NIW to lawful permanent residency to US citizenship!
Lisa is a truly dependable competent immigration attorney. We asked her to represent us in a petition for NIW. She not only submitted all the paperwork efficiently, but also monitored the progress. She has been proactive in communicating to INS, now known as USCIS, to initiate critical steps in the process. We also ask her to continue the petition for US citizenship, including my mother's case. We consider her to be our family immigration attorney!
We handle individual, family- and employment- based immigration. We also provide legal advice on global migration. Experienced in I-9 and employer verification compliance. Frequent speaker on immigration topics.
34+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN IMMIGRATION LAW, PROVIDING HOPE AND HELP IN THESE CHALLENGING TIMESWORKING IN IMMIGRATION LAW SINCE 1981, A LAW PROFESSOR, AND SELECTED TO BE AN IMMIGRATION JUDGE
I am the daughter of immigrants and the first member of my family to graduate from high school. I was selected by Attorney General Janet Reno to become an Immigration Judge in the Executive Office for Immigration Review. I currently teach Immigration Law at Case Western Reserve University School of Law. I have decades of experience in immigration and nationality law. The breadth of my experience is extensive, from employment-based cases for multinational corporations to immigrant petitions for individuals.
I am proud to be among the 5% of women lawyers included in the Inaugural edition of Martindale-Hubbell® Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers™. Fewer than five percent of women lawyers received the AV® Preeminent™rating, which utilizes a rigorous peer rating system, and is given only to those lawyers who demonstrate the highest legal and ethical standards. I was awarded this rating after eleven years of practicing law and I have maintained this rating since then.
A long-standing member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), I have served in several leadership capacities, and as an elected Chair of the Greater Chicago Chapter. In addition, I was selected to serve as Chair of the Immigration and Nationality Section of the Chicago Bar Association. Solicited for my knowledge in all aspects of immigration law, I have appeared on such local television shows as Chicago Tonight and the Law Channel, and have been interviewed by National Public Radio, the Chicago Tribune, and other media outlets. I am a frequent speaker at various venues.
After my graduation from Vassar College, which was funded by federal government grants and a scholarship, I worked with Austin T. Fragomen, Jr. who encouraged me to become a lawyer. I received my law degree from Case Western University School of Law. I worked under the tutelage of Austin T. Fragomen of Fragomen, Del Rey & Bernsen, which set the stage for my career in immigration law.
I became avidly interested in childhood education and was certified as a Pre-Primary Directress by the American Montessori Society. I am the very proud mother of a graduate of the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland. I have two adopted dogs and a rescued cat.Â
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
NIW to lawful permanent residency to US citizenship!
Lisa is a truly dependable competent immigration attorney. We asked her to represent us in a petition for NIW. She not only submitted all the paperwork efficiently, but also monitored the progress. She has been proactive in communicating to INS, now known as USCIS, to initiate critical steps in the process. We also ask her to continue the petition for US citizenship, including my mother's case. We consider her to be our family immigration attorney!
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Response from Lisa ScottAugust 5, 2016
Thank you Stephen. I am so grateful that you continue to refer your family, colleagues, and friends to me. I appreciated your continued confidence in my firm.
Posted by Yan | August 4, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Quick reply !
I got a question that other lawyers asked for the consultation fee. My friend highly recommend lisa. I ask the question and she answered right away!
Response from Lisa ScottAugust 5, 2016
Yan,
Your question was not specific to your application so it was a question that could be quickly answered. I am glad I could help.
Posted by Fatima | March 13, 2022
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Immigration consult
Just wanted to say thank you to Lisa Scott with her good information hopefully we are able to find a solution to our current situation. Consult was free and she was very kind and listened closely to our needs.
Posted by Vanessa | December 16, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I was a tourist who become an US citizen
My name is Vanessa, I’m 27 years old and I’m from Colombia. I contacted Lisa on August 2021, she lives in Chicago and my case was from NYC but despite this she took the case. 6 years ago I decided to gave up on my green card because I wanted to study my career in Colombia, I just finished my career and now I wanted to live in the US with my family that have been living here for more than 20 years. I said to Lisa that I need a way to stay in the country without breaking the law, the same day I showed her my case and all my records she said to me YOU ARE ALREADY AN US CITIZEN. At that moment I don’t hesitate and I hired her to represent my case. At first I couldn’t understand why she said such a thing but she was explaining to me that because I entered to the country before my 18th birthday and my mom was already a US citizen at that time I qualify for a citizenship automatically, I don’t even need the green card that emigration gave me when I was 17. She said to me you will have your citizenship before February 2022. I have to say that I was in the country as a tourist and I had to leave the country before February. Since she took my case she asked me for some legal papers from my parents and from me as well, she filled up a form applying for a US passport for me and sent my whole folder with all the papers she asked me to NYC and I presented it to the post office on November 9th 2021. On December 15th my US passport arrived without any issues and now I’m a US citizen. Lisa did a great job, she has a such big and generous heart, she worked in my case even on Sundays. She is the best lawyer I have ever met. My case seemed so complicated but she solved it in less than 4 months. Thank you Lisa, I have no words, you did an excellent work!
