Washington, D.C. — The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has named Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, partner at Murray Osorio PLLC, as the recipient of the 2026 Jack Wasserman Memorial Award, recognizing excellence in litigation in the field of immigration law.
The Jack Wasserman Memorial Award honors attorneys whose litigation work has made a significant impact on the development and advancement of immigration law. Recipients are selected based on their exceptional legal skills, advocacy, and contributions to the profession.
Throughout his career, Simon has built a national reputation as a leading immigration litigator, representing individuals and families in some of the most consequential immigration cases of the past decade. His work combines strategic litigation, direct representation, and advocacy aimed at protecting the rights of immigrants facing detention, deportation, and other government actions.
Nominators specifically highlighted Simon’s representation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, describing it as a case that “set the standard for excellence in habeas practice: meticulous, courageous, and consequential.” They also praised his leadership during what they described as “one of the most legally turbulent periods our field has ever witnessed.”
Beyond his courtroom accomplishments, colleagues emphasized Simon’s commitment to supporting fellow immigration attorneys across the country. During periods of rapid legal change and escalating enforcement actions, he became a trusted resource for practitioners navigating complex and evolving legal challenges.
“Day after day, he showed up for the broader AILA membership, answering questions on listservs, joining emergency calls, sharing pleadings, and talking colleagues through novel procedural dilemmas at all hours,” one nominator wrote. “He did this not because it was required of him, but because he understood that in a crisis of this magnitude, the strength of the bar depends on its willingness to function as a community.”
Nominators further noted that “countless AILA members filed better, faster, and more effective habeas petitions because Simon took the time to help them,” highlighting the broad impact of his mentorship and collaboration across the immigration bar.
The Jack Wasserman Memorial Award is presented annually by AILA to recognize outstanding achievement in immigration litigation. The award will be presented during AILA’s Annual Conference, taking place June 17–20 in San Diego.