Human Rights Initiative of North Texas Honors Diane Couchman

(Dallas, Texas) – Diane P. Couchman, senior counsel at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP in Dallas, has been named as a recipient of the Human Rights Initiative of North Texas’ 2008 Angel of Freedom Award. The award was presented on November 3 at the Trammell Crow Asian Art Collection in Dallas.

Presented annually, the Angel of Freedom award recognizes organizations and individuals that have made significant contributions to HRI, enabling the nonprofit organization to better serve its clients and to succeed in its mission.

Steven H. Schulman, chair of Akin Gump’s pro bono practice, stated, “We are thrilled that Diane is receiving this recognition for her devotion to our clients. HRI is an important part of Akin Gump’s pro bono practice, referring us both asylum seekers and women who have been subjected to spousal abuse in need of representation under the Violence Against Women Act.”

Ms. Couchman added, “I am honored and thrilled to receive one of the 2008 Angel of Freedom Awards. The Human Rights Initiative is a great organization with a fabulous professional staff. I would not be receiving this Award without the hard work of the many dedicated Dallas attorneys at Akin Gump who have taken cases from HRI since its inception in 1999 and who have helped many refugees and immigrants obtain freedom in the United States.”

HRI was founded in 1999 to promote international human rights for refugees and immigrants who have suffered human rights abuses. HRI has successfully represented more than 1,500 victims of human trafficking, persecution and violence against women. The HRI Child Immigrant Project is devoted to the legal protection of immigrant child victims of human rights abuses.

Founded in 1945, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, a leading international law firm, numbers more than 950 lawyers and advisors in the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

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