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Dr. Tamara Relis

Immigration Attorney at New York, NY

5.0   93 reviews

also known as RelisLaw


Licensed for 7 years

Free consultation

About Dr. Tamara

Learn Dr. Tamara’s areas of practice.

LAWYER SINCE 1998. WON TOP 5% APPLICATION AWARDS, AUTHOR, PAST US PROFESSOR, EXCELLENCE & COMPASSION

Dr. Tamara Relis is a Visa and Immigration attorney. She has been a lawyer since 1998 and has repeatedly won awards for producing strategic applications involving legal research in the top 5% of hundreds of others submitted. She has represented over 100 cases in courts as a trial lawyer (barrister/litigation), and has worked as a US Law Professor of Evidence, Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, as well as a postdoctoral legal fellow at Columbia Law School and London School of Economics.

 

She is the author of Clients' Perceptions in Litigation and Mediation (Cambridge University Press 2009, 2011), which focuses on how lawyers and the legal system must improve to meet clients' needs, and The Purchase of Human Rights (Oxford University Press, 2017, forthcoming). 

     

At RelisLaw PLLC, we do things differently. Your situation and your needs are our prime focus, to provide you with a most positive experience in the processing of your case. Your case will be vigorously and meticulously pursued through every available avenue to enable you to enjoy the vast array of opportunities USA and North America have to offer.

We assist clients, their businesses and their families located around the world, in all areas relating to visiting, working, performing, doing business, investing, claiming asylum, fighting removal, or immigrating to USA or Canada.

In working with Dr. Tamara Relis and her team, you will receive not only excellence and integrity in the quality of your representation, but highly personalized, compassionate service from a team who are committed to you, your business and your loved ones.

 

We take on only a limited number of new clients each month to enable us to care for you as part of our family, for your current visa process as well as for all of your legal needs thereafter. You will have a long-lasting relationship with us throughout your journey, with a team that truly cares about you and your life. 

Licensed for 7 years
State NY
Status Currently Registered
Acquired 2016
Updated 11/17/2022

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Dr. Tamara

RelisLaw PLLC
43 West 43 Street, Suite 135
New York, NY, 10036

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  93 customer reviews
5 Star
 
