Karen Schwach was born in São Paulo, Brazil in 1979. She received her law degree from FMU University and was called to the Brazilian bar in 2006.
In addition to her civil and commercial law practice, Karen is a pro bono human rights lawyer and activist. She is a member of the Legal Nucleus of the Peace and Justice Commission, linked to the Catholic Church. The Commission was originally established in 1972 to denounce repression in the military regime and to play a constructive role in the defence of human rights. Its focus now includes labour, abandoned children and police violence against delinquents.
Karen joined SOS Dignity in January 2008 as its Brazilian counsel. Her activities include human rights and anti-discrimination law, civil litigation and criminal litigation. She represents victims of abuse of authority, police violence and torture, discrimination and intolerance. Karen defends those who seek SOS Dignity’s help in criminal cases which range from allegations of indecent exposure to homicide.
Karen regularly visits police stations, prisons and hospitals to provide advice and emotional support to persons who have been incarcerated, often unjustly, as well as helping AIDS patients and drug addicts.
