Honoring our Houston Pro Bono Attorneys

October 4, 2021

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is proud to honor pro bono attorneys who are providing vital legal services to refugee and immigrant children. KIND’s pro bono attorneys are at the core of KIND’s mission and go above and beyond to help unaccompanied children. They play a critical role in ensuring children receive the protections they deserve as they journey to the U.S. so they can live a life free of fear.

KIND is thrilled to honor our 2021 volunteers and attorneys and thank them for their service to unaccompanied children:

Adela Gonzales, Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Houston KINDness Matters Awardee of the Year

I have had the pleasure to work on many KIND cases alongside attorneys at Greenberg Traurig, LLP. When you think of all the troubles the children have endured in such a short life as unaccompanied minors traveling to the US, all cases touch your heart. The length of these immigration cases are extensive, so much that I have seen some very young children grow into teens and some teens reach adulthood. During a time of uncertainty like today, obtaining status for our clients has been very fulfilling. I have had moments of bliss, tears and gratitude when sharing the wonderful news of approved legal status with our clients. All of the things we share during our many meetings become a reality and it brings me great joy to see them live the American Dream!

Emma Mata, Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Houston Pro Bono Advocate of the Year

I want people to know that these children are usually terrified, feel helpless, and are looking for someone to let them know they are important and that things will be ok. I feel fortunate to have the skills and opportunity to be that person for these children and make a huge difference in their lives.

Ashley Moulder, Cedric Seley III, Kaitlin Schock, - Sidley Austin LLP Adam Prestidge - Alder Midstream

Houston Pro Bono Team of the Year

At Sidley, we value being able to work on pro bono cases, particularly with children who have had to experience difficulties and trials at the hands of their family members, communities and governments, as it helps to put everything else in perspective. It is a pleasure to be able to use our skills to assist these children as they navigate our complicated legal system in the next step of their journey to becoming productive and invaluable members of our society.