99%
4 Star
 
1%
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Posted by jean philippe Grange | August 17, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Immigration visa
Today for USA, I will only use her services for US Immigration, no doubt! Tamara, is a great professional and she explains to you the things clearly and precisely. She performs as nobody in the US Visa field. Moreover, she has a great heart. She knows how to advise you in order to build the right decision for your case and to protect you. Sincerely I have been impressed by the quality of her work and her result. It's obvious, she is a master Lawyer for US Visa. Tamara thank you for every thing. I will never forget; you won my heart for ever.
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Posted by LanAnh Truc Le | August 2, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Above & beyond a consultation
I have talked to several lawyers before consulting Tamara and with great clarity, she gave me the most realistic consultation. When my documents are getting more proving, I'll definitely consider her as my lawyer. Based just on our brief talk, I believe Tamara is a fierce, hard-working attorney who would do anything in her capacity to make sure the success of your case. Without a client-attorney relationship established, Tamara with no hesitation has already given to me her best advice to improve my situation. This is giving me great motivation and targets to work for, putting down disappointment of my current status. If she is keeping this enthusiasm to every of her clients, I don't know the next time we talk, she still has time for my case. :)
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Posted by anonymous | July 26, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Help
I have had a great experience with RelisLaw, the firm which is helping me with the American naturalization process. The RelisLaw team treated me respectfully, and showed sympathy as I navigated the complexities of the application process. Coby was especially caring about my situation and immensely helpful, keeping in close touch with me. RelisLaw provided clear, comprehensible steps to follow, first-rate advice, and demonstrated their expert knowledge of immigrations laws. The quality of the firm’s service is very high, and the team there makes the experience truly manageable and easier to handle.
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Posted by Stokely | April 22, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great attorney and staff
The team was great and when the time came Attorney Relis worked diligently even after hours to make sure all loose ends were covered to ensure the best result possible which was successful! Thank you Relis Law
Posted by anonymous | March 16, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very good
I have had a very positive experience with RelisLaw. Despite my case being somewhat complex, they were able to handle it very well. I find them to be very professional and direct to the point. This made me feel confident and relieved. Additionally, they provided me with useful advice and they really showed me that they know what they're experts when it comes to complex immigration issues.
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Posted by Mitali | March 9, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly recommend
Dr. Tamara and her team are very knowledgeable! They worked with me every step of the way until the GC was approved. We had some challenges to start with but the Dr. Tamara's expertise was handy in resolving the issues promptly.
Posted by Carlos | January 13, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing, amazing, just amazing
Working with Dr. Relis and her team was such an amazing experience. Dr. Relis was always attentive to detail and was emotionally invested in our case. We were treated like human beings and not just clients. My wife and I felt a personal connection the moment we had a consultation with her, and we were excited to work with her after our first meeting. Dr. Relis showed deep knowledge of the ever-changing laws in the US and helped us understand caveats and important aspects of laws that were impactful in our case. She gave us great advice for our interview with the USCIS when we took her training and her thoroughness helped us provide a solid and truthful case. Her team was available always and promptly responded to our communications and questions. I am thankful to have worked with RelisLaw because they made such a stressful process very easy. We will always be thankful of their time and dedication to our case.
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Posted by Rachel | September 28, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
N400
RelisLaw helped me through the naturalization process and everything went smoothly. I made a great connection with Dr. Relis and she really cared about my particular situation. Would highly recommend!
Posted by anonymous | September 9, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great experience!
Relis and her team helped my husband and I navigate through the I-130 process, and the 601 Waiver since I am a DACA recipient. After our first meeting with Dr. Relis, we wanted to work with her because she explained the process to us and answered all of our questions. She told us about similar cases to ours and how they had positive results therefore she was certain our case would be no different. Her team made the process manageable, gathering all the evidence and letters would have been stressful without Relis and her team. The paralegal that worked with us, Marie, was helpful and responsive to our emails. Marie made sure we were on track and answered any questions we had. Overall, it was a great experience working with Relis and her team. I look forward to working with them in the future.
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Posted by Mamun Abdullah | September 8, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent
Excellent service I have received from Relis Law PLLC. Dr. Tamara Relis and her great team have done wonderful job with my immigration matters. They have picked up all the relevant and essential information very efficiently. They have prepared my file with maximum effort and punctuality. I’m highly satisfied with their service.
Posted by Mark | August 27, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Work with this team
The RelisLaw team held our hands every step of the way. From meeting with the team in person to phone calls and even to each email, they were professional in every instance. Dr. Relis provided us with the most up to date information with regards to the aspects of the law and laid out a great and affordable plan. Work with this team if you want results!
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Posted by Wendy N | August 26, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Immigration Lawyer in New York
My experience with Dr Tamara Relis and her team has been great. Dr Relis was very clear about the laws and what to expect throughout my case. The team has patiently answered every question I have and kept me updated with my case. I definitely recommend Relis Law.
Posted by Miguel | August 20, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent job
I couldn't ask for a better lawyer u guys did a great and awesome job,just want to thank u from the botton of my heart ,you guys are the best and I recommend you to everyone once again thank you very much
Posted by Peter | March 30, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great immigration lawyer with lots of experience
We hired Dr. Relis and her team to assist with our marriage-based green card application. We approached several law firms initially but after an initial virtual meeting with Dr. Relis, during which she took a lot of time to explain all the relevant steps and laws, we decided to proceed with RelisLaw. We felt well cared for by everyone on the team throughout the process. The document preparation was time-consuming and required a lot of back and forth, but we could not have done it without the support of the RelisLaw team. Our application is now submitted to the government and we still have a long way to go before everything is done, but we feel relieved to know that we submitted the best possible application thanks to Dr. Relis and her team. RelisLaw stands out for their knowledge and expertise, but also for their customer-centered approach. We got comprehensive and fast advise whenever we needed it, whether related to our petition or other immigration questions. We highly recommend Dr. Relis and her team without reservations.
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Posted by Ion | March 27, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best immigration lawyer in NY
Dr. Tamara Relis and her team helped us to with all the papers since we got married to get my temporary 2-years GC and recently with renewing the green card. She is professional, she truly cares about her clients success and overall we had an excellent experience. Dealing with Immigration can be stressing and scary but she assured us she will help us all the way to get it sorted. Highly recommend for anyone that needs immigration support.
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Posted by Ahmad | March 11, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Adjustment of status based on marriage
Dr. Tamara and her team did a great job and we got the results we were expecting. Her whole team is very professional and easy to communicate. Their service is worth the money. Would definitely recommend!!!
Posted by Jake | February 12, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent immigration lawyer!
My husband and I had an excellent experience working with Dr. Relis and her team. She met with us via Skype or phone call any time that we needed clarification on our case. She was very knowledgeable about the laws pertaining to our situation and the procedures that we would have to follow. She clearly explained all of the steps we would have to go through and helped us gather the necessary evidence to win our 601-A waiver. We are so grateful to have found Dr. Relis and her team. We highly recommend her to anybody who needs legal help with an immigration case!
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Posted by Mary | February 10, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Marriage interview preparation
Dr. Tamara assisted us in our marriage interview preparations, we had 2 over the phone coaching sessions with her. She prepared us on what's to be expected during our interview and even how to act. We were initially uncertain about how to put together our vast evidences and she pointed us in the right direction so much so, we got complimented by our interview officer on how thorough and well organized we were. All in all the interview was a huge success.
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Posted by Charles | January 27, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
C Greenwald
I had a good experience with Dr. Relis (we are still in the middle of our paperwork/process but it seems to be going smoothly). You get what you pay for: quality service, attentiveness, and a steady, guiding hand through the treacherous legal world. Covid-19 has made nothing easy, but our collaboration with them has not felt difficult.
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Posted by anonymous | December 18, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
professionalism
I have never needed a lawyer so it was hard getting one and I didn't known how to go about it. But having Relislaw by my side through this period has helped relieve some of the stress that comes with immigration cases.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 15 minutes
Payment methods
Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Owner
  • RelisLaw PLLC
  • 2016 - Present
  • Research Fellow
  • London School of Economics
  • 2015 - Present
  • Trial Lawyer
  • Licensed Practice for the Bar Counsel
  • 2002 - Present
  • Attorney, Solicitor
  • Licensed To Practice In England & Wales
  • 1998 - Present
  • Visiting Researcher
  • New York University School Of Law
  • 2012 - 2013
  • Visiting Research Fellow
  • London School of Economics, Law Dept
  • 2009 - 2013
  • Asst. Professor of Law
  • Touro Law Center, New York
  • 2009 - 2014
  • British Academy Postdoctoral Research Fellow
  • London School of Economics, Law Department
  • 2006 - 2009
  • Legal Research Fellow
  • London School of Economics, Law Dept
  • 2005 - 2015
  • Postdoctoral Legal Fellow
  • Columbia University Law School
  • 2005 - 2009
  • ESRC Postdoctoral Research Fellow
  • London School of Economics, Law Department
  • 2005 - 2006
  • Attorney Trial Lawyer
  • Plowden Buildings Chamber, Temple, London & Clerksroom
  • 2003 - 2004
  • Pro Bono Work
  • Mary Ward Legal Center
  • 1996 - 1996
  • Attorney
  • GSC Solicitors
  • 1996 - 1998
View all work experience

