Dree K. Collopy, author of AILA’s Asylum Primer, is a leading authority on U.S. asylum law and policy. As a partner of Benach Collopy LLP, a nationally renowned immigration law firm in Washington, D.C., Ms. Collopy represents and defends asylum seekers before the Department of Homeland Security, the Executive Office for Immigration Review’s Immigration Courts and Board of Immigration Appeals, and the U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals. While she focuses her practice on asylum matters, she also represents individuals seeking all forms of relief from removal, VAWA and U visa petitions, waivers of inadmissibility, family and employment-based visas, adjustment of status, and naturalization to U.S. citizenship. Ms. Collopy is known for her zealous and creative advocacy, methodical and thorough presentation of facts, evidence, and legal arguments, and excellent and compassionate client service. She believes the attorney-client relationship should be a collaborative partnership and that clients should be educated and empowered throughout their representation.

Ms. Collopy has authored several book chapters, articles, practice pointers, and op-eds, and she frequently lectures on cutting edge immigration issues. A recognized asylum expert, she served as Chair of the AILA National Asylum and Refugee Committee for a decade and continues serving as a committee member. In that capacity, Ms. Collopy advocates for the fair and accurate implementation of U.S. asylum laws, keeps AILA’s membership informed about key changes in U.S. asylum law and policy, produces useful practice advisories and alerts to assist AILA members in representing their asylum-seeking clients, and builds relationships and works cooperatively with government officials to seek justice and equality for asylum seekers. She also makes regular and significant contributions to AILA’s policy and media advocacy efforts addressing asylum-related issues.

As a member of the adjunct faculty at the American University Washington College of Law, and previously the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law, Ms. Collopy has taught courses on asylum and refugee law, law and public policy, and directed a clinical course on immigration court representation.

Ms. Collopy is deeply committed to the pro bono representation of indigent clients and securing their access to counsel. She regularly mentors pro bono attorneys, develops case materials and strategies for the representation of asylum seekers, and serves on working groups developing nationwide policy advocacy and litigation strategies on behalf of refugees and asylum seekers.

In 2014, Ms. Collopy was awarded one of AILA’s highest honors, the Joseph Minsky Young Lawyer Award, for her outstanding contributions made in the field of immigration and nationality law. In 2013, 2016, and 2021, she was awarded the AILA President’s Commendation Award for her work in advancing and defending the cause of refugees and asylum seekers. She has been recognized as one of the top immigration lawyers in Washington, DC by Chambers and Partners, the preeminent legal rankings guide.

Ms. Collopy brings to the Asylum Primer more than 16 years of practical experience representing asylum seekers from all over the world and in every stage of the application process, whether the applicant is apprehended and processed at the border upon entry, seeking asylum affirmatively, pursing asylum in defense of removal from the United States, or continuing a long journey toward protection through administrative or judicial review. She also brings to the Primer years of experience working with government officials, collaborating with other asylum experts across the country, and advocating in the media, on Capitol Hill, and in the White House to effectuate positive change for refugees and asylum seekers. Ms. Collopy understands how U.S. asylum law is applied in real-life settings and how to effectively present a compelling case before an adjudicator. She understands the evolution of asylum law and policy and the serious impact, both positive and negative, of even the smallest changes. She understands the range of services needed by asylum seekers and their family members. And she understands the challenges and rewards of representing victims of persecution and torture and their families.

Ms. Collopy earned her J.D. and Certificate in Law and Public Policy at the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law and her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish at Grinnell College. She lives in Washington, D.C., where she enjoys spending time with her husband Justin, their daughters Emery and Ella, and their dog Snoop, hosting friends and family at their home, relieving stress at Orange Theory Fitness, exploring the Chesapeake Bay, watching baseball, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes.