Nancy Hollander

Living… in Albuquerque, New Mexico. That is the location of her law firm, so she spends a substantial amount of time there. But Nancy’s job requires her to travel constantly for the cases she takes on. 

Profession… lawyer. Nancy specializes in cases involving military, national security and high- profile cases. She is a prestigious lawyer who has gained a reputation of being relentless. If she feels as though someone’s rights are being violated, she will step in and try to help regardless of the personal repercussions. Nancy is only concerned with doing things by the book, and she will represent anyone who she believes in. Her years of experience as a lawyer have made her an expert in legal proceedings, always aware of what rights her clients are entitled to.

Interests… reading the letters she’s received from Mohamedou Ould Slahi, who the U.S. believes he is a dangerous terrorist who is partly responsible for the 9/11 attacks. Slahi was kidnapped in Mauritania and taken to the United States for questioning regarding his involvement with the 9/11 attacks. It is believed that Slahi is a lead recruiter for Al-Qaeda and financially supported the attacks as well. He has been transferred to Guantanamo Bay, where he has been tortured for many years. He tells Nancy his side of the story, and she thinks he deserves to be heard.

Challenge… going against the United States. Nancy wants to defend Slahi, believing there is insufficient evidence to keep him detained. To do so, she must go against the U.S. military, the general public, and the prosecution if justice is to be served. They say she is supporting a terrorist, but she believes that he deserves legal representation—and more importantly he deserves to live without shackles and cruel torture. She spends so much of her time in Guatanamo to be with him, saying: “I don’t want him to be alone.”

Personality… sympathetic, courageous, and intense. Nancy is a brilliant, no-nonsense lawyer who is dedicated to her job. Hollander will stand up to anyone— even entire government and military systems—if she believes her client has a case to make. Although she is tough and can come across as cold, she and Slahi form a close personal bond and have long and deep conversations about his life. Unconcerned about how people may perceive her, Nancy only wants justice.