Biographies
Thomas Esparza, Jr.
Attorney at Law
Board Certified Specialist – Immigration and Nationality Law
I am the son of second generation immigrant parents; the late Dr. Thomas Esparza, Sr. and Esther LaMadrid Esparza to whom I dedicate my life’s work for raising and providing me with the tools for success.
A sole practitioner for over 35 years, I thank the grace of God, and am especially thankful for the guidance and support of my mentors in the field; Laurier McDonald, Robert “Bob” Shivers, Harry Gee, Harry Joe, Charles Foster and Lionel Perez. Each, in his own way, contributed to my career. I am proud to be one of the first Hispanics in Texas Certified as a Specialist In Immigration and Nationality Law in 1985.
Reflecting my upbringing, I am active in my community. I am on the Board of the South Austin Little League Baseball as their public safety officer, manager and umpire. I am a past Austin Community Education Volunteer of the Year, past President of Becker Community Schools’ Advisory Council, past Board Member of the Center for Battered Women, past president of the South Austin Neighborhood Council, past chairperson for Mayfest South, an annual fundraiser for non profit organizations and have served as Travis County Justice of the Peace. Being a judge gave me an insight into and an appreciation for the power that is the law. Lawyers hold the keys to justice. We should wary of those who abuse it.
My professional accomplishments include: Past Chair of the Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico Chapter of American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). Within the Texas Chapter, I have held every position of the Executive Committee. I am the current editor for the chapter website ailatx.org a useful chapter website for our members. I also speak at a various legal seminars at the local, state and national levels for AILA, the State Bar of Texas and the University of Texas.
I am the owner of Star Light Press, a bilingual education publishing company in Austin. Together with my mother, I publish children’s books, music, adult English as Second Language educational materials, citizenship education books, videos and educational software. Starlightpress.com. “Teach your children well.” I recently published my first learning software; Esther’s Playhouse.
My priorities are my faith, my family, my community and immigration law.
Here are some things other people have to say:
”Thank you so much for speaking at the Literacy Coalition of Central Texas Quarterly Networking Luncheon. Your knowledgeable presentation of current immigration laws as well as your explanation of proposed federal legislation was eagerly received by our literacy providers. Your own personal history gave us the background to understand your path to this vital area of law. Your energy is apparent, and your devotion admirable.”
- Gail K. Miller Executive Director of Literacy Coalition of Central Texas
Jacqueline Watson
Attorney at Law
Board Certified Specialist – Immigration and Nationality Law
I am an El Paso native and undergraduate alum of the University of Texas at El Paso. I earned my J.D. at the University of Texas School of Law and have practiced immigration law since 1999. I joined Hines & Leigh in April 2004 and am happy to now be a part of the Law Office of Thomas Esparza Jr.
I was formerly an attorney with the Political Asylum Project of Austin, now American Gateways, a non-profit organization representing immigrants and asylum seekers in Central Texas. In 2003, I joined Texas Lawyers Care, a department of the State Bar of Texas, where I provided support services to pro bono attorneys and legal aid programs. I have continued to volunteer with American Gateways as a pro bono attorney and a mentor.
I am a frequent speaker on immigration law topics. In addition to my work with American Gateways, I am a pro bono attorney with Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas and is a member of the Board of Directors of Helping the Aging, Needy and Disabled, Inc. (H.A.N.D.). I am also on the Community Advisory Committee for the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum’s exhibit, “Forgotten Gateway: Coming to America through Galveston Island.” I was selected for inclusion in the Rising Stars list published in Texas Super Lawyers magazine for 2009 and 2010. I am certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Immigration and Nationality Law.
