Matthew Bray Email and Phone Number

Removal defense in immigration courts, including crim-imm, waivers and bonds; adjustment of status and naturalization; appeals before the AAO and BIA; petitions for review in Circuit and District Courts; Family-based and employment-based immigrant visa petitions, including petitions for workers of extraordinary ability; Temporary worker (nonimmigrant) petitions for workers of extraordinary ability; U Visas for victims of criminal activity.

Prepared bench memos for three-judge panels on cases before the Circuit, addressing questions of federal and appellate jurisdiction, civil procedure, habeas corpus, criminal and immigration law, including crim-imm and asylum.

Researched and drafted pleadings and communications, on behalf of victims of human rights violations, for submission to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Participated in litigation strategy with attorneys.

Researched and drafted motions and briefs filed in deportation proceedings against two lawful permanent residents accused of providing material support to terrorists. Participated in strategy sessions with legal team, analyzed government evidence, and gathered defense evidence.

Represented low-income Brooklyn residents at administrative hearings for unemployment insurance benefits. Researched and drafted memos on access to NY State Department of Labor for limited English proficient clients.

(Formerly Lawyers Committee for Human Rights). Worked with small team of lawyers and advocates to protect human rights defenders threatened for carrying out their work. Monitored criminal investigations of murdered activists as well as trials involving human rights defenders in Guatemala, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Turkey, Mexico and Northern Ireland. Conducted comparative research on police accountability systems and helped draft recommendations on police reform for the World Conference Against Racism. Developed and implemented programs to promote the work of Guatemalan lawyers and activists facing persecution because of their human rights activities. Reported on ongoing human rights litigation in Guatemala.