John Willis has joined the firm as Ms. Castillo's personal injury paralegal.  A certified paralegal since 1999, John will also assist on all domestic 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.  Contact him at john.willis@castillolaw.org.

In late July of 2009, Ms. Castillo and Gabriela Lemus traveled to Washington, DC to attend a workshop on Immigration Bars and Waivers presented by the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC).  The two day workshop concentrated on the latest methods and strategies for overcoming a finding of inadmissibility to the United States. 

The Noche de Gala celebration of Hispanic culture was held at the Bossier Civic Center on May 15, 2009.  The evening honored the Latino community's many contributions to our area and celebrated the varied cultures of Mexico, Puerto Rico and Columbia.  Guests were entertained by dancers and mariachis as they dined on foods native to each of these exotic locales. Community leaders in attendance included Mayor Cedric Glover, Major Lo Walker and several mayors from the East Texas area.  Becky Castillo and attorney Jose Sanchez (of Longview) were the guest speakers, examining the challenges faced by the local Latino community as well as the positive impact that immigration reform would have on the local area. 

The winners of the annual Hispanic Awards were also announced. Becky Castillo was honored by voters as the Hispanic Professional of the Year for Northwest Louisiana.  Thank you to all who voted, and a special THANK YOU to Vita Riner for all her hard work in making the Noche de Gala a night to remember! 

On April 28, 2009, Gabriela Lemus, the firm's premier immigration paralegal, traveled to the St. Louis University Busch Student Center to attend three fulll days of intensive training with the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC).  The program included up to the minute lectures on new developments in immigration law as well as intensive practical workshops on the various family based petitions.  At Castillo Law Firm, we see continuing legal training not as a "perk" but rather as a critical investment in our clients' future. 

Castillo Law Firm, LLC has recently joined the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, and Ms. Castillo has been elected to serve as the Vice-President of the Hispanic Business Council (HBC) of the Chamber for 2009.  The Council has many exciting events planned for 2009, beginning with the Cinco de Mayo kick-off party on May 1, 2009 at Boomtown.  Castillo Law Firm is one of the sponsors of Cinco de Mayo this year!  Stay posted for more news regarding upcoming HBC events!

Gabriela Lemus has joined the firm as Legal Assistant to Ms. Castillo.  Gabby was formerly with the Hispanic Ministries division of the Catholic Diocese.  She will be assisting Ms. Castillo in all areas of the practice, with a concentration on immigration and criminal law. 

Gabby is originally from Guatemala and is fluent in both English and Spanish (look for our website to have sections devoted to our Spanish speaking clients in the near future).  Gabby is a welcome addition to the CLF team! Contact her at gabriela.lemus@castillolaw.org.

Effective January 19, 2009, Castillo Law Firm relocated to its new offices located at 616 Jordan Street, Shreveport, Louisiana 71101.  Clients will enjoy the increased space and professional atmosphere of this 1907 former residence, which is on the National Register of Historical Buildings.  Feel free to stop by and enjoy a cup of coffee with us in Shreveport's Highland Historic District!

The January issue of Vita Latina, the area's largest bilingual magazine, features a cover article about Ms. Castillo's representation of Hispanic clients in the local community.  Many thanks to editor Vita Riner for her photography and layout design, and to Rosalba Quiroz for her help with editing and translating the article.  Click here to view the current issue of Vita Latina online.

On Saturday, December 6, 2008, Ms. Castillo participated in the Red River Navidad Expo sponsored by the Hispanic Business Council, Harrah's Louisiana Downs Casino, Invasora 92.1FM and Vita Latina magazine.  The event was held in the Sky Room of Louisiana Downs.  There were many vendors present with door prizes and a live radio broadcast on Invasora 92.1 FM.  Many thanks to all who made this event possible!