GYH Recognized in Chambers 2023

Chambers & Partners, the world’s premier legal ranking system, has again recognized Grossman Young & Hammond for its outstanding work in the field of immigration law. The firm as whole, as well as its partners, received their highest ever rankings in both the U.S. and Global Guides. Chambers surveyed the firm’s clients and colleagues for commentary on the strengths and skills of the firm and its attorneys. Here’s what they had to say about our partners:

“Becki Young acts on the full gamut of business immigration issues and often represents clients in the hospitality sector, for whom she remains a go-to name.”

“Becki is thorough, thoughtful and customer service driven.”

“Becki is simply the best.”

“Sandra Grossman is recognized for her skilled handling of immigration matters relating to issues of asylum and deportation. A significant part of her practice involves representing clients before INTERPOL.”

“Sandra is approachable and service-oriented, and her knowledge of immigration law is top-notch. She is the go-to immigration lawyer, and is sensitive matters with significant international law implications.”

“She is a leader in Interpol defense.”

“Meg Hobbins is a rising star in the immigration field, particularly noted for her expertise in matters relating to INTERPOL Red Notices.”

“She is a true expert in US immigration law, regulations, and strategy, while also being very responsive and efficient.”

GYH Rankings:

USA – District of Columbia

  • Firmwide: Band-2
  • Becki Young: Band-2
  • Sandra Grossman: Band-3
  • Denise Hammond: Senior Statespeople
  • Meg Hobbins: Up and Coming

USA – Nationwide

  • Firmwide: Band-4
  • Becki Young: Band-3
  • Sandra Grossman: Band-3
  • Denise Hammond: Senior Statespeople

Global

  • Firmwide: Band-4
  • Becki Young: Band-3
  • Sandra Grossman: Band-3

INTERPOL Vindicates Mr. Gillmore Hoefdraad, Suriname’s Former Minister of Finance, Rescinding Suriname’s Illegitimate Red Notice Request

Mr. Gillmore Hoefdraad, former Minister of Finance (2015-2020) and president of the Central Bank of Suriname (2010-2015), has been the target of illegitimate, politically motivated charges since his party lost national elections in 2020. Mr. Hoefdraad left a career with the International Monetary Fund, assisting distressed economies around the world, to serve his home country. The government of Suriname wrongly criminalized good faith policy decisions made by Mr. Hoefdraad and the prior administration during a financial crisis that deepened with the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on charges that were previously rejected by Suriname’s National Assembly, Mr. Hoefdraad was convicted in absentia, in a case lacking fundamental due process protections. In a decisive recognition of Suriname’s illegitimate prosecution of Mr. Hoefdraad, INTERPOL has rescinded the Red Notice requested by Suriname that sought his detention and extradition.

On April 14, 2022, INTERPOL issued a detailed, 11-page decision confirming that Suriname’s prosecution of Mr. Hoefdraad is politically motivated and in violation of INTERPOL’s Constitution. INTERPOL’s decision vindicates Mr. Hoefdraad as a victim of political persecution, whose human rights have been repeatedly violated by Suriname’s government. This decision confirms that Suriname has no evidence of self-enrichment, yet still proceeded with nonsensical embezzlement charges arguing that the State alone benefited from Mr. Hoefdraad’s actions as finance minister. INTERPOL found the charges against Mr. Hoefdraad seriously concerning and lacking in the clarity required by its Constitution and rules.

Partner Meg Hobbins represents Mr. Hoefdraad before INTERPOL and has also assisted with his claims before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. In response to INTERPOL’s decision, Ms. Hobbins states: “Mr. Hoefdraad has suffered immeasurable personal and professional harm stemming from Suriname’s politically motivated charges. We wholeheartedly welcome this decision from INTERPOL, which carefully weighed the extensive evidence in this matter and came down decisively in Mr. Hoefdraad’s favor.”

Grossman Young & Hammond defends individuals who are targeted by persecutory Red Notices and seek justice before the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files and international human rights bodies. GYH supports efforts to stop INTERPOL abuse worldwide.

Please contact Meg Hobbins at mhobbins@grossmanyoung.com with press inquiries related to this matter.