Washington, DC – May 17, 2022 – The Washington English Center (WEC) has honored Cooley with its 2022 Champion for Immigrants award.

"It is so fitting that Cooley was selected to receive this award in a year marked by adaptability and by empathy," John Odenwelder, WEC's executive director, said in a news release. "As we continue to welcome students, including many recent Afghan refugees, into WEC's community, Cooley has been a partner at every step. Their pro bono team helped WEC weigh its virtual and in-person options in an unpredictable year. They also consistently demonstrated a deep respect for WEC's mission and for the diverse immigrant communities we serve, even as they provided excellent advice and counsel."

By working alongside firms such as Cooley and a network of more than 1,100 annual volunteers, WEC provides affordable English-language instruction and workforce programs to immigrants. Serving students from 100+ countries, as well as refugees migrating to the US as they escape political strife, economic hardship and natural disasters, the organization is focused on embracing immigrants from anywhere in the world and supporting them in achieving their goals.

"The mission, engagement, focus and dedication of the Washington English Center staff and board have been very impressive during this pandemic, and Cooley's role assisting in the execution and realization of that critical strategy has been rewarding on so many levels," said Cooley partner Jack Lavoie. "We are very proud to acknowledge that Cooley shares so many organizational and cultural goals and values with the Washington English Center."