Small Texas Law Firm Set to Receive $150 Million Federal Contract
Tyunews.com – A small Texas law firm set to receive a landmark $150 million federal contract has been identified by the Trump administration to provide comprehensive legal representation for thousands of unaccompanied migrant children currently in government custody. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) officially announced its intention to award this substantial contract to Burke Law Group, a Houston-based legal practice, through a notice published in the Federal Register.
This significant contract will enable the firm to deliver legal orientation, consultation, and attorney-of-record representation services for eligible unaccompanied alien children throughout their immigration proceedings and hearings before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The children will receive legal support while remaining in government custody during these critical proceedings.
Contract Context and Previous Disputes
The proposed award arrives amid ongoing tensions between legal service providers and the federal government. Across the country, legal service providers have reported that the administration has withheld $65 million in overdue fees from the previous contract. These providers allege that the withholding represents an attempt to force them to turn over confidential information about the migrant children they represent.
A spokesperson with HHS previously told ABC News that its sub-agency, the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), “offered Acacia the opportunity” to receive a new federal contract “based on requirements that include they provide the data on who they represent and that they bill [HHS] when they submit applications for immigration relief.” The HHS spokesperson said Acacia refused these terms.
Legal services providers including Acacia have said that ORR was demanding “client-level data that is confidential and legally privileged.”
About Burke Law Group
Burke Law Group operates with 26 employees across eight offices throughout Texas, according to its official website. While the firm’s attorneys did not initially list immigration law as a practice area, they have since updated their website to include immigration services. Their comprehensive practice areas also include administrative law, white-collar defense, commercial litigation, and securities litigation.
The firm boasts impressive leadership credentials. One of the founders, Marcella Burkey, was a former Trump appointee to both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Interior. Jeffrey Hall, a former employee and founding partner, was appointed and confirmed to serve in the EPA late last year. Burke Law Group did not immediately respond to ABC News’ request for comment regarding the contract award.
Historical Background and Current Immigration Landscape
In December 2023, the Acacia Center for Justice, an immigrant advocacy group, became the prime contract holder with HHS for the Unaccompanied Children Program. This program oversees subcontracts with more than 100 service providers that provide legal representation to more than 20,000 unaccompanied migrant children nationwide.
During the Trump administration, Acacia and many of its subcontracted groups have alleged that unaccompanied children and their sponsors are among those being targeted under the administration’s immigration crackdown. In June, DHS agents visited the offices of several Washington-area nonprofit organizations that provide legal services to unaccompanied migrant children.
Last year, ABC News reported that the administration was directing immigration agents to track down unaccompanied migrant children in the United States, further intensifying scrutiny on legal service providers working with this vulnerable population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total value of the Burke Law Group contract? The contract is valued at $150 million and will cover legal representation services for unaccompanied migrant children in government custody.
How many offices does Burke Law Group operate? The firm maintains eight offices across Texas with a total of 26 employees.
What services will the contract cover? The contract includes legal orientation, legal consultation, and attorney-of-record representation services during immigration proceedings and hearings.
Why was the previous contract holder Acacia Center for Justice not selected? Acacia reportedly refused to provide client-level data and bill HHS when submitting applications for immigration relief, requirements that ORR deemed essential.
How many children will benefit from this contract? The program serves more than 20,000 unaccompanied migrant children through its network of over 100 service providers.
