For Immediate Release
York, Pa. — Barley Snyder is proud to share that partner Jeff Lobach received the Lifetime Advocate Award from the Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center (PIRC) in recognition of his role in the organization’s founding, his efforts to help build PIRC and his continued support of immigrant access to justice.
PIRC, a nonprofit legal services organization, provides free immigration legal assistance, education and advocacy to vulnerable immigrants throughout Pennsylvania. As the organization commemorates three decades of service, it recognized Lobach for helping lay the foundation for what has become one of the Commonwealth’s leading immigration legal aid organizations. The award was presented to Lobach during PIRC’s Light of Liberty Awards Reception held on September 16 in York.
Lobach’s connection to PIRC dates back to the early 1990s, when he helped lead a large-scale pro bono effort on behalf of asylum seekers detained in York County following the arrival of the Golden Venture, a cargo ship carrying hundreds of Chinese immigrants seeking refuge in the United States. Serving as president of the York County Bar Association at the time, Lobach spearheaded the nationally recognized “Golden Venture” project, which mobilized volunteer attorneys to provide legal representation to detainees. The community response and legal advocacy efforts that emerged from the project ultimately helped pave the way for the creation of PIRC, which was established to provide ongoing immigration legal services and support for vulnerable populations.
“This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes from an organization that has had such a profound impact on the lives of so many individuals and families,” said Lobach. “The success of PIRC reflects the dedication of countless advocates, attorneys and community members who have worked to ensure access to justice for immigrants. It has been incredibly rewarding to see the organization grow and continue that mission for the past 30 years.”
A member of Barley Snyder’s Business and Real Estate practice groups, Lobach advises businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals on a wide range of legal matters. He is widely respected throughout the legal and business communities for his leadership, service and commitment to advancing access to justice. Throughout his distinguished career, he has been actively involved in numerous civic and charitable organizations across south-central Pennsylvania.
“Jeff’s leadership during the Golden Venture project helped address a critical need in our community and ultimately contributed to the creation of an organization that continues to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” said Barley Snyder Managing Partner Jennifer Craighead Carey. “His commitment to service, advocacy and access to justice has extended far beyond his legal practice and has left a lasting impact on both PIRC and the broader community. This recognition is a fitting tribute to the difference he has made over the past three decades.”
Barley Snyder has maintained a longstanding relationship with PIRC, supporting the organization’s mission through volunteer service, advocacy and community engagement. In 2023, PIRC recognized Barley Snyder with its Light of Liberty Law Firm of the Year Award for the firm’s commitment to immigrant access to justice. Over the years, numerous Barley Snyder attorneys have also been honored with PIRC’s Light of Liberty Pro Bono Attorney Award, which is presented annually to the organization’s top pro bono attorney in recognition of exceptional service and support for immigrant clients.
About Barley Snyder
Barley Snyder is a law firm based in Pennsylvania with more than 120 attorneys practicing from offices located in Lancaster, York, Reading, Harrisburg, Lebanon, Malvern, Hanover, Gettysburg and Schuylkill Haven, Pa., and Hunt Valley and Columbia, Md. The firm serves businesses, individuals and organizations in all major areas of civil law including business, employment, immigration, employee benefits, finance & creditors’ rights, intellectual property, litigation, estate planning and administration, real estate, tax, construction, environment and energy, health care, education, municipal authority, hospitality, senior living, cybersecurity and food and agribusiness.
Press Contact: Elise Pini, Senior Marketing Coordinator | epini@barley.com | (717) 553-1059
