Supporting survivors of sex-trafficking through the Backpage Remission Project

More than 25 lawyers at BCLP worked with and represented survivors of sex trafficking through the Backpage Remission Project, a national initiative designed to help eligible individuals access compensation from a $200 million US Department of Justice remission fund established following enforcement actions against Backpage and CityXGuide.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) led the project and BCLP assisted NCMEC in developing the framework for the Backpage Remission Project. Once the Backpage Remission Project launched in 2025, BCLP provided comprehensive pro bono legal assistance to survivors seeking to file claims. Volunteer lawyers at BCLP worked directly with survivors to prepare and gather required evidence to substantiate their official claims.

Led by Partner Chris Schmidt (Global Practice Group Leader - Class Actions and Mass Torts) with essential support from Paralegal Angie Garland, more than 25 BCLP lawyers across the firm’s US offices have contributed over 1,000 hours of pro bono service as of spring 2026 to help survivors of sex trafficking submit claims for compensation.

BCLP remains committed to expanding access to justice and supporting survivors through meaningful, client-centered pro bono initiatives.