Carlos Valdes is the Pro Bono Manager at Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, where he supports the development of pro bono partnerships and initiatives to expand legal services for underserved communities.

Prior to joining LAFLA, Carlos led and expanded pro bono programs at various nonprofit organizations, including serving as Pro Bono Supervisor for Al Otro Lado’s Family Reunification Program, securing pro bono counsel under Ms. L for families separated at the border, and as Pro Bono Coordinator for Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project, facilitating pro bono counsel for immigrant children, families, and adults in detention. In his role as a U.S. Department of Justice fully accredited representative, Carlos has represented low-income individuals in removal and affirmative proceedings before the Executive Office for Immigration Review, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Carlos earned his law degree from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico in Mexico City, where he provided legal guidance to empower small business owners, and he clerked at the Collegiate Court of Appeals for the First Circuit reviewing federal employment matters.