Casa Cornelia Law Center Names Fragomen’s Teodora Purcell “Attorney of the Year”
September 16, 2015
Country / Territory
Related offices
Related offices
Teodora Purcell will be named “Attorney of the Year” by Casa Cornelia Law Center, at the organization’s Eight Annual La Mancha Awards to be held on October 15 at the University of San Diego. Casa Cornelia Law Center is a San Diego nonprofit that provides legal assistance to victims of human and civil rights violations.
Ms. Purcell will be recognized for providing pro bono legal services to Casa Cornelia’s indigent clients, who have come to the United States from Mexico, Latin America, Somalia, Ethiopia, Iraq, China, and other countries around the world.
Much of the work for Casa Cornelia involves unaccompanied children, asylum cases, U visa, and VAWA cases under the Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (TVPA) and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), with Fragomen attorneys assisting indigent victims of persecution, domestic violence or other crimes who are protected under the U.S. immigration laws.
“The cases we handle tend to be legally complex, time-intensive and difficult to prove,” said Ms. Purcell. “Although such cases can be heartbreaking, they are very rewarding. It’s satisfying to know we are truly helping people in extraordinarily difficult circumstances.”
Ms. Purcell’s honor is one of three major “La Mancha” awards bestowed by the nonprofit. In 2014, Fragomen was named the “Law Firm of the Year. “
Ms. Purcell also received the California State Bar Association’s Wiley W. Manuel Certificate for Pro Bono Legal services in 2011 and 2013 and the Casa Cornelia Pro Bono Publico Award in 2011.
Country / Territory
Related offices
Related offices
Explore more at Fragomen
Work authorization
Manager Quentin Pache outlines the main family reunification pathways available in Switzerland, highlighting key eligibility requirements, procedural deadlines and practical risks that frequently lead to delays or refusals.
Brexit
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explains how a possible UK–EU Youth Mobility Scheme could work in practice, what challenges remain and what it may mean for young people and employers.
Awards
Twelve Fragomen lawyers are recognized on the 2026 Pro Bono Recognition List, reflecting their commitment to providing free legal assistance to those in need.
Media mentions
Senior Immigration Manager Jonathan Hill discusses new UK guidance suggesting the Home Office may use data to assess agent trust, raising questions about transparency and compliance demands.
Video
In this video, Partner Aim-on Larpisal provides a high-level overview of common Thai visa categories and how they are structured based on purpose of stay, including tourism, work, education and long-term residence.
Work authorization
Partner Chad Blocker outlines what employers should do following completion of the FY 2027 H-1B cap lottery, explains the factors behind lower demand and higher selection rates and highlights key filing risks, timelines and alternative visa options to consider next.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses China’s EB-5 Unreserved category advancing to September 22, 2026, while India’s dates remain unchanged with potential for retrogression amid sustained demand.
Media mentions
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole discusses Middle East-based UHNW clients making short-term moves driven by schooling and timing considerations.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer examines how immigration rules for offshore wind projects in Germany hinge on nautical boundaries and why careful personnel planning is essential to avoid compliance risks.
Media mentions
Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala comments on a draft regulation restricting work for citizens of Georgia, Colombia and Venezuela in Poland during visa-free stays.
Awards
Partners Chris Spentzaris and Sasko Markovski, Practice Leader Sarah Tan and Counsel Robert Walsh are recognized by Best Lawyers in Australia for their work in immigration law.
Work authorization
Manager Quentin Pache outlines the main family reunification pathways available in Switzerland, highlighting key eligibility requirements, procedural deadlines and practical risks that frequently lead to delays or refusals.
Brexit
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explains how a possible UK–EU Youth Mobility Scheme could work in practice, what challenges remain and what it may mean for young people and employers.
Awards
Twelve Fragomen lawyers are recognized on the 2026 Pro Bono Recognition List, reflecting their commitment to providing free legal assistance to those in need.
Media mentions
Senior Immigration Manager Jonathan Hill discusses new UK guidance suggesting the Home Office may use data to assess agent trust, raising questions about transparency and compliance demands.
Video
In this video, Partner Aim-on Larpisal provides a high-level overview of common Thai visa categories and how they are structured based on purpose of stay, including tourism, work, education and long-term residence.
Work authorization
Partner Chad Blocker outlines what employers should do following completion of the FY 2027 H-1B cap lottery, explains the factors behind lower demand and higher selection rates and highlights key filing risks, timelines and alternative visa options to consider next.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses China’s EB-5 Unreserved category advancing to September 22, 2026, while India’s dates remain unchanged with potential for retrogression amid sustained demand.
Media mentions
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole discusses Middle East-based UHNW clients making short-term moves driven by schooling and timing considerations.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer examines how immigration rules for offshore wind projects in Germany hinge on nautical boundaries and why careful personnel planning is essential to avoid compliance risks.
Media mentions
Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala comments on a draft regulation restricting work for citizens of Georgia, Colombia and Venezuela in Poland during visa-free stays.
Awards
Partners Chris Spentzaris and Sasko Markovski, Practice Leader Sarah Tan and Counsel Robert Walsh are recognized by Best Lawyers in Australia for their work in immigration law.