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Posted by Ashley | June 27, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
TN Visa
I was so fortunate to have been recommended Lisa through the International Affairs department at my school. After graduating and completing OPT, Lisa assisted me with the TN visa process (which was later approved). Throughout the process she was so easy work with (personable, organized, easy to get in touch with) and extremely knowledgable. I am now in the process of obtaining a green card and have been seeking her advice once again.
I would 100% recommend Lisa to anyone seeking assistance with immigration.
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Posted by Dominika | April 4, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
I highly recommend services of Lisa.
She and everyone at her office did an incredible job with our case which had a positive outcome. She was always on top of things.
Lisa went above and beyond during our long process and did everything she could to ensure a successful outcome.
Me and my husband could not be happier and more grateful.
Thanks for helping us! Dominika
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Response from Lisa ScottAugust 26, 2021
Thank you for the kind words. I am fortunate that, even after 35+ years of working in immigration, I still love my work. Of course, it is even better when the outcome is successful.
Posted by anonymous | January 22, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
With Lisa you’re in safe hands!
Today my husband and I got the Green cards. Lisa Scott, we are so grateful to you! Three years ago I was searching for an immigrant lawyer in the Internet. I sent 10 emails to different attorneys, but only Lisa responded. Now I understand, it was destiny. I’ve trusted her from the first call. She told us about all options we can have in our case and recommend the best. We organized the company and in a year submitted the first I -140 application, then in 10 months the next DS-260. The NVC didn’t have any questions remarks, neither the consular in the Embassy. When the officers saw the thickness of the case (270 pages), they understood how serious is the attorney working with this case. Our case was not easy because of the differences in USA and Ukrainian law. I recommend all future immigrants from all former USSR countries Lisa, because she understands all that futures in law in your countries. She will help you to adjust your country documents to USA standards. Believe me, it’s important while you get to your papers done. And the last, but not the least, Lisa is intelligent, responsible and just a nice person. You are in safe hands with Lisa Scott.
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Response from Lisa ScottAugust 26, 2021
Thank you for these kind words. I admit that this was a challenging case but I still had fun with it. For me, after 35+ years working in immigration, I admit that challenging cases are what keeps me interested in working in this field. I like to create compelling applications and I enjoy the challenges of figuring out how to make a case the strongest it can be.
Thank you for your trust and confidence.
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Posted by Mahmoud | January 14, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exceptional immigration attorney
Lisa and her team were very knowledgeable, supportive and very responsive throughout the entire process. she made the process very simple and convenient, she did all the paper work for me and I didn't need to worry about a thing!
I highly recommend Lisa Scott for all immigration matters.
Posted by Oleksandra | January 8, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
You are in safe hands with Lisa Scott!
Today my husband and I got our green cards! Lisa Scott, we are so grateful to you!
Three years ago I was searching for an immigrant lawyer in the Internet. I sent 10 emails to different attorneys, but only Lisa responded. Now I understand, it was destiny. I’ve trusted her from the first call. She told us about all options we can have in our case and recommend the best. We organized the company and in a year submitted the first I -140 application, then in 10 months the next DS-260. The NVC didn’t have any questions remarks, neither the consular in the Embassy. When the officers saw the thickness of the case (270 pages), they understood how serious is the attorney working with this case.
Our case was not easy because of the differences in USA and Ukrainian law. I recommend all future immigrants from all former USSR countries Lisa, because she understands all that futures in law in your countries. She will help you to adjust your country documents to USA standards. Believe me, it’s important while you get to your papers done.
And the last, but not the least, Lisa is intelligent, responsible and just a nice person. You are in safe hands with Lisa Scott.
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Response from Lisa ScottJanuary 15, 2020
Everyone in my office agrees that it was a pleasure working with you and your family, Sasha. We are so happy that you trusted us to help you move to the U.S. We can't wait to meet you in person.
Lisa
Posted by Olga & Lukasz | September 28, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best immigration attorney
Lisa is an exceptional attorney; knowledgeable, trustworthy and extremely dedicated to her clients. She helped me obtain employer based green card and few months later she completed my husband’s following to join application, so he got his green card as well. There was no email that Lisa would not respond to or question that she would not know answer to. At every step of the process, we were confident that our case is in the best hands possible. In addition, she is supported by a wonderful team who was helpful and responsive to our questions and concerns. Highly recommended.
