Ina Shtukar

Born and raised in Belarus, Ina immigrated to the United States after her parents received a political asylum and relocated to North Carolina over 20 years ago. A straight "A" student, she earned her Bachelor's of Science Degree in Psychology in three languages, along with a license in counseling and a certificate in interpreting German and English from European Humanitarian University, which was shut down by the totalitarian government right after she graduated with highest honors. Ina comes from a country that is unfortunately famous for its longest presidency in mankind (over 30 years), and her parents were victims of persecution based on their political beliefs. Ina subsequently earned a Mater's Degree in Psychology in just one year from Belarussian State University and graduated as a valedictorian with the highest academic achievements. She was one of the handful of graduates offered a full scholarship to attend a PhD program. However, after moving to the US, she took interest in the law instead. Ina went on to complete the Juris Doctor evening program at NC Central University School of Law. She graduated summa cum laude with the second highest GPA among 120 graduates. Ina also received a certificate of Achievement from NC Bar for having over 500 hours of pro bono work. Since graduation, her knowledge of civil litigation has developed through exposure to a variety of workers' comp matters, which she handled as a defense attorney representing businesses and insurance companies. With her supreme inside knowledge of defense work in cases involving work injuries, she will always be one step ahead of your employer's counsel.
Ina has always been creatively inclined. Through her youth, these creative traits were further developed in a local art school. For now, however, she decided to devote herself to the practice of law and raising her two sons, who adore their mom. That said, art will always remain her outlet.

Employment Law

Employee Benefits, Employment Contracts, Employment Discrimination, ERISA, Overtime & Unpaid Wages, Sexual Harassment, Whistleblower, Wrongful Termination

Immigration Law

Asylum, Citizenship, Deportation Defense, Family Visas, Green Cards, Immigration Appeals, Investment Visas, Marriage & Fiancé(e) Visas, Student Visas, Visitor Visas, Work Visas

Workers' Compensation

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• Contingent Fees
  In certain employment matters, contingent fee arrangement may be available, however, its availability will depend on the particular circumstances of the case.

North Carolina

North Carolina State Bar

ID Number: 53607

Since 2018

North Carolina

North Carolina State Bar

ID Number: 53607

Since 2018

Federal Circuit

ID Number: 53607

Since 2020

Immigration Court

ID Number: 53607

Since 2020

Workers' comp attorney

Goodman McGuffey LLP

2018 - 2020

I focused my practice on insurance defense work and handled approximately 150-200 workers' comp matters, while representing corporate clients and insurance companies.

North Carolina Central University School of Law

J.D. (2018) | Law

2014 - 2018

Honors: Summa cum laude

Certificate of Recognition

NC State Bar

2017

Ina was recognized by the state Bar for pro bono work.

North Carolina State Bar  # 53607

Member

Current

American Immigration Lawyers Association Carolinas Chapter  # 49662

Member

2021 - Current

Activities: Networking, peer support, research, CLEs, virtual conferences

Q. I am a nanny and flying out with my boss for work, my visa is expired, passport still valid, can I still fly domestic

25 March 2021

A: When did you file for a T-visa? If you filed before your other visa expired, you should be "in status" while your application is being considered. Which visa was it, by the way? It would be helpful to know how you were admitted to the US, since you claim that you are a victim of trafficking. It also sounds to me like you are handling this on your own. I would strongly advise you against filing for a T-visa without an attorney. Talk to an attorney ASAP.

Q. Is it required/allowed to file i539(on b2 visa) if wife and i will be filing AOS(adjustment of status)

25 March 2021

A: I agree with my colleagues. I also recommend hiring an attorney. USCIS sometimes takes a position that an applicant misrepresented their intent, if they enter on a B2, which could lead to a denial of your I-130 petition based on misrepresentation. Schedule a consultation! Immigration law is very complex to tackle on your own and a mistake can have draconian consequences. Too many of my clients wait too long to speak to an attorney. At the end, they end up paying a lot more because it is much harder for me to fix something after the fact and convince USCIS to change their position as opposed to convincing them to take a favorable action in the first place.

Q. I am seeking a divorce from a non-citizen. He was deported over 4 years ago. Which type of divorce should I file for

25 March 2021

A: While you were married for a short period of time, I do not believe that annulment is an option. File for an absolute divorce. I do not think this will be an issue in light of the circumstances. You do need to speak to a SC family law attorney, since serving your former spose could be an issue. Was he physically removed from the US? I do not practice family law in SC, so unfortunately my advice is limited in scope.