Antonio is passionate about immigration law, civil rights, and constitutional issues, as well as about the clients he represents. He founded Massa Viana Law with the goal of creating a firm guided by the principles of excellency in advocacy, mutual respect, and most importantly, of service.
An immigrant himself who first moved to the United States when he was 12 years old, Antonio tackled the immigration system first in his own personal life. He discovered that many times, in order to succeed, you need to push the envelope and not give up, despite the odds. That vision is employed daily in his firm, where attorneys and staff are encouraged to seek creative legal solutions for difficult problems, even when the answers are not readily apparent.
This never-give-up attitude allowed Antonio to become the first known undocumented immigrant attorney in Massachusetts. He attended Roger Williams University School of Law, where he was the first Latino Editor-in-Chief of the RWU Law Review, as well as winner of the Esther Clark and National Religious Freedom moot court competitions; he sat for the bar exam in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Rhode Island would postpone his bar admission until he became a legal resident, but Massachusetts swore him despite his lack of legal status. Antonio started practicing immediately in immigration removal defense.
Antonio, together with his team, have helped hundreds of people—from those seeking refuge within our borders, to victims of violence and crimes, to those looking to once again be reunited with their loved ones—achieve their dreams of legal residency and citizenship.
Practice areas
Languages spoken
Portuguese, Spanish
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
RI | Not Authorized to Practice - Removed from the Master Roll | 2016 | 05/08/2022 |
MA | Active | 2014 | 02/22/2022 |
Legal answers | 29 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Rising Stars | SuperLawyers | 2021 |
Machado de Assis Medal | Brazilian Endowment for the Arts | 2019 |
National Religious Freedom Moot Court Champion | The George Washington University Law School | 2014 |
Esther Clark Competition - Winner | Roger Williams University School of Law | 2012 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Managing Attorney | Massa Viana Law | 2014 - Present |
Legal Consultant - Citizenship | MIRA Coalition | 2014 - 2015 |
Editor-in-Chief | Roger Williams University Law Review | 2013 - 2014 |
Student Law Clerk | Catholic Social Services - ILEAP | 2012 - 2012 |
Community Organizer / Wage and Hour Caseworker | Brazilian Immigrant Center | 2010 - 2011 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers | Board of Directors | 2015 - Present |
Brazilian American Center | Board of Directors | 2014 - Present |
American Immigration Lawyers Association (New England chapter) | Member | 2012 - Present |
American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts | Board Member | 2017 - 2020 |
American Immigration Lawyers Association (New England chapter) | Litigation Committee Liaison | 2016 - 2018 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Brazilian Magazine | The Wrong Help Can Hurt | 2015 |
Bate Papo Magazine | O Futuro do Decreto Executivo do Presidente Obama | 2015 |
Roger Williams University Law Review | In Re Town of Little Compton | 2013 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Roger Williams University | JD - Juris Doctor | 2014 |
City University of New York, Brooklyn College | Bachelor of Music | 2009 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Give Liberty a Hand | Voices from Our Immigrant and Refugee Communities | 2018 |
New England AILA Law Students | Carreers in Immigration | 2016 |
Latin American Law Students Association | Executive Actions on Immigration | 2015 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Removal Proceedings - Asylum (Latin America) | Asylum granted |
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Amy Wax, Immigration Attorney on Feb 3, 2021
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Antonio is a very knowledgeable and dedicated lawyer who puts his heart into each case and really cares about the client. I have him on my referral list to provide to clients when I am unable to take a case. I endorse him wholeheartedly.
Joseph Flynn, Immigration Attorney on Jan 14, 2021
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Antonio has proven to care deeply about his clients and has a proven track record within his community. He is someone who takes great care in ensuring that no stone is left unturned when advocating for his clients. I have observed Antonio in the courtroom, and I can say that I enthusiastically endorse him as a great immigration practitioner.
Amy Wax, Immigration Attorney on Feb 3, 2021
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Antonio is a very knowledgeable and dedicated lawyer who puts his heart into each case and really cares about the client. I have him on my referral list to provide to clients when I am unable to take a case. I endorse him wholeheartedly.
Joseph Flynn, Immigration Attorney on Jan 14, 2021
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Antonio has proven to care deeply about his clients and has a proven track record within his community. He is someone who takes great care in ensuring that no stone is left unturned when advocating for his clients. I have observed Antonio in the courtroom, and I can say that I enthusiastically endorse him as a great immigration practitioner.
Joshua Paulin, Immigration Attorney on Jan 6, 2021
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Antonio Massa Viana is a fierce advocate for his clients in the immigration courts. I would strongly recommend him for complex cases before immigration judges.
Julio del Olmo, Immigration Attorney on Jul 17, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Antonio Massa Viana is a fierce advocate for his clients, and a professional and compassionate attorney. I endorse this lawyer without hesitation.
Michele Da Silva, Immigration Attorney on Jul 5, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Mass Viana is a dedicated attorney who fights for the rights of his clients. I have had the opportunity to witness this first hand in the courtroom. I am happy to recommend his services.
Zahava Stern, Unknown Attorney on May 19, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Massa Viana is a passionate, intelligent, and professional attorney, who goes above and beyond for his clients on difficult and important cases. You will not regret hiring Attorney Massa Viana.
David Ellison, Immigration Attorney on Aug 23, 2016
Relationship: Friend
I highly recommend Antonio for immigration law. He is somebody who cares a lot for his clients. If I could describe him in one word, it would be passionate. He is somebody who goes above and beyond.
Michael Foglia, Immigration Attorney on Dec 28, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Viana is an extremely knowledgeable attorney who strongly advocates for his clients on all aspects of immigration law. As a criminal defense attorney I have worked closely with Attorney Viana on a variety of criminal cases with respect to immigration consequences a non U.S. citizen faces if convicted of a particular crime. Attorney Viana's advice has helped me tremendously in the successful resolutions of my criminal cases. His commitment to excellence and dedication to his clients is clearly evidenced throughout. Attorney Viana receives my full endorsement.
Melanie Shapiro, Immigration Attorney on Dec 14, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Antonio is a knowledgeable, caring, and competent immigration attorney. I have known Antonio for several years and have been impressed with his passion for his clients and service to the community.
Matthew Koes, Immigration Attorney on Dec 10, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have seen Antonio in action for a little over a year. I have found him to be knowledgeable and conscientious. Most importantly, Antonio is a zealous advocate for his client. I highly endorse this lawyer.