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Jay S Marks

4.6
Rating: 9.6

Licensed for 34 years

Immigration Lawyer at Silver Spring, MD
Practice Areas: Immigration

836 Bonifant Street, Silver Spring, MD

About Jay

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Immigration 100%

Defending immigrants in Immigration Courts nationwide. Preparing and filing family and employment-based cases. Fighting for Asylum, TPS, DACA, and NACARA. Solving complex immigration problems, including sentence reductions and post-conviction relief in state and federal courts to protect against deportation.

35 years | 1,000 cases

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Pro bono

5 %


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in District of Columbia for 21 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 2004

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Maryland for 34 years

State: Maryland

Acquired: 1991

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Illinois for 33 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1992

Voluntarily Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Jay S. Marks, LLC

836 Bonifant Street, Silver Spring, MD, 20910

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Jay S Marks's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.6 /5.0

9 Client Reviews

5 star (8)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (1)

Posted by anonymous | October 20, 2015 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Citizenship Success

My husband and I retained Jay Marks to get my husband his green card - but we needed a hardship waiver and then had to consular process - a very scary proposition for us, because of my health, our family business, and our two little children. Jay and his staff did a fabulous job from start to finish ...- they kept us calm, informed, and were efficient. They returned our calls and were clear in their communications. When we received a request for more evidence from the Government, Jay was on it, and we won our waiver. They took the time to explain everything to us, and prepared us for the consular interview thoroughly. My husband's interview at the consulate went smoothly, and now my husband is back in the United States with his residency! I'm so happy that we chose Jay Marks as our attorney - and in three years, will be back for my husband's citizenship!!! KKA, Kensington, Maryland

Posted by Jin | October 19, 2015 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

The Last Humanist Lawyer

​My name is Jin, and I want to introduce and highly recommend my attorney Jay Marks to everyone.​ If I say one word about Jay Marks, he is "The Last humanist lawyer!" I met him about 5years ago, it was for one of my friends who was staying in the U.S illegally and got arrested for DWI. I tried to ...help her to get an immigration lawyer at that time, I kept searching online but I couldn't trust the advertisements. So I contacted my friend who is in law enforcement for a recommendation. My police friend recommended Jay Marks and said "He is a very clean lawyer!". I hired him for my friend right after I visited my police friend. I could tell Jay Marks had a lot of experience and he explained all possible scenario and he knew what to do exactly. In 2 days, she was released from immigration jail. After that I met Jay Marks again when I translated for my for my friend's case. He tried so hard in many different ways as much as possible, and she was able to stay in the U.S legally now. Through these years I have seen Jay Marks as a lawyer, he is truly honest, passionate, properly aggressive, never gives up and humanist who has warm heart. And I trust him more than any other, and I hired him for myself as well. My case was very difficult but he helped me to get my green card and now he is working for my naturalization. It is much more than satisfaction, I can not describe in words my gratitude.

Posted by Humberto Requeno | September 21, 2015 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

A Special Juvenile Immigrants

I give thanks. To God for the life of people like you and the graduated Luis C Diaz, That although other lawyers said there aren't any hope, You said there is a hope in your case, A week ago I went to your office and brought my " Green Card " with a big smile on my face, Just left to say thank you so... much lawyer Jay Marks, Now my dream of become in a Officer of The United States' Army and defense this country even at the expense of my own life, is closer!!!! thanks !!!!

Posted by Humberto Requeno | September 21, 2015 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Special Juvenile Immigrant

I give thanks. To God for the life of people like you and the graduated Luis C Diaz, That although other lawyers said there aren't any hope, You said there is a hope in your case, A week ago I went to your office and brought my " Green Card " with a big smile on my face, Just left to say thank you so... much lawyer Jay Marks, Now my dream of become in a Officer of The United States' Army and defense this country even at the expense of my own life, is closer!!!! thanks !!!!

Jay Marks

Replied last October 12, 2015

Deseandole a usted y a toda la familia muchas bendiciones y lo mejor! Y alistese para la ciudadania!!! Wishing you and your family many blessings and all the best! And get ready for citizenship!!!

Posted by Quin | February 18, 2015

"A Family Lawyer"

We were referred to Jay Marks by a friend who was aware of the on-going and lengthy immigration issues that our family was experiencing. We had gone to 3 previous lawyers and we were not getting the results that made our family feel supported. On the very first visit to Mr.. Marks office, and every s...ubsequent meeting following that, he communicated to us the knowledge and experience that made us feel confident and sure he had our best interest in mind, He not only walked us through every step of the way but he was present and involved every step along the way. We were kept informed and well--prepared of what to expect and about what to do during the process. Mr. Marks took the time (weekdays or weekends) to meet with us as a family whether that meant in person or by phone, he was very accommodating. We received telephone calls, emails, text messages, faxes, courier deliveries and all manner of communication either from him and his efficient staff to ensure we were kept in the loop. Mr. Marks got to know our story, he got to know our struggle, he got to know our family. Thus, along that long journey, to that blessed day that we were finally rewarded with the privilege of being sworn in as citizens of this great country...Mr. Marks was their to help our family

See All Client Reviews

Jay S Marks's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Jay
Somair Syed Alam headshot
Somair Alam

Immigration lawyer | Feb 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I'm pleased to endorse Jay. He is a top-notch immigration lawyer and a zealous advocate for his clients. A highly recommended attorney."

