Attorney Profile
When I was a law student, one of the first cases I worked on was for a young man who came to the U.S. so he could escape the gang in his hometown. His asylum application was denied and I had to write a brief to convince the appeals judge to grant asylum. I spent hours researching and writing about the young man, the gang and why he should have asylum. Even though I never met the young man, he showed me that I could make a difference in someone’s life. In that moment, I knew I had to be an immigration attorney.
As clients work with me, they seem surprised that I am not like lawyers they see on t.v and movies. I don’t wear a suit unless I am going to court or an interview at immigration. I don’t have a fancy office or employees. I answer my own phone. I welcome parents to bring their children to our appointments and even have crayons and coloring books for them to play with. Even though I am laid back, I take your case seriously. I want you to succeed so you can make a better life for yourself and your family.
Before law school, I was a bank branch manager. I worked for an immigration attorney in law school and for several months after graduation. Most of my time was spent helping undocumented immigrants return to Mexico or other countries for a visa. This is still my favorite type of case. Since January 2009, I have volunteered one morning a week at the Immigrant Law Center. I represent clients, mostly victims of crime and domestic abuse, who cannot afford an attorney. I received their 2010 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year award.
I opened my law practice in October 2009 and focus on family-based immigration. I am able to represent clients in immigration cases throughout the United States, at United States Embassies and Consulates abroad and before the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota.
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and dog hiking in the state parks, camping along Lake Superior and traveling. I also enjoy working on projects around the house and yard and knitting.
Education
William Mitchell College of Law, Minnesota – 2008
University of Saint Thomas, Minnesota – 1997
Bar Admission
Admitted to Minnesota State Bar, May 2009
Admitted to the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota, October 2011
Legal Experience
Law Clerk for Immigration Attorney, March 2007 to December 2008
Certified Student Attorney, William Mitchell Immigration Clinic, January 2007 to December 2007
Intern for Ramsey County family court judge, August 2007 to December 2007
Volunteer Advocate, Tubman, May 2005 to August 2006
Pro Bono Activity
Volunteer Attorney, Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, January 2009 to present
Awards
2010 Immigrant Law Center Pro Bono Attorney of the Year
Memberships
American Immigration Lawyer’s Association
Minnesota Women Lawyer’s Association