Janette J. Proa, Esq.
Founder & Managing Attorney | Proa Law Firm, PLLC
Janette J. Proa is the Founder and Managing Attorney of the Proa Law Firm, PLLC, a Houston-based firm she launched in 2025, amidst the Trump Administration 2.0’s policies targeting the immigrant community to deliver bold, client-focused legal representation in immigration and removal defense. Fully fluent in English and Spanish, Janette combines legal precision with deep cultural understanding to advocate fiercely for immigrant communities across Texas and beyond.
Born in the U.S. but raised in Mexico during her early childhood, Janette settled with her family in the United States at the age of eight. She grew up in Laredo, Texas, a predominantly Hispanic border town where she witnessed the legal and personal struggles that immigrant families face. Her own experiences as a child fueled her determination to empower others through the law.
Janette still remembers entering fourth grade without knowing a word of English. When a classmate complimented her folder—“Love your folder, where did you buy it?”—she froze, unable to respond. Just one year later, without any ESL classes, she ranked as the top student in English and Writing. One of her essays earned a spot on the district’s benchmark exam. That moment sparked a lifelong commitment to learning and a passion for storytelling, both of which have shaped her work in the legal field.
Before founding her own practice, Janette worked in both nonprofit and private firm settings. She represented clients in immigration court, developed winning defense strategies, handled complex filings for federal court and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), and led legal teams with confidence and clarity. She knows how to manage high-volume dockets without sacrificing individual attention, and she fights for creative, strategic outcomes in every case.
Janette earned her Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law Houston, where she won the CALI Award for Excellence in Federal Criminal Trial Advocacy and served in the school’s Immigration Clinic. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Houston with minors in English, History, and Phronêsis. The minor in Phronesis focuses on developing practical wisdom and ethical decision-making, applying deep reasoning and moral reflection to complex and challenging situations. Janette’s studies in Phronêsis also inspired her to approach law from a unique perspective—one that embraces curiosity at every turn, constantly questioning why things are the way they are and how they should be. She also earned Dean’s List honors. She currently holds a license to practice law in New Jersey and maintains her bar membership in good standing.
A self-proclaimed law nerd, Janette thrives on digging into the details. She loves unraveling complex legal issues and finding creative angles that others overlook. When she’s not in court or strategizing with clients, she enjoys belly dancing, graphic design, and lifting heavy at the gym with her husband (with a deadlift PR of 215lb). She’s also a proud dog mom to a mischievous five-year-old Pomeranian named Loki—yes, like the Marvel god—and is joyfully preparing for motherhood.
At The Proa Law Firm, Janette leads with empathy, grit, and a clear sense of purpose. She believes every client deserves to have their story heard—and she’s here to make sure it is.