Becky Castillo 

Ms. Castillo earned her Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from Louisiana State University in Shreveport in 1997.  While in college, she was named Outstanding Public Administration Student in 1996.

Ms. Castillo earned her Juris Doctor from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University in 2000.  She graduated in the top 5 percent of her class.  Her law school honors include:

• Member, Order of the Coif 
• Articles Editor (Vol. 60) and Associate (Vol. 59) of the Louisiana Law Review 
• 1999 National Moot Court Team (won "Best Brief" in region)
• First Place in the Louisiana State Bar Association's Section of Labor and Employment Annual Essay Contest (1999)

After law school, Ms. Castillo served as a law clerk to the Honorable Frank J. Polozola, United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana, from 2000 to 2001. 

Ms. Castillo practiced with the law firm of Cook, Yancey, King & Galloway from 2001 to 2005, primarily in the area of labor and employment law.  She also served as a law clerk to the Honorable S. Maurice Hicks, Jr., United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, from 2005 to 2008.

In August of 2008, Ms. Castillo launched her own private practice.  She initially shared office space with Ron Miciotto, Pete King, Gary Bowers, Steve Carby, Rachel King and Melissa Malarcher.  Ms. Castillo's practice grew quickly, and Sheri Dare soon joined the team as a paralegal.  In early January of 2009, Castillo Law Firm, LLC, was organized and the practice relocated to its new offices at 616 Jordan Street.

Ms. Castillo is active in the Shreveport legal community.  She has served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Shreveport Bar Association (2007) and Treasurer of the Krewe of Justinian (2006).  She was a member of the Harry V. Booth and Judge Henry A. Politz American Inn of Court from 2001 to 2007.  She is serving her second year as an Assistant Bar Examiner in Federal Practice and Procedure for the Louisiana State Bar Assocation.  She is also a frequent speaker on labor and employment law topics, including the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act.

Castillo Law Firm, LLC is a member of the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce.  Ms. Castillo currently serves as the Vice-President of the Hispanic Business Council of the Chamber.  She was also voted "Professional of the Year" by the local Latino community in the Hispanic Awards (2009).

On a more personal note . . .

While in law school, Becky married Gerardo "Lalo" Castillo, who is from Jalpan, Queretaro, Mexico.  After they married, Becky went through the long and painful immigration process with Lalo to help him get his Permanent Residency status.  During their 10 year marriage, Becky went to visit Lalo's family in Mexico and learned first hand why so many people come to this country looking for a better future for themselves and their families.  She has had extended family and friends arrested for unlawful prescence and then deported.  Becky truly understands the unique challenges facing the Hispanic community. 

It is this experience that sets Becky apart from other immigration attorneys or from other criminal defense attorneys seeking to represent Hispanics.  Although Becky and Lalo are now divorced, they remain good friends and share a teenage son, Patrick.  Lalo continues to help Becky's practice in many ways, from painting her new office building to going to the jail with her to translate for Spanish speaking clients.  MUCHAS GRACIAS LALO! 

Gabriela Lemus, Paralegal (Immigration and Criminal Defense)

Gabriela Lemus is Ms. Castillo's immigration and criminal defense paralegal.  Gabby has had extensive training in immigration law, attending workshops in both St.Louis, Missouri and Washington, DC.  Originally from Guatemala, Gabby is the firm's primary interpreter and assists on all Hispanic client matters.  Gabby also attends night classes at Bossier Parish Community College.

John Willis, Paralegal (Personal Injury and Family Law)

John Willis is Ms. Castillo's personal injury paralegal.  A certified paralegal since 1999, John also assists on all family law and employment law matters.  Originally from San Antonio, John returned home to Shreveport in 2003.  He is also the Chief Financial Officer of Shreveport's Dream Entrepreneur Guide, the largest minority owned magazine in the Ark-La-Tex.  

Guiel Hausen, Legal Assistant

Guiel Hausen is Ms. Castillo's Legal Assistant.  Guiel keeps the practice running smoothly by scheduling the client consultations and maintaining all client files.  Originally from Bolivia, Guiel taught Spanish at a local private school prior to joining the firm.  She enjoys spending time with her children and salsa dancing on the weekends.  (And yes, she has been known to give lessons!)  

Max, Guard Dog/Client Greeter 

Max joined the firm in late March of 2009.  Originally from Tennessee, Max assists the firm by greeting clients, calming stressful days and occasionally barking at the threat of the vaccuum cleaner.  Weighing in at 3.2 pounds, Max spends his spare time eating the fake grass from the bottom of the firm's decorative ficus and palm trees. 

  

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In Memoriam:Terry Neal Crayton (1956-2009)

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Terry Crayton passed away on August 8, 2009 after a 14 month battle with lung cancer.  Becky's boyfriend and former fiance, Terry was often an almost daily presence at the firm, helping by walking to the bank to make the daily deposit or cleaning up around the office and yard.  Terry's smile and positive attitude were contagious, and his absence will be deeply felt.  Terry, we love you, and we take comfort in knowing that you are at peace with God now and are watching over us from above.  We will never forget you Terry!

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Our Practice

Ms. Castillo is admitted to practice in all Louisiana state courts; the Western, Middle and Eastern Districts of Louisiana; and the United States Fifth Circuit Courts of Appeal.  She is also admitted to practice in the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas.  She is currently working on her admission to the Texas State Bar.

Para los Clientes que Hablan Espanol

 Ofrecemos Servicios de Inmigración, Familia, Defensa Criminal y de Trabajo