Meet Attorney Carla M. Casas
CARLA M. CASAS
PRINCIPAL ATTORNEY AND FOUNDER
Carla M. Casas is the Principal Attorney and Founder of Casas Immigration, Ltd., bringing over 20 years of legal expertise to her clients. A native of Peru, Carla immigrated to the U.S. in 1980, an experience that shaped her deep understanding of the challenges faced by immigrants. Her personal journey inspired her unwavering commitment to immigration law, helping others achieve their dreams just as she has.
Carla began her career at top national law firms before transitioning into public service, where she held key roles at the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). As a federal trial attorney with the DOL, Carla prosecuted cases involving labor and immigration violations, securing justice for immigrant workers, including a landmark $225,000 settlement for restaurant employees in Georgia.
A natural-born litigator, Carla thrives on complex cases—especially those other attorneys have turned down—and has built a reputation for finding creative solutions that lead to success. In 2014, she left her federal post to dedicate herself exclusively to immigration law, volunteering with the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) before founding Casas Immigration. Today, she is a fierce advocate for families, humanitarian relief applicants, and those facing deportation.
Fluent in English and Spanish, Carla has been interviewed numerous times on Univision and Telemundo as a trusted voice in immigration law. She frequently shares insights on social media and is actively involved in community outreach, conducting “Know Your Rights” workshops and providing pro bono legal education.
Outside of her legal work, Carla is an entrepreneur passionate about sharing ideas and mentoring others, particularly immigrant women navigating business ownership. She also enjoys travel, road trips, snow skiing, minor DIY home improvement projects and spending time with her fur babies, Tumi and Miski, who often make appearances in her social media content.
With her heart in both Chicago, IL, and Orlando, FL, Carla splits her time between the two cities, where she has established homes and expanded her practice to better serve immigrant communities. Deeply committed to making a difference, she brings passion and purpose to everything she does—whether advocating in the courtroom, spending time with family in Florida, or road-tripping with her fur babies.
Professional Experience
- 2002 - 2005, Health Law Associate, Foley & Lardner, LLP
- 2005 - 2006, Litigation Associate, McGuireWoods LLP
- 2007 - 2008, Assistant Attorney General, Office of the Illinois Attorney General
- 2008 - 2009, Civil Rights Attorney, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund ("MALDEF")
- 2009 - 2014, Trial Attorney, United States Department of Labor
- 2014 - Present, Owner and Managing Attorney, Casas Immigration, Ltd.
Education
Andrews University, B.A. Mathematics
University of Florida College of Law, Juris Doctor (JD)
bar admissions
Supreme Court of Florida
Supreme Court of Illinois
Supreme Court of Georgia
U.S. Dist. Ct. M.D. of Florida
U.S. Dist. Ct. N.D. of Illinois
U.S. Dist. Ct. N.D. of Georgia
Authorized to Practice U.S. Federal Immigration Law in all 50 States
professional memberships
Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois
American Immigration Lawyers Association
Legal Advisory Board Member, Arise Chicago
Maria Delgado
Paralegal
Maria Delgado serves as a Paralegal at Casas Immigration Ltd., where she has been a dedicated team member with a strong commitment to client advocacy and attention to detail. Maria plays a vital role in guiding clients through their immigration journeys and brings over three years of immigration law experience to the firm, assisting the attorney with all types of immigration matters.
Fully fluent in English and Spanish, Maria is committed to making every client feel understood and supported. She takes the time to gather meaningful details, answer questions, and offer clear guidance, ensuring clients feel confident throughout the process.
Prior to joining Casas Immigration Ltd., Maria worked at another well-respected immigration law firm in Illinois, where she developed a robust professional background in client-facing roles, strengthening her skills in coordination, customer service, process optimization, and the client-first approach she brings to every case.
Outside of work, Maria enjoys traveling, trying local restaurants, spending time with her loved ones, and taking long walks with her daughter.
Juliana Infante
Operations Manager
Juliana Infante serves as the Operations Manager at Casas Immigration, Ltd., where she oversees the firm’s operational systems, internal processes, workflow management, technology implementation, and marketing coordination. Having grown within the firm for more than three years, Juliana works closely with leadership to improve efficiency, strengthen organizational structure, and develop scalable systems that enhance both the client and team experience.
She plays a key role in optimizing workflows, managing internal resources, implementing operational improvements, and supporting strategic initiatives across departments. Juliana is passionate about creating organized, transparent, and sustainable processes that allow the firm to deliver exceptional service to immigrant families while supporting continued growth.
Prior to joining Casas Immigration, Juliana built a strong background in customer service, team leadership, digital marketing, and web design. Her experience includes supervising teams, developing training programs, creating marketing content, and implementing solutions that improve operational performance and client engagement.
As an immigrant herself, Juliana is deeply committed to helping immigrant families navigate their journey with confidence while supporting the firm’s mission behind the scenes. A native of Colombia, she is fluent in English and Spanish and is currently learning Portuguese. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, riding her motorcycle, exploring new cuisines, and spending time with her family.
Karol Pinzón
Administrative Assistant
Karol “Kika” Pinzon is a Front Desk Administrative Assistant at Casas Immigration, Ltd., where she serves as the first point of contact for clients and visitors. She plays an essential role in welcoming individuals and families, coordinating client intake, handling incoming phone calls, and assisting with various administrative tasks.
Before joining Casas Immigration, Kika worked as a Legal Assistant at a bankruptcy law firm, where she gained experience in client communication, petition preparation, and managing sensitive legal matters. This background strengthened her attention to detail and reinforced the importance of guiding clients through complex legal processes with care and clarity.
Originally from Colombia, Kika is bilingual in Spanish and English and brings a culturally informed perspective to her work with immigrant communities. Her professional background also includes experience in marketing, sales, and real estate, contributing to her strong interpersonal skills and ability to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds.
Kika enjoys exploring the city, immersing herself in history, and spending time with old books. Opera is one of her preferred ways to recharge during demanding periods.
Emperatriz Lemus
Administrative Assistant
Emperatriz Lemus, known warmly as “Triz,” serves as the primary point of contact at the firm, offering a welcoming and compassionate first experience for every client. Having navigated the complexities of being an immigrant herself, Triz brings a unique layer of empathy and a profound understanding to the individuals and families we serve.
Her journey into the legal field began with drafting asylum applications and motions—an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for immigration law. For Triz, this work is a deeply humanistic calling, driven by the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to seek a better life and a safe place to call home.
Originally from Venezuela, Triz remains deeply rooted in her heritage and culture. This strong sense of identity, combined with her extensive travels across South America, Europe, and Asia, allows her to connect naturally with people from all walks of life. She is fully bilingual in Spanish and English and is currently expanding her linguistic horizons by studying Mandarin, further demonstrating her dedication to clear and inclusive communication.
Outside of the office, Triz finds balance by connecting with nature, whether she is cooking, traveling, or enjoying the serenity of the beach.
Contact Information
Contact us today at (312) 971-7221 to schedule your initial consultation.
5731 W. Montrose Ave
Chicago, Illinois 60634
1140 E. Semoran Blvd.
Apopka, Florida 32703
(312) 971-7221
Chicago Office
(407) 205-9358
Apopka, Florida Office
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Monday Through Friday, Closed Saturday & Sunday
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