Melanie Shapiro
About Melanie
Biography
Melanie Shapiro is an experienced immigration lawyer based on Norwood, MA. She works with clients from all over the U.S. and internationally to help keep their families together, keep them safe, and change their lives. It has been an honor for her to develop relationships with her clients, earn their trust, and be a part of their journeys. Her ultimate goal is to see her clients succeed in their lives. Her firm's slogan is "holistic, compassionate lawyering" and she looks to help her client's with not just their immigration cases, but any other issues that might come up. Melanie is a second generation immigrant herself, so she is very dedicated to pave the way for new immigrantsMelanie's practice focuses on removal defense, asylum, family petitiions, naturalization, special immigration juvenile status, VAWA, U & T visas, appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals and the First Circuit Court of appeals, and federal district court work.
Melanie Shapiro has always been passionate about human rights and helping other people. While an undergraduate student at the University of Rhode Island, she co-founded an organization, Citizen Against Trafficking, to combat human trafficking. She received the Robert A. Rainville Leadership Award, the President's Award for Academic Excellence, and completed a distinguished thesis as part of the honors program, entitled "Sex Trafficking and Decriminalized Prostitution in Rhode Island." In law school, she was a Public Interest Scholar at Roger Williams University School of Law, where she won the highest marks in the Immigration Clinic.
Attorney Shapiro is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and serves on the AILA New England Diversity and Inclusion Committee. AILA previously named Melanie a ProBono Star. Super Lawyers has named Melanie a Rising Star for the last several years. She volunteers her time providing community education to different organizations, including the LGBT Asylum Task Force.
Melanie is also an accomplished artist. She is on the board of the Dedham Art Association and paints portraits inspired by her clients. They can be found all over the office. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her partner, daughter, dog, painting, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Massachusetts for 13 years
State: Massachusetts
Acquired: 2012
No misconduct found
Location
Melanie Shapiro, Esq.
60 Guild Street, Suite 2, Norwood, MA, 02062
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Melanie Shapiro's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 55 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by ROGERIO | January 4, 2024 | Hired Attorney
The best lawyer in Boston
What can I say about Melanie? What stands out the most about her is her simplicity and honesty. As an immigrant who has navigated the immigration system for over 20 years, I have reached out to many lawyers in Boston. Oh boy, some of them are simply not reliably trustworthy and are driven by greed. M...
Posted by ROGERIO POLICARPO | August 1, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Exceptional Lawyer
I have no words to describe my gratitude for Melanie Shapiro. After consulting with numerous lawyers, I finally got to know Melanie and her work. She was the solution I was looking for. Melanie was attentive, dedicated, and competent in every step of my case. And best of all, after 22 years of waitin...
Posted by Kevin | July 24, 2023 | Consulted Attorney
Excellent Immigration Attorney
I am an attorney and have worked with Attorney Shapiro on several cases. Her knowledge and concern for her clients and going the extra mile is self -evident. I would gladly recommend her to anyone who needs an immigration attorney.
Melanie Shapiro
Replied last July 31, 2023Thanks, Kevin. It's always a pleasure to work with you :)
Posted by Youssef | March 9, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Melanie won my Asylum case
Melanie was instrumental in getting me asylum in the US. From the initial consultation to follow-ups and updates on my case, Melanie and her team have been knowledgeable, professional, and compassionate. I always felt that my case was in good hands and my questions and concerns were always welcome an...
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Melanie Shapiro's Lawyer Endorsements
"Melanie is a diligent, knowledgeable, and compassionate immigration attorney. I highly recommend her!"
"I endorse this lawyer. She is tough and hard-working but also compassionate and generous."
"Melanie possesses a rare combination of skills as an attorney. I am in an unique position to evaluate her. I have been an immigration attorney for over 45 years. I taught the immigration law course for over 25 years at Northeastern School of Law. Through my private practice and teachings I have mentored over one thousand students/lawyers. I have received numerous national awards. I was co-counsel in the New Bedford raid where over 360 undocumented workers were arrested by Immigration(ICE). I worked with Melanie on a federal lawsuit involving an Ugandan refugee(asylee). Melanie exhibits a rare combination of legal skills,commitment ,and compassion. Of all the attorneys I have worked, Melanie ranks within the top five(5) percent. This is high praise for a young attorney.i highly recommend Melanie as a person and a lawyer."
"Melanie is an intelligent and compassionate attorney, who cares about getting the best possible outcomes for her clients."
"Melanie has an excellent reputation among immigration lawyers and her clients. In fact, I have met several of her former clients who are extremely grateful to her for her work. Melanie has a wealth of experience before the Asylum Office and is always available to fellow attorneys to answer questions and be helpful. I strongly endorse this lawyer."
"I strongly endorse this Attorney. Melanie is an outstanding Immigration Attorney. She is very knowledgeable, creative and professional. She is a tireless advocate for her Clients and always keeps her Client's best interests in mind."
"I endorse this lawyer. Melanie is extremely knowledgeable and she works hard for her clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Shapiro is dedicated and fierce advocate for her clients. She is always well prepared and knowledgable."
