HALEYNELSON & HEILBRUN - Key Persons
Carlos Fernández Castillo joined HaleyNelson and Heilbrun, LLP in July 2023 as a paralegal. He is a Colombian lawyer passionate about international law and the defense of human rights. From 2017 to 2019, while completing his studies, Carlos worked as a legal assistant at the People's Defender Office in Colombia. There, he was able to gain a deeper understanding of protecting the rights of vulnerable communities. After graduating from the University of Sinú, Carlos worked as a junior lawyer focused on family law at the Castillo & Pérez Asesorías y Consultorías firm. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Carlos is familiar with the challenges and obstacles faced by the community and is committed to advocating through the legal profession.
Karissa joined HaleyNelson & Heilbrun, LLP as a receptionist in August 2022. She graduated from Jesus de Praga High School in Panama. Before joining HNH, Karissa worked as an administrative assistant. She really enjoys helping others with empathy and enjoys being able to give clients a sense of calm so they are comfortable working with her, and working through their complicated immigration process. She's the first voice you hear when you call HNH and is always ready to provide you with assistance.
Mayra is a first generation Chicana, college student and lawyer. She received her law degree from University of California, Hastings College of the Law in 2018. She was a member of the Hastings Race and Poverty Law Journal and co-chaired U.C. Hastings La Raza Law Students Association in 2016. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, with a Minor in Raza Studies from San Francisco State University. Prior to joining HaleyNelson & Heilbrun LLP, Mayra worked at the San Francisco Public Defender's Office as a misdemeanor attorney. She also interned with various immigration law firms in the Bay Area during law school. She is committed to using her privilege as a Spanish speaking, woman of color, and licensed attorney to serve and defend impacted and underserved communities.
Sarah Kate practices exclusively immigration and nationality law, with a particular emphasis on removal defense and family based cases. From 2004 to 2006, she held the position of Deportation Defense Fellow at Van Der Hout, Brigagliano & Nightingale, LLP, in San Francisco. Through that position Sarah Kate gained extensive experience in complex deportation defense and representation of individuals with criminal convictions. Following her fellowship, Sarah Kate was an associate attorney for three years with the Law Offices of Fellom & Solorio in San Francisco, where her practice continued to focus on deportation defense, as well as motions to reopen, appeals, and inadmissibility waivers. Sarah Kate has presented Continuing Legal Education webinars with the Immigrant Legal Resource Center and is an active member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).