Robert F. Ley

Robert is a child of Cambodian parents, who escaped the Cambodian genocide to safety in the U.S. as refugees. He currently serves as Managing Attorney at the Law Offices of Johanna Herrero, practicing exclusively in immigration law. Robert regularly handles affirmative and defensive immigration relief before both the USCIS and the Immigration Court. He emphasizes the firm's provisional unlawful presence waivers, waivers of inadmissibility, adjustments of status, family-based petitions, naturalization, special immigrant juvenile status, and temporary protected status. Before the Immigration Court, Robert defends respondents seeking asylum, withholding of removal, protection under the Convention Against Torture, NACARA, LPR and Non-LPR Cancellation of Removal, and other criminal waivers. He frequently assists respondents in motions to reopen, and practices at the Board of Immigration Appeals and with the First Circuit Court of Appeals for those seeking higher appellate review. Robert contributes to the legal field by actively publishing in the area of immigration law and policy. 

Because of his immigrant background, Robert enjoys getting to know his clients and understanding their stories and narratives. He states, "every immigrant has a story of how they arrived in the U.S., and why, whether it was for humanitarian reasons, for family reunification, for employment, or for even their studies and pursuit of education. Immigration law intersects with so many diverse sectors, and intersects with people of diverse backgrounds. I enjoy what I do because I assist my clients in achieving what many of us hope for - the American Dream and the opporunity to reside in one of the best places to live."

Robert came to the Law Office of Johanna Herrero with a wealth of experience in the immigration law sector. While earning his J.D. at Northeastern University School of Law, he served as Senior Staff of the Northeastern University Law Journal, and as a Teaching and Research Assistant to his professors. He served as legal intern for the U.S. Attorney's Office in the healthcare fraud unit, served as judicial intern for Judge Selya of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, as legal intern at the Boston University Civil Litigation Program on Asylum and Human Rights, and ultimately as a law clerk at a preeminent global business immigration law firm, assisting corporate professionals and executives in global transfers. 

Education

B.A., Political Science and Philosophy, Fairfield University, 2010, Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude.

J.D., Northeastern University School of Law, 2013, Senior Staff, Northeastern University Law Journal

Publications and Research

"Reviving Rights of the Undocumented Through Disparate Impact and the Fourteenth Amendment: The Problem With the FHA, Sect. 1981, and Preemption," 23 Berkeley La Raza Law Journal 35 (2013).

"Critiquing Birthright Citizenship Through the Citizen-Benefits Question and Citizenship Reductionism," 33 Buffalo Public Interest Law Journal 23 (2015).

"Understanding Your Removal Proceedings," Avvo Legal Guides (2015).

"Getting the Most Out of Your Initial Consultation," Avvo Legal Guides (2015).

"Immigration Ruled by Law," Letter to the Editor, Boston Herald (September 20, 2016). 

Author of the immigration law blog, "Jussoli," found at: 

Awards and Distinctions

Selected to Massachusetts Super Lawyers List, as a Rising Star, 2016. Only 2.5% of lawyers in the state were selected for this honor.

Recipient of 10 Best Award for Client Satisfaction 2016-2017 by the American Institute of Legal Counsel.

Selected as an Expert Network Distinguished Lawyer for 2017. This designation is based on a thorough, multi-phase national review process, and is awarded based on demonstration of superior influence, leadership, reputation, and knowledge in his or her field.

Admissions and Memberships

Robert is admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) 

American Bar Association

Massachusetts Bar Association

Boston Bar Association

Contact Information

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