"Melanie and I have had various opportunities to collaborate in our practices. Recently, when I needed something from her to aid in one of my cases, she sent it to me without hesitation and much faster than other attorneys have in the past. Additionally, she went above and beyond for a mutual client and reached out to several stakeholders even though technically she did not need to be involved with the most recent case as it is not in her field. In short, Melanie is a fierce advocate who goes above and beyond for her clients. She's compassionate and truly knowledgeable in her field. It doesn't hurt that she's also willing to help and mentor young attorneys."
"Melanie is among the best attorneys in her field of practice. There is no stronger and competent advocate for clients that I can think of. I highly recommend her without hesitation."
"Melanie has been working in immigration law for many years and is known as a caring and compassionate lawyer in our community. I went to the same law school as her and have heard of her name mentioned many times as someone who is willing to help with any problem. Though I did not have a chance to know her back then, it bring me great pleasure to know her as a friend now. Melanie is patient, kind, open, and honest about who she is and how she works with her clients. She is a valuable inclusion in the immigration legal community and I would always keep her in mind when I have cases to refer."
"Melanie is a trusted colleague and outstanding immigration lawyer, whom I have known for several years through her involvement in the WBA. I have referred many deportation cases to her and she has always exhibited the utmost professionalism. I recommend her without reservation."
"If I have an immigration law question, I go to Attorney Shapiro. Not only is she extremely knowledgeable, but she is passionate and dedicated to her clients. It is hard to find an attorney with the empathy and dedication to her clients that she has. I would highly recommend her for any immigration law issues."
"Attorney Shapiro is incredibly passionate about her clients. She has a never-give-up attitude and will provide zealous and professional representation. I have watched her go all the way for one of her clients, even though the odds were stacked against the client. And her hard work paid off: she won on appeal."
"Attorney Shapiro is an extremely knowledgeable, tireless and zealous advocate for her clients. I have the pleasure of working with her on immigration matters and I am impressed with her excellence in providing top-quality immigration representation. She is extremely nice human being and fabulous mentor willing to help anytime."
"I believe Attorney Shapiro lives up to her mantra of compassionate, holistic representation and she often goes above and beyond to serve people in front of the Immigration Judge."
"I endorse Attorney Shapiro based on her commitment to advocate for the rights of her clients. I respect greatly attorney who dedicate their practice to providing a holistic compassionate and humanistic bent to law. A true professional."
"Attorney Shapiro is someone who I have a significant amount of respect for. She is compassionate about helping people through all kinds of immigration matters. She understands the process and will work hard to help her clients receive the best outcome."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have had a chance to work with Ms. Shapiro during our mutual time on the AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association) lists. She is knowledgeable, well spoken, and extremely helpful to her fellow practitioners. I have been particularly impressed with her attention to detail in matters relating to family petitions and waivers. Keep up the good work, and I look forward to many more years on the AILA boards!"
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Criminal defense lawyer
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Family lawyer
Experience
Honors
2024
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2023
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2022
Top Woman in Law, Lawyers Weekly
2022
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2021
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2020
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2019
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2018
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2015
Pro Bono Star, AILA
2011
CALI Award for Immigration Clinic, CALI
2011
CALI Award for Genocide & Atrocity Crimes, CALI
2009
Robert A Rainville Leadership Award, University of Rhode Island
2009
President's Award for Academic Excellence, University of Rhode Island
2009
Mother Jone's Award, Iolta Iolta Iolta
Work Experience
2021 - Present
Adjunct Professor, Roger Williams University School Of Law
2014 - Present
Owner, Law Office of Melanie Shapiro, LLC
2024 - 2024
Summer Clinical Supervisor, Boston College Law School
2022 - 2024
Bar Advocate, Massachusetts Public Defender [Cpcs}
2013 - 2014
Independent Contractor, TJCESQ
Associations
2022 - Present
AILA New England Litigation CommitteeCo-chair
2016 - Present
Dedham Art AssociationPast Board Member and current member
2013 - Present
Women's Bar Association
2013 - Present
American Immigration Lawyers AssociationMember
2008 - Present
Citizens Against TraffickingCo-founder
2020 - 2022
American Immigration Lawyers AssociationDiversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
2015 - 2016
American Immigration Lawyers AssociationLaw Student Liasion 2015-2016
2014 - 2017
Human Rights CampaignMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Won
Won
Appeal won, case remanded
Appeal won, case remanded
Client received green card
Education
2012
JD - Juris Doctor
2009
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2017
LGBT Asylum
2016
Feminism and the Law
2016
Immigration
2016
LGBT Asylum
2015
Sex Trafficking
2014
Poverty is a Pimp
2010
Sex Trafficking in Rhode Island
2010
Prostitution and Sex Trafficking in Rhode Island
2008
Legal and Local issues
Publications
2017
2015
2015
2014
2013
2011
2010
2009
2009
Languages
Spanish
English
Portuguese
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
most asylum seekers filed before 2020 with no crime have been facing dismissal or termination in court with no hearing?
05 May 2024
When asylum filed with court, there is a clock to check the amount of day in. how do you check if filed on paper? there is no
09 May 2024
Can I travel with travel document while my tps is pending for renewal?
09 May 2024