Pro bono spotlight: Galloway helped immigrant become U.S. citizen


  • By
  • | 12:00 p.m. February 9, 2015
  • | 5 Free Articles Remaining!
James Galloway
James Galloway
  • Law
  • Share

Pro bono attorney James Galloway’s assistance for his immigrant client went beyond legal to academic.

Galloway eliminated barriers and his client is now a naturalized citizen and college student. Here’s how Galloway’s pro bono involvement impacted his client and his client’s family.

What were the basic facts of your case?

My client’s family moved to Keystone Heights in 2004. My client is the second oldest child in the family. He became eligible for citizenship a few years ago and needed an attorney to help with the naturalization process.

What were you able to accomplish for your client?

I was able to help him get naturalized as a U.S. citizen. One of the hurdles of the naturalization process is the naturalization interview.

That’s why I checked in with him every few weeks to make sure that he was studying for his civics/history exam. He passed with a perfect score on Dec. 8.

Why was the outcome important to your client?

This was a very nice family and I wanted to make sure that my client received legal assistance.

He was a good student in high school and earned an athletic and academic scholarship to play soccer at a small college. I wanted him to be able to travel to the away games without having to worry about carrying around a Green Card 24/7.

Why was the experience important to you? That is, what did you gain from the experience? 

I gained a lot of experience from taking this case. Not only did I help my client get naturalized, but I also ended up helping his mother, brother and sister get their certificates of U.S. Citizenship.

As a young attorney, it has been wonderful having an office full of clients and getting to know each of them individually.

What is the name of your firm? In what areas do you practice?

Law Offices of Carol M. Galloway P.A., 135 W. Adams St., immigration and bankruptcy law attorneys.

What advice do you have for other attorneys considering pro bono involvement?

Go to Jacksonville Area Legal Aid and simply ask to take a case. In other words, don’t complicate or dismiss your desire to help others.

Also, let others know you took a pro bono case and encourage them to do the same.

Attorneys interested in pro bono opportunities throughout the 4th Judicial Circuit are encouraged to contact Kathy Para, chair of The JBA Pro Bono Committee, at [email protected] for more information.

 

Sponsored Content

×

Special Offer: $5 for 2 Months!

Your free article limit has been reached this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited digital access to our award-winning business news.