John Mysliwiec and Abigail Sharkey received 2026 Pro Bono Publico Awards from Casa Cornelia Law Center during the organization's 19th Annual La Mancha Awards in La Jolla, California. The awards recognize attorneys who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to providing pro bono legal services and expanding access to justice.
Among the matters that contributed to the recognition, Mysliwiec was recognized for his work representing a Russian dissident who faced persecution for challenging government policies. Working alongside colleague Kristin Housch, he helped secure withholding of removal, enabling the client to remain in the United States.
Sharkey helped represent a Shi'a Hazara Afghan family seeking asylum in the United States after fleeing Taliban bombings and persecution in Kabul. Working in partnership with Casa Cornelia Law Center, the legal team successfully filed the family's asylum application and addressed processing issues affecting one of the children. Following the filing, the family received employment authorization while pursuing their asylum claims, allowing them to build new lives in the United States.
Casa Cornelia Law Center provides legal services to vulnerable immigrants, refugees and survivors of human rights violations. The annual La Mancha Awards celebrate individuals whose dedication, compassion and service help uphold human dignity and advance access to justice.