The Best Immigration Attorneys in Lawrence, Pennsylvania
Top 3 immigration attorneys in Lawrence, Pennsylvania. Rated 4.8/5 stars based on our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system.
Top Immigration Attorneys
Ranked by our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system
Robert S. Whitehill
Robert S. Whitehill, P.C.
Robert S. Whitehill is a highly respected immigration attorney with over 28 years of dedicated practice in Pennsylvania. He is known for his exceptional success rates in complex cases, including family-based petitions, employment visas, and deportation defense. With a perfect AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and numerous client testimonials praising his responsiveness and expertise, he has built a reputation for achieving favorable outcomes in asylum and naturalization cases. His firm serves clients throughout the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, including Lawrence, and he is actively involved in immigration law seminars and professional associations.
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Catherine G. O'Malley
O'Malley & Associates
Catherine G. O'Malley is a top-rated immigration attorney with 22 years of experience, specializing in asylum, deportation defense, and family-based immigration. She has a proven track record of high success rates in challenging cases, with clients frequently noting her compassionate approach and thorough legal strategies in reviews. Admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar and various federal courts, she is recognized for her expertise in naturalization and business immigration matters. Her practice actively serves the Greater Pittsburgh region, including Lawrence, and she has been honored with local awards for her contributions to immigrant communities.
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Mark A. Focht
Focht Law Firm
Mark A. Focht is an established immigration attorney with 18 years of practice, focusing on business and employment-based immigration, including H-1B visas and investor petitions. He has a strong reputation for high client satisfaction and successful case outcomes, particularly in corporate immigration and family petitions. With a solid bar standing and involvement in the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), he provides reliable service to clients in Lawrence and the surrounding areas. His firm is noted for its personalized approach and efficiency in handling complex immigration matters, supported by positive reviews highlighting his dedication and expertise.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in Lawrence, Pennsylvania
What types of immigration cases do attorneys in Lawrence, PA, commonly handle?
Immigration attorneys in Lawrence, Pennsylvania, commonly handle a range of cases relevant to the local community, including family-based petitions for spouses and relatives, employment-based visas for professionals working in nearby Pittsburgh or the broader Allegheny County area, and humanitarian cases like asylum or VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) petitions. Given the region's mix of universities and healthcare institutions, they also frequently assist with student visas (F-1), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and J-1 waivers for medical professionals. Navigating the specific procedures of the USCIS Pittsburgh Field Office, which serves Lawrence, is a key part of their practice.
How can I find a reputable and affordable immigration lawyer in Lawrence, PA?
To find a reputable and affordable immigration lawyer in Lawrence, PA, start by checking the Pennsylvania Bar Association's lawyer referral service and verifying an attorney's standing with the PA Disciplinary Board. Many local non-profit organizations in the Pittsburgh area, such as the Jewish Family and Community Services of Pittsburgh, offer low-cost immigration legal services or referrals. It's also advisable to consult reviews and schedule initial consultations (which are often low-cost or free) to discuss fees, which may be structured as flat rates for specific applications or hourly rates for more complex cases like appeals or deportation defense.
What should I do if I am facing deportation and live in Lawrence, PA?
If you are facing deportation (removal proceedings) in Lawrence, PA, it is critical to seek legal representation immediately. Your case will likely be heard at the Philadelphia Immigration Court, which has jurisdiction over Pennsylvania. A local immigration attorney can help you explore all possible forms of relief, such as cancellation of removal, asylum, or adjustment of status, and will represent you at hearings. They can also advise on the specific policies and practices of the local Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office and help you comply with any reporting requirements at the Pittsburgh ICE office while building your defense.
Are there any local resources in Lawrence or Allegheny County for free immigration legal help?
Yes, while Lawrence itself is a small borough, residents have access to several free or low-cost immigration legal resources in Allegheny County. Key organizations include the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) Pennsylvania in Pittsburgh, which provides pro bono legal services to refugees and asylum seekers, and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law's Immigration Law Clinic, where supervised law students offer assistance. Additionally, the Allegheny County Bar Foundation's Lawyer Referral Service can connect individuals with attorneys who may offer reduced fees or payment plans based on financial need.
How long does it typically take to process a family-based green card application when filed from Lawrence, PA?
Processing times for a family-based green card application filed from Lawrence, PA, vary significantly based on the specific family relationship, the petitioner's status, and whether the beneficiary is inside the U.S. (adjustment of status) or abroad (consular processing). Generally, for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, the process can take 12 to 24 months. These applications are processed through the USCIS National Benefits Center and the Pittsburgh Field Office for interviews. Local attorneys can provide more precise timelines based on current USCIS backlogs and the specific details of your case, as delays can be influenced by the caseload at the Pittsburgh office.
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About Lawrence, Pennsylvania
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