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Response from Lisa ScottOctober 30, 2019
Olga and Lukasz, I am really happy that we were successful in getting you your permanent residence. After 33 years of practicing immigration law, I still jump up and down in the office when I see the email that indicates that the permanent residence was approved. I am glad to hear that you had confidence and trust in us, that is so important to a good working attorney-client relationship. I think the team is really wonderful, I look forward to coming to the office every day.
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Posted by Ba | September 18, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Lisa Scott
She is amazing lawyer . She works with all her heart than money . She helped my family won the case for asylum . We really love her and appreciate what she did . Amazing lawyer .
Response from Lisa ScottJanuary 15, 2020
Ba,
Thank you for the very kind words. I am so happy for you and your family. As a lawyer, I enjoy the challenges that asylum cases present.
Lisa
Posted by Amanda | July 24, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Three Year Management Consultant TN Visa
Working with Lisa and her team gave me the peace of mind to feel fully prepared to cross through immigration from Canada into the USA. During our initial conversation, I had immediate confidence in Lisa's extensive knowledge surrounding the temporary employment visa process. Lisa and her team were readily available to answer any and all questions, and were able to efficiently complete all of the proper documentation. I could not be happier with the end result; approval for a three year temporary work visa, "Management Consultant".
Thank you, Lisa!
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Response from Lisa ScottAugust 26, 2021
This case had certain challenges that made it interesting to work on. Thank you for your trust and confidence.
Posted by Wael | May 15, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Honest and Ethical
My wife and I went to Lisa after reading the reviews online. From our first encounter we could tell she was honest and very ethical and that was important to us. We didn't want to work with someone who just wanted to get paid, we wanted someone who believed in what they were doing. There were moments when we felt that things were not communicated properly and had to re-submit paperwork, but it was when we were working with someone else in her office not directly with her. When we voiced our concerns to Lisa she rectified the situation to ensure our case was handled correctly and we didn't have to go through more stress than we were already going through. Lisa was always available to answer our questions through email, even on weekends. When we had to meet with her she would work with us to ensure that it worked with our schedule. She even worked on our case and answered questions when she was not feeling well, with the same energy and dedication. She understood that our file was not just papers to check off a list but pieces of our life, a life which we were trying to ensure we could continue sharing together. Thanks to her hard work I am now a resident and my wife and I can breathe a little easier. I know I still have a few years before I can be a citizen but I know who I can reach out to during this process.
I would recommend her to anyone. Thank you Lisa for everything.
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Response from Lisa ScottOctober 30, 2019
Thank you, Wael, for trusting us and for having confidence in us even when things went a bit awry. I look forward to working with you in the future.
Lisa
Posted by Nathan | April 25, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
life changing experience
Lisa and her team helped us with a family member's green card application. The situation was a little bit complicated in our mind hence there was much anticipated anxiety from our part, but Lisa was so calm throughout the process and really made us feel as relaxed as possible. Lisa and her team walked us through all the steps and provided continuous help throughout the process (over a year). During this long waiting period, she never made me feel like she had forgotten about us, and really created a personal connection that made us believe she not only cared about the case, but really cared about us as individuals, as a family. That's something we have never felt with other immigration lawyers in the past (we have had few experiences). Overall i'd like to thank Lisa and her team for the wonderful job they had done, they are really changing lives one by one and making this a better world. You are in good hands with Lisa and her team.
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Response from Lisa ScottOctober 30, 2019
Nathan,
I hope you are well. As I tell me almost 23 year old daughter, if you love what you do, it makes life so much more enjoyable. I am so glad that I am able, at age 60, to continue to do this work. I do feel like I am helping to change lives. I am blessed to have been able to do this work since 1981.
Posted by Philip | April 19, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very Professional and Commited
I worked with Lisa on my NIW application and she was great! Always responded promptly to mails, keeping you in the loop along the process. I highly recommend Lisa!
Response from Lisa ScottOctober 30, 2019
Philip,
I learned a lot about your field while working on your national interest waiver petition. It was interesting to learn about the field. I am super excited that the petition was approved.
Lisa
Posted by Pooja and jigar | April 19, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great immigration lawyer!!! Very easy to talk to!!
Lisa was amazing! She did an excellent job with our application and we got our green card!!! She is very easy to talk to and very caring!!! Highly recommend !!!
Posted by Sebastien M | April 3, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
NIW approved - Lisa Scott is an incredible lawyer
In these difficult times for immigration, Lisa has been absolutely wonderful. She is extremely knowledgeable and has explained every step of the way very well. My NIW was recently approved. Great job!
Response from Lisa ScottOctober 30, 2019
Sebastien.
