In 2022, Jiabao Liu walked into a children’s shelter in Southern California with a legal pad, a heavy heart, and a clear mission: to advocate for unaccompanied immigrant children who had crossed the border alone, often after facing unimaginable hardship. That moment marked not only a pivotal point in her career as an immigration attorney, but also a deeper commitment to humanitarian justice in the United States.
Originally from China, Liu arrived in the U.S. at the age of 31. Her academic journey took her from a JD at the City University of Hong Kong to an LLM at UCLA School of Law, where she earned the Dean’s Scholarship for academic excellence. She is licensed to practice law in both California and Texas and is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, as well as immigration courts nationwide. Despite her strong academic credentials, transitioning into American legal practice required cultural fluency, emotional resilience, and relentless determination.
Her work at Immigrant Defenders Law Center—a nonprofit dedicated to serving vulnerable immigrants—marked a turning point. As part of their Children’s Representation Project, Liu visited shelters across Southern California to meet with children facing complex legal battles alone. Many of these minors were fleeing gang violence, sexual abuse, or abandonment. Some were as young as six.
Among those she met was a sixteen-year-old girl from Belize. The girl had crossed the border alone after suffering years of physical and sexual abuse by her father. Her story emerged in painful fragments. A woman from her hometown, touched by her situation, helped her travel through Mexico and urged her to seek safety in the United States. Whether that woman was a human trafficker or a genuine Good Samaritan remains unknown. What stood out, however, was the teenager’s quiet resilience and the glaring need for dedicated legal advocacy.
Another early encounter that left a strong impression on Liu was with a 17-year-old boy from Afghanistan. Fluent in English and evidently well-educated, the teenager had arrived in the United States alone, harboring dreams of studying computer science and building a meaningful life. Contrary to expectations that a child in a shelter might be overwhelmed by fear or uncertainty, this young man radiated optimism and determination. His hopefulness and vision for the future served as a powerful reminder of the potential these children possess, and the importance of supporting them through compassionate legal counsel.
In shelters, Liu was often the first adult to listen to these children without judgment. She explained their rights, translated their trauma into affidavits, and pursued legal pathways that offered safety and stability. These moments, though challenging, underscored the transformative power of trust and representation.
As an Asian American woman, Liu frequently challenges expectations in courtroom settings. Her background diverges from the traditional archetype of American trial lawyers, but she believes her cultural sensitivity and personal immigration journey enhance her connection with clients. She speaks not only their languages, but also their pain.
Today, Liu continues to advocate for immigrants seeking protection under U.S. law. Beyond her legal work, Liu has shared her personal and professional journey on social media. A personal essay she published on the Chinese platform RedNote, where she detailed her transformation from an art history student to a law school graduate, received over 4,800 likes, 4,600 saves, and around 900 comments. The post resonated with thousands of young people navigating academic and cultural transitions, further establishing her as a source of guidance and inspiration. She writes, speaks, and mentors others in the field, hoping to inspire more lawyers from diverse backgrounds to join the fight for justice. In a legal system that often feels impersonal, her presence brings both advocacy and empathy.
Liu's journey is not just about becoming a lawyer—it's about giving voice to the voiceless. Every time she walks into a shelter, she carries more than a legal pad. She carries hope—for the children, for the justice system, and for the country she now calls home.