Education

  • Columbia University Law School, New York
  • Postdoctoral Legal Fellow
  • 2009
  • University of Law
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice
  • 2006
  • London School of Economics and Political Science, Law Department
  • PhD - Doctorate in Law
  • 2005
  • London School of Economics and Political Science, Law Department
  • LL.M - Master of Laws
  • 1998
  • University of London
  • LL.B - Bachelor of Laws
  • 1995
View all education

Associations

  • American Immigration Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • New York City Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • New York County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • Law Society of England and Wales
  • Member
  • 1998 - 2015
  • Bar Council of England and Wales
  • Member
  • 1998 - 2015
  • Law and Society Association- Human Rights
  • Member
  • 1998 - 2015
  • Law and Society Association- CRN South Asia
  • Member
  • 1998 - 2015
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • French
  • Spanish
  • Italian
View all languages

Honors and Awards

  • Super Lawyer
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2021
  • Super Lawyer, Rising Stars
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2020
  • Rising Stars
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2019
  • Work in International Human Rights, Movement of People
  • British Academy Award
  • 2016
  • Career Development Award
  • Research Council Fund
  • 2006
  • Postdoctoral Legal Research Award for Human Rights Work
  • British Academy
  • 2006
  • Award for Work on Clients' Rights and Problems in Legal Systems
  • Economic Research Council Award
  • 2005
  • Provosts Office Seed Fund Award
  • Columbia University Law School, New York
  • 2004
  • Law Teaching Prize
  • London School of Economics, Law Dept.
  • 2003
View all awards

