Gillhouse has firm commitment to clients

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MMG Law is a family business in every sense of the word, and Cecilia Gillhouse’s colleagues credit her with being the matriarch who keeps everything running smoothly.

Originally from Argentina, Gillhouse moved to Madison in 2001 and was the executive director of an organization that helps victims of domestic violence when her husband, Matt, started the immigration law firm in 2013.

Gillhouse joined him as office manager and handles the firm’s marketing, human resources and other administrative matters. She continues her work with domestic-violence victims, helping them with forms and other documents and connecting them with community resources.

She also works with various organizations to provide pro bono services using monthly clinics in three cities and, at a domestic-violence shelter, provides training to new advocates. Gillhouse also developed the free MMG Law Conference, an opportunity for lawyers and others to connect with various service providers.

“The thing I enjoy most is working one on one with victims of domestic violence,” she said. “I like knowing the process and helping them. I also like coordinating all of our events. That’s the fun part.”

She oversees MMG Law’s scholarship program, which awards $1,000 a year to Latino students through LUCES. “I think education will give our Latino community the tools to do great things, and it’s one of the biggest challenges for kids right now,” Gillhouse said.

Her former colleague Julie Anderson said Gillhouse, with her impressive knowledge of immigration and other aspects of the law, is in a strong position to help the firm’s clients overcome obstacles in their daily lives.

“These skills are combined with her deep compassion and her firm commitment to seeing and respecting the full dignity of all people, regardless of their status,” Anderson said. “On top of that, Ceci is fun and is great at bringing people together for celebration and the pure joy of being together. I am very honored to know her and to have worked with her.”