Every time I read an article about your field of work, I think of you. I learned so much about your field of work/research while working on your national interest waiver petition. It is one of the reasons I like working with national interest waiver petitions, I learn so much.
Lisa
Posted by Charlotte Centlivre | February 14, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fantastic very helpful lawyer
Lisa and her team were very knowledgeable and helpful throughout the process. They were always on hand and prompt to return any queries. She clearly has a passion for her field of work and I would highly recommend her services. Thank you for your help.
Response from Lisa ScottOctober 30, 2019
Thank you for recognizing the passion I have for this work, Charlotte. I have been worked in this field since 1981 and I continue to enjoy helping whenever I am able.
Lisa
Posted by Tristan | January 31, 2019
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Kind, courteous and fantastic service
Lisa has been fantastic! We found ourselves in a difficult situation with me in the US for my job and my wife and new born daughter back in Australia awaiting visa approvals with the delays causing significant stress on our family. Lisa understood our situation straight away, understood the urgency of getting this sorted quickly to get our family back together and found the solution all within a matter of days. Highly recommend her for legal issues surrounding immigration law.
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Response from Lisa ScottFebruary 11, 2019
Tristan,
I am so glad that I was able to help. I hope your family is now situated in the U.S.
Lisa
Posted by Manojkumar | January 30, 2019
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Highly Recommended
I know Lisa for the past 2 years. I met her initially in my University (UIUC) for a Immigration info session. A huge shout out to her as she makes an effort every year to travel and educate us with the Immigration process for International students. Lisa was very knowledge and precise. She has been kind and helpful since then. I have consulted Lisa for international travel options on OPT without a job offer and a number of times regarding my H1B petition from F1. It amazes me how she can respond at such a faster phase (almost instant) with a clear response and all possible options for the situation. I would highly recommend Lisa if you have any doubts with the US Immigration process!
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Response from Lisa ScottFebruary 11, 2019
Thank you for the kind words. I really like the time I get to spend with international students. I have been holding these kind of informative sessions at several universities (UIUC, DePaul, University of Toledo, Loyola, University of Illinois (UIC), UChicago Booth School of Business, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, going back to the 1990s. I think it is really important for students to create a strategy outlining immigration options as early as possible.
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Immigration Attorney | Feb 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I am a colleague of Lisa Scott's, and I have benefited greatly from her extensive experience and her willingness to share her insights and knowledge with others. She is generous with her time, and she is clearly dedicated to her work. She has many years of experience as well as the ability to think creatively and strategically. I highly value her advice and appreciate her expertise."
Immigration Attorney | Feb 07
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with her on a variety of cases. She is knowledgeable, inciteful and a very professional person. Her knowledge of the law is excellent and she is a wonderful advocate for her clientele. She truly goes the extra mile to make sure that her cases are successful. I cannot say enough good things about her abilities, practice and treatment of her cases."
Immigration Attorney | Feb 07
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I have known Lisa by reputation for many years, and was pleased when she agreed to help me with a delicate matter involving a family member. After the experience, I see why Lisa's clients love her. She is clearly a very knowledgeable and experienced attorney, but just as importantly she cares about her clients and advises them accordingly. Lisa actually took time to assist me while she was recovering from surgery. She is a truly dedicated professional and the champion every client hopes to find when in need of legal representation."
Immigration Attorney | Oct 03
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I have worked with and consulted with Lisa on numerous cases. She has many years of experience and has handled every type of case imaginable. She is a zealous advocate for each and every client. I without reservation endorse her."
Immigration Attorney | Jun 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Attorney Scott's wealth of knowledge and tenacity on behalf of her clients is both admirable and a rarity. She is a teacher and student of the industry, always striving for the best outcome for her clients. She is my go-to resource for complex immigration related issues, and she should be yours, too!"
Immigration Attorney | Jun 19
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I have worked with Lisa on a number of different immigration matters and she is without a doubt one of the most professional and knowledgeable attorneys I have ever dealt with."
Immigration Attorney | Dec 11
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"Lisa is expert in the field of immigration. She is truly a mentor and role model to other immigration attorneys. She is extremely passionate for her work and it shows. She is knowledgable about the law and has the intellectual curiosity to look outside the box. I highly recommend Lisa Scott for any immigration matter."
Immigration Attorney | Sep 19
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Lisa is an expert when it comes to immigration. She always knows what the answer is, how to find it, and what the real issues are.
I am always impressed when we speak, and it's clear she has decades of immigration experience."
Immigration Attorney | Jul 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I worked with Lisa Scott on developing a legal ethics presentation on what to do when there is a conflict of interest between parties that an immigration lawyer is respresenting simultaneously (dual representation). She has a terrific ability to recognize legal issues. She is a trustworthy, experienced and clever lawyer."