Publications

  • Oxford University Press
  • THE PURCHASE OF HUMAN RIGHTS: STANDARDS AND LEGAL PLURALISM IN THE GLOBAL SOUTH
  • 2017
  • Journal of Legal Pluralism and Unofficial Law
  • The Unifying Benefits of Studies in Legal Pluralism
  • 2016
  • United Nations Development Programme Press
  • CEDAW Permeation in Mahila Panchayats and Nari Adalats’ in EXPERIENCE IN ACCESS TO JUSTICE: ENGAGING WITH NON-STATE JUSTICE SYSTEMS & CONDUCTING ACCESS TO JUSTICE ASSESSMENTS
  • 2012
  • Cambridge University Press
  • PERCEPTIONS IN LITIGATION AND MEDIATION: LAWYERS, DEFENDANTS, PLAINTIFFS AND GENDERED PARTIES
  • 2011
  • Human Rights Quarterly
  • Human Rights and Southern Realities
  • 2011
  • Pittsburgh Law Review
  • “It’s Not About The Money!”: A Theory On Misconceptions Of Plaintiffs’ Litigation Aims
  • 2007
  • JAPAN ASSOCIATION OF THE SOCIOLOGY OF LAW (JASL) UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO
  • Lawyers and Clients: Disparate Conceptions of Dispute Resolution in Litigation-Linked Mediation
  • 2004
  • Kyoto University Law School Publication
  • Disparate Lay and Legal Actor Perceptions of the Meaning and Function of Mediation (translated to Japanese)
  • 2004
  • Studies in Law, Politics and Society
  • Civil Litigation from Litigants’ Perspectives: What We Know and What We Don’t Know About the Litigation Experience of Individual Litigants
  • 2002
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • University of Montreal
  • Accounting for the Permeation of Human Rights in the Himalayas
  • 2017
  • Seeking Certainty, Making Truth' Law & Social Sciences Conference
  • Thinking with Evidence
  • 2016
  • Law & Society Conference New Orleans
  • Legal Pluralism: Culture and Religion, ‘Indian Courts, Panchayats and Tibetan Justice Ideals: Comparing Conceptions of Harm, Human Rights and Non-State Laws in the Himalayas
  • 2016
  • Conference of South Asia
  • Accounting for Human Rights Abuse in South Asia
  • 2016
  • Mediate Scotland Conference
  • Keynote Speaker
  • 2015
  • Manipal University Center of Philosophy and the Indian Council for Social Science Research
  • International Conference on Non-State Legal Practices in India
  • 2015
  • Law and Society Conference Seattle
  • The Unifying Benefits of Studies in Legal Pluralism: A View from Actors in the Indian Subcontinent, Legal Pluralism and Its Contribution to the Global South/North Paradigm Panel
  • 2015
  • Constitutional Democracy
  • Law, Justice, Democracy and the Clash of Cultures
  • 2013
  • Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
  • The Future of Court Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • 2011
  • United Nations Development Programme
  • State and Non-State Justice Systems
  • 2010
  • Rutgers Law School, New York
  • Clients' and Lawyers' Perceptions in Litigation and Mediation
  • 2010
  • Cornell Law School
  • Human Rights and Violence Against Women
  • 2010
  • Fordham Law School, New York
  • Culture and Disputing Processes
  • 2009
  • McGill University
  • ‘Human Rights Abuse Paradigms: Discontinuities in Local Desires and International Law’
  • 2008
  • Yale Law School, United Nations Development Programme Conference
  • Access to Justice: Law, Policy and Institutions
  • 2006
  • Yale Law School & UNDP
  • Access to Justice: Law, Policy, Institutions
  • 2006
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (7)
Given (6)
Endorse Dr. Tamara
Unknown Attorney | Mar 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services."
Immigration Attorney | Nov 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Tamara is extremely knowledgeable in immigration law! She takes her time with every case and/or client to provide the very best counsel! If you want a lawyer who invests her best time and effort in your case, Tamara is who! I certainly endorse this lawyer."
Immigration Attorney | Jul 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Dr. Relis is an extremely courteous colleague. She is well known in the community. She works hard for her clients and provides excellent service."
Immigration Attorney | Feb 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Ms. Relis is a top-notch immigration attorney. A zealous advocate for her clients and highly respected in the legal community."
Immigration Attorney | Oct 08
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Tamara Relis is the right kind of attorney - An attorney that cares about her clients and focuses thoroughly on their cases and their needs. She is detail-oriented as well as conscientious. I recommend Dr Relis for any client that is looking for a smooth, happy and successful relationship with an attorney."
Immigration Attorney | Oct 07
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
"I endorse this lawyer.'. Tamara Relis is a very hard working attorney who will not rest until she has completed the work necessary for a case... When I asked her to cover a case for me she did an excellent job and I would recommend her for any type of work that you need. I have worked with many attorneys during my career and I don't know anyone who spends as much time preparing as Tamara. Anyone who hires Tamara Relis should feel confident that they are getting their money's worth."
Asylum Attorney | Jul 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Legal scholarship requires an special attention to detail. Dr. Rellis is a noted legal scholar and is an established authority in the fields of asylum and immigration law. I highly recommend her. Bonnie Spiro Schinagle, Esq."
View more endorsements
New York Immigration Lawyer Dr. Tamara Relis
Dr. Tamara Relis
Immigration Attorney
New York, NY
Licensed for 7 years
Free Consultation