Zelene Zaleta

Zelene Vianey Zaleta is a distinguished attorney renowned for her unwavering commitment to justice, focusing in both criminal defense and immigration law. As the founder of The Law Office of Zelene Zaleta, PLLC, she has earned a reputation for her strategic litigation and fearless advocacy. Attorney Zaleta’s dedication to protecting her clients’ rights—whether defending against serious federal criminal charges or handling complex immigration proceedings—has positioned her as a formidable force in the legal field.

Her path to becoming a leader in criminal defense and immigration law was driven by a deep passion for justice and a commitment to advocating for vulnerable communities. Zelene earned her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at Brownsville, where she was a William B. Hester Scholarship recipient and participated in the esteemed Filemon Vela Pre-Law Academy & Scholarship. She continued her legal studies at Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law, where she excelled academically and was actively involved in leadership roles. As President of the OUTLaw Student Organization and a member of the Immigration Law Association. Attorney Zaleta worked tirelessly to champion the rights of marginalized groups and to promote legal reform. Her legal experience also includes internships with U.S. Magistrate Judge and the Earl Carl Institute for Legal and Social Policy Innocence Project, and she contributed directly to the Innocence Project, working to overturn wrongful convictions.

Attorney Zaleta began her legal career at the U.S. Federal Public Defender’s Office, where she gained invaluable experience representing indigent clients in serious federal cases. She further honed her expertise working as a senior attorney at several prestigious immigration law firms across Texas, where she managed high-stakes litigation. Since 2017, Zelene has been a go-to advocate for clients nationwide, drawing on her extensive experience to handle federal criminal cases and complex immigration matters, including deportation defense, asylum claims, illegal reentry, and federal immigration appeals. Her dual expertise in both criminal and immigration law gives her a unique advantage in providing comprehensive and aggressive defense for clients navigating difficult legal challenges.

Attorney Zaleta’s influence extends beyond the courtroom. She serves on the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) National Ethics Committee and is an active member of AILA, the Federal Bar Association, and the Texas Bar College. Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, Zelene is dedicated to ensuring her clients fully understand their rights and options, empowering them to make informed decisions regarding their legal matters.

More than just a lawyer, Zelene Zaleta is a tireless advocate for her clients—whether navigating the complexities of federal criminal law or fighting to keep families together in immigration proceedings. Her mission is clear: to provide bold, compassionate, and relentless representation, always striving for the best possible outcome for those in need of her expertise.