Connor O’Carroll honored as ‘Unsung Hero’ for helping Iraqi family find refuge in U.S.

O’Carroll met Muneera, David, and their youngest son, Pulos, after the family fled to the U.S. in 2014 to escape the genocide of Christians in Iraq by the terrorist organization ISIS. O’Carroll helped the family apply for asylum, and in November 2019, prevailed at a merits hearing before the U.S. Immigration Court in San Francisco.

After assisting the family gain permanent residency in the U.S., O’Carroll continued his work to obtain follow-to-join benefits for the family’s oldest son, Phillep, who was unable to escape Iraq. After almost five years of tireless work, O’Carroll helped Phillep acquire a green card, which allowed Phillep to reunite with his family in the U.S. last month.

“It was a privilege and humbling experience to assist this wonderful family in finding refuge in America,” O’Carroll said. “It is an honor to be recognized alongside many other worthy causes and pro bono efforts as it really highlights that it is the work that we do for others that matters most.”

O’Carroll is a commercial litigator with a focus on ensuring that his policyholder clients maximize their insurance recoveries. His practice includes litigation and arbitration of major commercial and policyholder coverage disputes, including those concerning comprehensive general liability insurance (including claims concerning environmental liabilities), directors’ and officers’ coverage, employment practices liability insurance, and property and business interruption claims.

The “Unsung Hero” ceremony is sponsored by victim advocates recognizing the heroes who stepped up to aid those in need or facing difficult situations. The event was sponsored by MAM, an organization that ensures that the rights of crime victims and their families are not ignored.

The event was also covered by NBC Bay Area News in its nightly news broadcast.