Christina A Wilkes headshot
Christina Wilkes

Immigration lawyer | May 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jay Marks is extremely knowledgeable and experienced, and he keeps abreast of developments in immigration law and practice. Jay Marks is committed to providing his clients with top-notch representation and dedicated to serving his community."

Ricky Malik headshot
Ricky Malik

Immigration lawyer | Dec 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jay is the embodiment of the tireless immigration advocate battling for his clients. I have looked up to him as a defender of immigrants from the beginning of my career. Jay is incredibly knowledgeable and always up to date on immigration law; a go to source for me and many attorneys when trying to solve complex immigration problems creatively. I am a better lawyer because of Jay. I endorse this lawyer."

Sandra V Guzman Salvado headshot
Sandra Guzman Salvado

Immigration lawyer | Dec 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse and recommend this lawyer to any individual or family facing immigration challenges. I have known Jay for over 10 years. He is a genuine, intelligent, friendly, and highly skilled immigration attorney. I refer all my immigration cases to him because I know individuals will receive outstanding service and will not be disappointed. He treats everyone that walks into his office with warmth and respect. He is simply the best immigration attorney I know."

Philip B Zipin headshot
Philip Zipin

Immigration lawyer | Dec 09

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Sharing an office with him, I have seen Jay in action on numerous occasions. No one works harder for his clients than Jay. He truly cares about his clients and their families, and provides effective and creative legal services to stop people from getting deported and otherwise keep families together. Jay is as fine a person and a lawyer as you will meet."

Jonathan L Katz headshot
Jonathan Katz

Immigration lawyer | Dec 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jay is my former law partner of ten years, having first met him in 1969 (at the age of six) before attending public school together. Jay is at once a great lawyer, a teddy bear, and a relentless sharpshooter. His smile is heartwarming and genuine, and his passion for justice leads him to fight to his best ability. I have repeatedly turned to Jay for his insight on the potentially adverse immigration consequences to my criminal clients. I continue referring him clients now over five years after we started our own law firms. Jay's Spanish is impeccable. He continues to run on the steam of passion for his clients' causes. You have served yourself well when you have hired Jay as your lawyer."

Rachel S Ullman headshot
Rachel Ullman

Immigration lawyer | Dec 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is a wonderful, caring person and also happens to be a terrific immigration attorney. I have known Jay for many years. I give him my highest endorsement."

Adam Seth Frank headshot
Adam Frank

Immigration lawyer | Dec 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jay is extremely knowledgable about immigration law, especially in regards to Immigration Court and the consequences of criminal actions. I have referred many cases to him and would not hesitate to do so in the future."

Sheila Therese Starkey Hahn headshot
Sheila Hahn

Immigration lawyer | Jun 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jay Marks embodies the reason attorneys go into immigration law: he zealously pursues the rights of immigrants before the immigration court on a regular basis and is the rare attorney who is extremely knowledgeable regarding criminal immigration matters. Jay shares his vast knowledge with the greater community by hosting a weekly radio show. He is bilingual in English and Spanish and merits the dual title of gentleman and attorney."

View All Endorsements
Brian J Gillette headshot
Brian Gillette

Personal injury lawyer

Christina A Wilkes headshot
Christina Wilkes

Immigration lawyer

Ricky Malik headshot
Ricky Malik

Immigration lawyer

Philip B Zipin headshot
Philip Zipin

Employment and labor lawyer

Jonathan L Katz headshot
Jonathan Katz

Criminal defense lawyer

Rachel S Ullman headshot
Rachel Ullman

Immigration lawyer

Sheila Therese Starkey Hahn headshot
Sheila Hahn

Immigration lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.6 (Superb)

Honors

2015

Best Lawyer, Washingtonian Magazine

2013

Best Lawyers, Washingtonian Magazine

Work Experience

2011 - Present

Founder, Law Offices of Jay S. Marks, LLC

2009 - 2011

Partner, Marks Calderon Derwin & Racine, PLC

2008 - 2009

Founder, Law Offices of Jay S. Marks

1998 - 2008

Partner, Marks & Katz, LLC

Associations

2011 - Present

National Lawyers Guild, National Immigration Project

Member

2000 - Present

CAIR Coalition

Member

2000 - Present

Civil Justice Network

Member

1998 - Present

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Amos v. Lynch

Petition for Review Granted; Removal Order Vacated.

State v. Roxana Benavides

Petition for Coram Nobus Granted

See More Legal Cases

Education

1991

American University, Washington College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1988

University of Chicago

MA - Masters

1984

American University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2014

Spring Seminar on Immigration Consequences of Criminal Convictions

Adjunct Faculty, Law School Course: Crimmigration

2014

AILA DC Fall 2014 Conference

Adjustment of EWI's

2013

Immigration Law and Maryland Courts

Immigration Consequences of Criminal Convictions

2010

Virginia Public Defenders Annual Conference

Immigration Consequences of Criminal Convictions

Publications

2015

United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit Amos v. Lynch

Languages

Spanish

Portuguese

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution