On August 10, 2017, Professor Sethna was presented with the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Ohio Chapter Pro Bono Champion Award for his outstanding pro bono service.
AILA’s Pro Bono Champion program honors those who are exemplars of the pillar of professionalism in pro bono work. It is designed to shine a well-deserved light on those who are consistently achieving and exceeding their pro bono goals, and who are tirelessly working to promote pro bono service and to further AILA’s mission “…to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members.”
From the AILA National Announcement:
Farhad Sethna, Ohio Chapter
Farhad is a constant presence in the world of pro bono immigration in Ohio. Our nomination focuses on Farhad’s steadfast support of the Family and Juvenile Docket Program at Catholic Charities. In 2014, the plight of UACs and Central American families in removal was a common story in the news. However, within a year, pro bono support for these cases dropped off as other new issues emerged. Organizations like Catholic Charities struggled to place cases with volunteer lawyers. Farhad has always been the first to respond to the call for volunteers needed. He drives an hour from his practice in Akron to be there when many other attorneys who are just a few blocks from the court house do not volunteer. Farhad is a monthly contributor to the statewide Family and Juvenile docket coalition calls, where many individuals are younger practitioners who need advice. Farhad’s experience and guidance is an essential element to supporting the younger practitioners on the call, which allows them to take more cases.
Professor Sethna earned both his MBA and JD from the University of Akron and has been practicing law since 1991. His law practice, The Law Offices of Farhad Sethna, is located in Cuyahoga Falls. Professor Sethna has taught immigration law at the UA School of Law since 1995 and continues to share his expertise and enthusiasm with our students. Congratulations to Professor Sethna on this wonderful recognition of his commitment to pro bono service!