My Journey with the CLS Legal Aid Fellowship
by. Brandon Prince
“Keep the main thing, the main thing.”
(Lennon Scott Prince, Esq.)
"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
(Galatians 6:9)
Introduction
When I graduated from Thurgood Marshall School of Law in May 2024, I knew that my legal career needed to be more than just a profession—it had to be a calling. With a strong background in intellectual property and data privacy law, I had spent years sharpening my legal acumen, but my heart remained drawn to service. I had seen firsthand how the law could be both a shield and a sword, capable of protecting the vulnerable while also empowering communities. That conviction is what led me to apply for the Christian Legal Society (CLS) Legal Aid Fellowship—the first of its kind for a law school graduate.
CLS created this fellowship to invest in young attorneys who want to integrate ministry with legal practice, equipping them to become impactful, nonprofit leaders while redeeming justice. It’s an ambitious vision: to develop legal professionals who are not only skilled advocates, but also faithful stewards of the communities they serve. Through this program, I was placed at the Houston Legal Aid Center (HLAC), where I have concentrated on immigration law and nonprofit management.
Serving the Stranger: Immigration Law in Action
Houston is home to one of the most diverse immigrant populations in the country, and HLAC has been at the forefront of providing legal aid to those in need—particularly low-income individuals, refugees, and asylum seekers. My training in immigration law has been hands-on and deeply rewarding. Following the fellowship’s structured curriculum, I’ve learned to navigate U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Department of State systems, draft and file primarily Asylum and Adjustment of Status applications, and assist clients in securing protections that provide safety and stability.
One of my most meaningful cases so far has involved a U.S. citizen seeking to bring her elderly mother from Myanmar to live with her in the United States. Guiding this family through the consular process has reinforced how vital legal advocacy can be in preserving family unity. These cases are not just about statutes and procedures—they are about real people, longing for security, dignity, and the chance to reunite with their loved ones.
Beyond the legal work, HLAC’s training has also emphasized cultural and ministry preparation, teaching me how to navigate common challenges such as language barriers, differing communication norms, and the unique faith backgrounds of immigrant communities. This has opened doors for me to pray with clients, encourage them in their faith journeys, and see how God is moving in ways I never expected.
Building for the Future: Nonprofit Leadership Training
One of the greatest strengths of this fellowship is its dual focus on legal practice and nonprofit leadership. In addition to handling cases, I’ve been gaining firsthand experience in the mechanics of nonprofit management—an area that many young attorneys don’t get to explore early in their careers. From grant research and donor engagement to strategic planning and ministry partnerships, I’ve been immersed in what it takes to sustain and grow a faith-based legal aid organization.
At HLAC, I’ve helped develop pro bono volunteer opportunities for attorneys, collaborated with churches such as Houston’s First Baptist Church and Bayou City Fellowship to establish legal aid clinics, and explored fundraising strategies to expand HLAC’s reach. The curriculum has provided a structured roadmap for nonprofit leadership, teaching me about board development, 501(c)(3) incorporation, and the principles of maintaining a gospel-centered mission.
Faith in Practice
Perhaps the most transformative aspect of this fellowship has been seeing how legal advocacy can be a vehicle for ministry. Many of the people I serve are navigating seasons of uncertainty, yet these moments of hardship often make them more open to the hope and sovereignty of God. Being able to pray with clients, remind them that they are seen and loved, and walk alongside them in faith has been as much a privilege as the legal work itself.
This experience has deepened my understanding of what it means to be both an advocate and a servant. It has shown me that justice and mercy are not competing forces but two sides of the same coin, both essential to the work of the Kingdom.
Looking Ahead
As the first law school graduate to take part in this CLS Legal Aid Fellowship, I am excited about what this program represents—a commitment to raising up young attorneys who are not only competent legal professionals, but also community leaders and ambassadors of Christ’s love. I hope that in the years to come, more attorneys will follow this path, stepping into the intersection of justice and ministry with courage and conviction.
For me, this is just the beginning. There is so much more to learn, so many more lives to impact, and so many ways to continue walking in faith. I am deeply grateful to CLS for this opportunity, and I look forward to seeing how God continues to move through this work.
Brandon Prince is a legal professional dedicated to serving underrepresented communities through pro bono advocacy and compliance-focused legal work. Currently, he serves as a Programs Coordinator and Immigration Advocate at the Houston Legal Aid Center (HLAC), where he facilitates volunteer attorney and law firm integration and represents clients through Department of State and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services petitions and legal processes.
Brandon earned his J.D. from Thurgood Marshall School of Law, graduating with honors and earning a CALI Award in Intellectual Property Law. He also holds a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry from Howard University. His current legal experience includes working as an in-house associate for School Psych AI, a cutting edge software development company providing artificial intelligence tools which help to facilitate workflow for school psychologists. There he focuses on intellectual property protection, patent and trademark drafting, and maintenance of Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act compliance.
Beyond legal work, Brandon is passionate about community service and leadership, serving as the Executive Director of Connected HTX, a faith-based nonprofit focused on music ministry and outreach. He also engages in young adult ministry, voter registration drives, and legal education efforts throughout Houston.
He was also a CLS Law School Fellow in 2023.