One of the Young Center’s newest Board Members, William Reiss is a partner at Robins Kaplan LLP in the firm’s Antitrust and Trade Regulation Group. Mr. Reiss graduated from the New York University School of Law with his J.D. in 2001 and from the George Washington University, Magna Cum Laude, with his B.A. in Political Science and History in 1998. In addition to serving on the Young Center Board of Directors, Mr. Reiss is also committed to pro bono work and has successfully advocated on behalf of the families of the victims of the 9/11 attacks in several World Trade Center Victims’ Compensation Fund hearings. He currently provides pro bono representation on behalf of immigrant children who have suffered abuse and/or neglect in their home countries.

How did you get involved with the Young Center initially?

I have always had a passion for immigration issues, particularly as they pertain to children. Throughout my legal career, I have performed extensive pro bono work on behalf of immigrant children who faced significant dangers and hardships should they be forced to return to their home country. While I very much enjoy my pro bono legal work, I recently decided that I wanted to assume a leadership role in an organization that shared my values and dedication to protecting the rights of immigrant children. 

After conducting research, I was immediately drawn to the Young Center. The work this organization has done advocating for the best interests of immigrant children is inspiring. I read the testimonials of the young lives they improved through their diligent and thoughtful work and said to myself, “I have to be part of this organization.”

I was fortunate enough to interview for a position on the Board of Directors and it was a terrific fit. Between the staff and fellow Board members, I’m truly blessed to be part of such a wonderful group.

Why is fighting for the rights of children important to you? Should it be important to everyone? 

In addition to being among the most vulnerable, children are our future. We need to protect and cherish them. One day in the not too distant future, they will be the ones advocating and protecting us. I believe society has a moral obligation to protect the best interests of children, irrespective of their race, nationality or origin.

What is one thing you’d like everyone to know about the Young Center’s work?

The Young Center does a great deal of incredible work, but perhaps most impactful is the individual lives they change for the better through their advocacy work.

What’s your dream for immigrant children? 

Organizations such as the Young Center do terrific work, but their resources are limited. Today, not every immigrant child is fortunate enough to have somebody advocating for his or her best interests. I dream of a day when we have a system that provides adequate safeguards and standards to ensure that every immigrant child is guaranteed to be treated humanely and compassionately. I dream of a system that treats immigrant children as we would wish our own children to be treated in similar circumstances.