معرفی
Holly S. Cooper is a Continuing Lecturer and Co-Director of the Immigration Law Clinic at the UC Davis School of Law. She specializes in advocating for detained immigrants' rights, particularly focusing on immigration detention conditions, the immigration consequences of criminal convictions, and refugee law. Her work bridges legal practice, policy reform, and human rights advocacy. Cooper is a nationally recognized expert in immigration law and has led landmark cases such as Lucas R. v. Azar, securing procedural protections for detained immigrant children.
Education:
- B.S. in Political Science, University of California, San Diego (1993)
- J.D., University of California, Davis School of Law (1998)
- Study Abroad: Political Science and Economics at Università di Padova, Italy (1991–1992)
Research Interests:
Cooper’s work centers on systemic reforms in immigration detention practices, children’s rights in detention, and the intersection of criminal justice and immigration law. She collaborates with organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch to document detention conditions and advocate for policy changes. Her expertise includes litigation strategies to challenge unlawful detentions and protect vulnerable populations.
Awards & Recognition:
- Al Otro Lado Honey Badger Award (2020)
- UC Davis Distinguished Public Service Award (2019)
- Multiple recognitions for advocacy on behalf of detained minors and immigrant rights
Grants & Impact:
Cooper’s clinic has secured major victories in class-action lawsuits, including procedural protections for detained children. She has advised public defender offices in Kern and Santa Barbara Counties on immigration consequences of criminal charges and collaborated on national policy initiatives through the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
Labs/Teams:
As Co-Director of the Immigration Law Clinic, she oversees a team providing direct legal services to detained immigrants while training law students in public interest advocacy. The clinic is a leader in litigation strategies to combat unlawful detention practices.
