A prominent legal advocate known for founding a free legal clinic at a major urban university has taken on high-profile cases involving Muslim rights and pro-Palestinian activism. The attorney, who has represented individuals facing immigration enforcement, recently defended a key organizer of the Columbia University encampment movement after his detention by federal authorities. The case highlights ongoing tensions between free speech advocacy and immigration policies on college campuses. Legal observers are watching closely as the defense unfolds, given the broader implications for student activism and civil liberties.
The 48-year-old Kassem, who founded a legal clinic at CUNY that offers free legal representation to Muslims, also defended Mahmoud Khalil, a leader of the pro-Palestinian encampment at Columbia who was detained by ICE.
