Pauline Portillo, Esq.

Pauline Portillo is an accomplished attorney with extensive experience in criminal prosecution, family law, and immigration law. As an Assistant District Attorney for the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office, Pauline demonstrates unwavering dedication to justice, advocacy, and client service. Her meticulous approach to case preparation, combined with a passion for protecting victims’ rights, makes her a formidable advocate both in and out of the courtroom.

Education
Pauline earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence from St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio, Texas, graduating in May 2019. During law school, she distinguished herself through exceptional academic performance and community service, earning several prestigious awards, including the San Antonio Bar Foundation Pro Bono Service Award and the AT&T Excellence in Pro Bono Legal Service Award and Fellowship. As a Staff Writer for The Scholar: St. Mary’s Law Review on Race and Social Justice, Pauline published her article, Undocumented Crime Victims: Unheard, Unnumbered, and Unprotected, which examined the unique challenges faced by undocumented victims of crime.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminology from the University of Maryland, College Park, where she developed a strong foundation in the legal and criminal justice system.

Legal Experience
Pauline began her legal career as a Law Clerk at Goldstein, Goldstein, Hilley and Orr, where she worked on state and federal criminal defense cases. She later joined Ketterman Rowland and Westlund as an Associate Attorney, representing clients in first-party property damage litigation. Pauline’s commitment to public service led her to the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office, where she currently serves as an Assistant District Attorney. In this role, she evaluates criminal cases, presents cases to the grand jury, negotiates plea agreements, and advocates for victims in family violence cases.

Her passion for immigration law was ignited during her time as a Student Attorney at the St. Mary’s Immigration and Human Rights Clinic, where she represented asylum seekers in removal proceedings. She also gained valuable experience as a Law Clerk for the U.S. Department of Justice, Executive Office for Immigration Review, drafting legal decisions and analyzing complex immigration issues.

Community Involvement and Recognition
Pauline’s dedication to pro bono service has earned her numerous accolades, including the Hispanic Law Foundation Scholarship and the San Antonio Bar Foundation Pro Bono Service Award. Her commitment to serving marginalized communities remains a cornerstone of her legal practice.

Professional Memberships

• State Bar of Texas
• San Antonio Bar Association
• Hispanic Law Foundation

Pauline Portillo’s comprehensive legal background, unwavering advocacy, and dedication to justice make her an invaluable asset to The Castro Law Office and the clients she serves.