Q&A with Law Foundation Senior Attorney Kate Manning, Esq.

Kate Manning has worked for the Law Foundation since 2007. She has experience representing children in family and probate court as well as individuals with physical and mental health disabilities. More recently, Kate's work has focused on securing residency for immigrant children who have crossed the U.S. border unaccompanied and who were abused, neglected or abandoned by their parents.

Kate received her undergraduate degree from UC Santa Barbara and attended law school at City University of New York.

Why did you become a legal aid lawyer? 

I was living in New York City after college and volunteering with CASA as a court-appointed special advocate. My role was to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children. At the time I wanted to be a social worker. The experience made me realize how important legal aid lawyers are to foster youth and children involved in the child welfare system. The lawyers gave these kids a voice, and it became very clear to me that I wanted to be that voice.

What is most meaningful to you about this work? 

Knowing we are helping kids feel safe. Some of the children I work with have been through such terrible things. They've been very badly abused by family or attacked by gang members. Whether we are giving them an opportunity to live permanently with a stable family member locally or as a legal immigrant in the U.S., we are providing them with a sense of safety they haven't experienced before. I feel really good about that.

What do you see as the greatest strength of the Law Foundation? 

To be able to provide legal services for free to people who otherwise wouldn't be able to access legal services at all. It sounds so simple, but legal aid has the power to transform lives.

What TV shows are you binge-watching these days? 

Stranger Things and Peaky Blinders

What do you enjoy doing when you're not working? 

When I'm not working I'm usually driving my kids around. Otherwise I enjoy hanging out with my kids at the pool, hiking, backpacking and biking.

Law Foundation of Silicon Valley Applauds Court's Decision to Uphold Flores Settlement Agreement

(SAN JOSE, Calif.) – The Law Foundation of Silicon Valley today issued the following statement from CEO Alison Brunner applauding the decision by U.S. District Court Judge Dolly Gee to uphold the Flores Settlement Agreement and protect the rights of immigrant children and their families.

“As co-counsel in the Flores litigation, the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley applauds the decision by Judge Gee to uphold the settlement agreement and deny the Trump administration’s request to detain children and families in unlicensed facilities for the duration of their immigration proceedings, which in most cases will be years.

“Our work with immigrant children gives us an important perspective into the current family separation crisis at the border, and we share the outrage of many in our community about immigration policies that separate children from their families or place them in detention facilities.

 “As outlined in the Flores Settlement Agreement children should be treated with ‘dignity, respect and special concern for their particular vulnerability as minors.’

 “The Law Foundation of Silicon Valley will continue to fight for the release of immigrant children and families into the community where they can seek protection of their rights.”

Law Foundation Responds to Family Detention

Law Foundation Co-Counsel in Flores Class Action Litigation

On Friday evening, the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley and co-counsel asked the federal court to uphold the terms of the 20 year-old Flores class action settlement and deny the Administration’s request to detain families in unlicensed facilities for the duration of their immigration proceedings, which in most cases will be years. The ACLU and the cities of New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco all filed amicus briefs in support of our efforts.

As co-counsel in the Flores litigation, the Law Foundation is a leading legal voice for the rights of immigrant families and children. Our work with immigrant children, gives us an important perspective into the current family separation crisis at our border. We share the outrage of many in our community about current immigration policies that separate children from their families or place them in detention facilities and we are currently fighting this injustice through litigation.

As outlined in the Flores settlement agreement, children should be treated with “dignity, respect and special concern for their particular vulnerability as minors.” As legal advocates for children for over 30 years, we recognize the detrimental impact on children of being separated from their families, especially in the context of an already traumatic situation such as transnational migration. Imprisoning children in unlicensed family detention for an indefinite period of time is not the answer and it is in violation of the law. The Law Foundation is fighting for the release of immigrant children and families into the community where they can seek protection of their rights.

A team of our attorneys, paralegals, and social workers will be traveling to speak with children who are being held in detention facilities in upcoming weeks to ensure that their voices are heard and their rights are protected. We will also continue to provide free and confidential legal and social work services to immigrant youth in Santa Clara County, including children who have been forcibly separated and are in dire need of services and mental health support until they can safely reunify with family. We will keep you updated on this important work.

The Law Foundation of Silicon Valley advances the rights of underrepresented families and children, specifically in the areas of children’s rights, housing advocacy, and access to mental health services. To support the work of the Law Foundation, click here.

Thank you for standing with us in justice for all.