Gowling WLG is proud to have received the 2025 Canadian Law Award for Pro Bono Initiative of the Year, recognizing the firm's leadership in Operation Abraham — an extraordinary mission that helped rescue more than 1,500 people from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.

The initiative was led by Ottawa partners Lewis Retik and Jacques J.M. Shore, C.M., who stepped in when others would not. In August 2021, as the Taliban regained control of Kabul, an Afghan-Canadian journalist and former military doctor, Dr. Farouq Samim, turned to Gowling WLG for help in saving his family. From that initial call for help grew a far-reaching operation rooted in legal ingenuity, diplomacy and human determination.

Over the course of the initiative, Lewis and Jacques secured passports through a  variety of channels, coordinated high-risk transport of documents into Afghanistan and worked with NGOs to fund charter flights. Even after the initial evacuations, they continued advocating for those stranded in Pakistan, refusing to relent until all Operation Abraham families were safely resettled in Canada — a goal finally achieved in 2024.

photo of Jacques J.M. Shore, C.M annd Lewis RetikThis pro bono contribution was substantial: more than 1,700 credited hours and over $100,000 in direct support – with individual colleagues across the Firm contributing much more. But beyond the numbers, it was the dedication, collaboration and shared sense of purpose shown by Jacques, Lewis and the team that brought this important initiative to life.

"This award is a powerful recognition of how pro bono work can create real, life-changing and lifesaving impact," said Lorraine Mastersmith, Firm Managing Partner of Gowling WLG Canada. "Operation Abraham reflects the core purpose of our firm's pro bono program — using our legal and advocacy skills to support those most in need, with courage, compassion and conviction. Congratulations to Jacques, Lewis and everyone involved in this remarkable effort."

Their efforts reflect more than a legal achievement — they demonstrate how meaningful change can happen when lawyers mobilize quickly and compassionately in the face of crisis and a moral imperative.

"This is the most important file I have ever worked on," said Lewis. "Operation Abraham was born out of a very small group of us trying to help one person in imminent danger, and grew into an effort that supported hundreds of women, children, human rights advocates and others at risk."

The duo dedicated the award to Yama Naseemi, a 21-year-old who was killed by the Taliban for refusing to reveal the location of his sister — a judge being hunted for her human rights work. His memory underscores the stakes of this work and the importance of ongoing vigilance in the face of oppression.

"Gowling WLG is a firm with a heart," Jacques added. "It supported us every step of the way, and we are beyond grateful to all our colleagues and partners for allowing and encouraging us to do the work required for Operation Abraham."

The firm's recognition is not just a celebration of legal service — it's a call to action. As Jacques concluded in his remarks at the awards ceremony held in Toronto on May 7: "Afghan women, children, and activists for democracy, who have not surrendered, are all victims of the brutal Taliban regime… There is still much work to be done to address the tsunami of oppression."

Learn more about Operation Abraham here.

Gowling WLG extends warm congratulations to all of this year's winners and finalists.