Justia Legal Services & Lawyers Directory

Born: 1950, Gastonia, North Carolina
Wife: Debra S. Kelso

• I have successfully argued in North Carolina Mecklenburg District Court that a plaintiff who has threatened their undocumented spouse with "telling the immigration authorities" about their status is evidence of domestic violence. This was the first case in the United States to rule on this point.

• I have adjusted the status for an applicant who was denied a green card because he once lied about his social security number. The applicant was granted a green card and today is a taxpaying resident.

• I have obtained legal status and work permits for a child who was a victim of human trafficking.

• I have obtained freedom for a legal permanent resident who was picked up by Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) raid without lawful justification.

• I have helped clients avoid deportation/removal marks against their records.

• I have helped clients obtain U.S. Citizenship.

• I helped a client obtain his green card after being denied by USCIS because he was brought to the United States when he was young child by his parents who were undocumented at the time.

• I have helped clients adjust their German E Treaty employment status to obtain a green card for themselves and their family.

Philosophy

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

While education about legal issues is helpful, clients should not assume that this gives them the training to appear before courts or argue legal issues, let alone navigate, the complex landscape of United States Immigration authorities.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I will only review documents pursuant to a consultation or documents required as evidence to help a client who has retained our firm. I do not review documents prepared by clients who seek to present such documents to U.S. Immigration authorities in a pro se context.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

This is not a policy of our firm.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

To promote fairness and justice by testing charges and evidence presented by the government against an individual. In the immigration arena being the son of Greek Immigrant parents instilled the empathy and respect I have for the positive contributions that immigrants have and continue to make to our society.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

Having lived in many countries, having received my education in Europe, and having represented hundreds of clients in criminal and family court in the United States, has given me the experience to represent immigration clients. I have had outstanding results for virtually all of my immigration clients.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

Immigrants represent one of the best assets for our society, and unlike most other countries in the world, the United States has one of the best track records for accepting and assimilating new immigrants. Our system is not perfect, but compared to what I have witnessed in other countries, the United States still provides a relatively superior option for new immigrants who are willing to work and contribute to our society. Having said this, our system is not perfect, and I believe that through education in our schools, government and the media, more people will come to understand the tremendous contributions that new immigrants can and do make to our society.

What do you like best about your career?

Helping clients achieve freedom and realize their potential through devoted and zealous advocacy on behalf of their legal rights.

Tell us about your law firm:

As a solo attorney, all of my client's will work directly with me. I also have experienced legal staff with over 25 years of litigation and research skills. My team of assistants also speak Spanish and German.

What are your strengths and style?

I care about my client's matters by listening to their needs. I am honest and serious about my client goals and whether those goals can be realistically achieved. Clients will receive honest and frank assessments from me regarding their matters based on the information supplied to me.