Name: Enforcing Human Trafficking Survivors’ Rights Through Civil Suits
Start: 2026-05-14T14:45:00-0400
End: 2026-05-14T16:00:00-0400

Enforcing Human Trafficking Survivors’ Rights Through Civil Suits

Thursday May 14, 2026 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT

Symphony 6

This panel presentation will explore an underutilized tool for human trafficking survivors – civil litigation to obtain monetary compensation. Using case examples, the presenters will introduce the federal and state private rights of action for human trafficking victims, how to bring these claims, who they can be brought against, remedies available, related causes of action, and the interrelationship between civil suits and immigration relief. A lived experience expert will share his experiences as a plaintiff and recommend best practices for lawyers representing survivors in civil cases.

Speakers

Annie Smith

Wylie H. Davis Professor of Law, University of Arkansas School of Law

Annie Smith is the Wylie H. Davis Professor of Law at the University of Arkansas School of Law where she teaches the Civil Litigation and Advocacy Clinic and Human Trafficking Clinic. Prior to Arkansas, she taught in George Washington University Law School's clinical program. She... Read More →

Jose Alfaro

Peer support specialist and lived expert, The Human Trafficking Legal Center

Jose is a Lived Experience Expert who currently works as an anti trafficking advocate, Peer Support Specialist and consultant. His work centers on the domestic sex trafficking of minors, members of the LGBTQIA community and males. He has worked with anti-trafficking organizations... Read More →

Aaron Halegua

Attorney, Harvard Law School

Thursday May 14, 2026 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Symphony 6

Sessions

2026 Equal Justice Conference

Annie Smith

Jose Alfaro

Aaron Halegua

Attendees (26)

Get help with the event

2026 Equal Justice Conference

Annie Smith

Jose Alfaro

Aaron Halegua

Attendees (26)

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