocacy voice, analyzing the impact of immigration policy proposals, promoting and protecting the rights of immigrants and their family members, and mobilizing member groups to respond to emerging issues.  In 2009, NYIC approached Lawyers Alliance with assistance in forming a 501(c)(4) entity that would coordinate more political- and advocacy-related activities.

White & Case attorney Sylvie Goursaud, who began working with NYIC while at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, eagerly signed on to assist the organization create the affiliate entity, the New York State Immigrant Action Fund ('NYSIAF').  Sylvie assisted with incorporating and obtaining tax-exempt status for the 501(c)(4) entity and drafting agreements between the two corporations.

NYSIAF Board member Barbara Weiner states that ‘Sylvie has remained involved and committed to NYSIAF even after the completion of these projects.’ Sylvie continues to assist NYIC on several matters. Currently, Sylvie is assisting NYIC with addressing and drafting corporate governance issues related to its involvement with NYSIAF.  The corporations have greatly benefitted from Sylvie’s expertise, according to Barbara, and she notes that ‘Sylvie brought not only her professional background and deep experience, but also her passion for immigration law and justice’ to the projects on which she worked with NYIC.

About Lawyers Alliance for New York: Lawyers Alliance for New York is the leading provider of business and transactional legal services for nonprofit organizations that are improving the quality of life in New York City neighborhoods.  Our network of pro bono lawyers from law firms and corporations and staff of experienced attorneys work together, delivering expert corporate, tax, real estate, employment, and other legal services to community organizations.  By connecting lawyers, nonprofits, and communities, we help nonprofits to develop affordable housing, stimulate economic development, and operate vital programs for children and young people, the elderly, recent immigrants, and other low-income New Yorkers.  Each year, the 14 staff attorneys at Lawyers Alliance and more than 1,400 volunteers serve more than 600 clients.

Inquiries: Please contact Staff Attorney Elizabeth Perez at 212-219-1800 ext. 232 with questions or requests for additional information.