Brian Christopher Schmitt

PRO

Brian Christopher Schmitt

4.9
Rating: 8.8

Licensed for 16 years

Immigration Lawyer at Westminster, MD
Practice Areas: Immigration, Military Law

2 Locust Lane, Westminster, MD

Virtual Consultation Available

About Brian

Biography

U.S. immigration law with concentration on J-1 waivers.

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Immigration 90%

J-1 Hardship and Persecution Waivers.

15 years

90%
Military Law 10%

Reservist Judge Advocate.

15 years

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2013

Licenses

Licensed in Maryland for 14 years

State: Maryland

Acquired: 2011

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Michigan for 16 years

State: Michigan

Acquired: 2009

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Hake & Schmitt

2 Locust Lane, Westminster, MD, 21157

hakeandschmitt.com/

Brian Christopher Schmitt's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

14 Client Reviews

5 star (13) 4 star (1)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Eric | March 15, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Highly recommended immigration lawyer

We originally were working with other attorneys who mentioned that Mr. Schmitt’s firm was foremost in J1 visa waiver issues. We scheduled a consult and discussed our case with Mr. Schmitt. It was clear that he was an expect in the field. We decided to retain his services where others were unable... to help, and he aided us with our case to obtain a J1 visa waiver. He was extremely professional and a pleasure to work with. His guidance and caring developed our client/attorney trust even though the case was handled remotely, and we eventually decided to continue to work with him for adjustment of status after securing the waiver. Throughout the cases, he was extremely responsive and patient. We highly recommend Mr. Schmitt without reservations.

Posted by Hilde | February 18, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent lawyer. Saved my life with my J1 visa waiver.

When the need arose for me to file for a waiver, Brian came highly recommended by two immigration attorneys in the Atlanta area. From our very first meeting, Brian was solicitous, sincere, and took the time to carefully and thoroughly explain every nuance of the process. It quickly became evident tha...t his vast knowledge and experience has made him an expert in his field. Our anxiety throughout the process was always alleviated by Brian and his team’s candidness, efficiency, and detailed communication; they always responded to our communications quickly and made themselves available to clarify any concerns. Throughout one of the most stressful situations I have found myself in, Brian was the advocate and champion we all hope to have on our side during such times. I would highly recommend Brian and his team to anyone seeking representation during the immigration process. You can trust with certainty in his experience and integrity.

Posted by anonymous | February 16, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

The best for J-1 waivers!

I had a relatively complicated J-1 persecution waiver case. I contacted multiple lawyers who specialize in J-1 waivers. They either discouraged me from pursuing the case or didn't demonstrate sufficient knowledge in this area of immigration law. From our initial conversation, Brian was extremely prof...essional and encouraging and, most importantly, knowledgeable on the subject. He felt that I had a strong case and, surely enough, I eventually got the waiver. Throughout the process, Brian was responsive and prompt. Even though I never met him in-person, I felt that I could trust his judgement and advice. I can't recommend him enough if you are looking for a lawyer who is truly an expert on J-1 matters, and has your best interest at heart.

Posted by David and Karina | December 12, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent Lawyer

If you need a J1 visa waiver, Brian is the right person to help you. He is very knowledgeable and professional. He never took more than a few hours to answer our questions. We are glad he was our lawyer during the process. We highly recommend him.

Posted by anonymous | June 25, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent J1 waiver Lawyer in the country

Brian is a professional and communicative J1 waiver attorney. Before I met him, I had consulted with some immigration lawyers and so many of them didn't know what a J1 waiver is. I did my research and I found out about Brian and Schmitt. Immediately as I talked with him on the phone, I had hope. Bri...an did my J1 waiver effectively with a enough evidences, argued my case logically and was always prompt in replying to my emails. I never met him in person but I had confidence in his trustworthiness. Every document and payments I made were through mailing and he was forthcoming with me through out the 1 year I waited for my J1 waiver approval. Fortunately, my J1 two years residence was waived, thanks to God, and in all, thanks Brian for the waiver favorable recommendation and USCIS final approval.

See All Client Reviews

Brian Christopher Schmitt's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Brian
Brian M Maul headshot
Brian Maul

Immigration lawyer | Jan 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Brian Schmitt is an excellent immigration/military law attorney. Whenever I have an immigration-related question or issue in a litigation case of mine, the first person I call to get an answer is Brian. His extensive knowledge and expertise in his field, coupled with his ability to express such knowledge in easy-to-understand language, makes him a superb choice for anyone looking for a highly-skilled immigration/military law lawyer."

John M O'Brien headshot
John O'Brien

Immigration lawyer | Jun 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."

Michael P. Gerace headshot
Michael Gerace

Immigration lawyer | Sep 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Truly excellent lawyer. Well respected in the legal community."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Unknown lawyer | Mar 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."

Alexander Joseph Segal headshot
Alexander Segal

Immigration lawyer | Mar 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have followed Mr.Schmitt's answers on AVVO, in particular when it comes to J1 visa issues and i find his knowledge of the subject to be very deep,fervor admirable and enviable and understanding of the immigration law profound.I am very pleased to have an opportunity to endorse Attorney Schmitt."

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Brian M Maul headshot
Brian Maul

Litigation lawyer

Dennis Sysko headshot
Dennis Sysko

Administrative law lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.8 (Excellent)

Honors

2020

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, U.S. Army

2015

Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (Second Award), U.S. Army

2014

Army Commendation Medal (Second Award), U.S. Army

2014

Army Commendation Medal (First Award), U.S. Army

2014

Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, U.S. Army

2014

Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (First Award), U.S. Army

Work Experience

2015 - Present

Editorial Board, Bender's Immigration Bulletin a LexisNexis Publication

2012 - Present

Partner, Hake & Schmitt

2010 - Present

Associate Lawyer, Bruce A. Hake, P.C.

2009 - Present

Judge Advocate, U.S. Army JAG Corps

Associations

2012 - Present

International Medical Graduate Taskforce

Member

2012 - Present

Maryland State Bar Association

Member

2012 - Present

Maryland State Bar Association, Immigration Law Section

Member

2011 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2010 - Present

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Fabry v. Kerry 14-cv-01261-JCH (D. Conn. Sept. 2, 2014)

Victory

Matter of X-, May 12, 2014 USCIS Administrative Appeals Office

Appeal Sustained-Victory

See More Legal Cases

Education

2008

University of Detroit Mercy School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2002

Ohio State University

B.S.

Speaking Engagements

2016

Maryland State Bar Association Immigration Law Spring Conference Advanced Family-Affidavit of Support & Other Issues of Fraud, with Edward Neufville

2015

The Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School's 71st Legal Assistance Course

Military-Immigration Law Block of Instruction

2015

AILA Washington D.C. Chapter Webinar

J-1 Waiver Options and Beyond, with Jennifer Minear

2015

AILA Philadelphia Chapter Conference

J Waivers and Beyond, with Jennifer Minear and Eleanor Fitzpatrick

2014

Physician Immigration Law Institute, Advanced Issues for J-1 Physician Employers and Practitioners, November 13-14, 2014 Conrad 30 & Beyond: J-1 Waiver Options, with Ken Hoogstra, Jan Pederson, and Barry Walker

2013

Should I Stay Or Should I Go? An Overview of the New Provisional Form I-601A Waiver and the Traditional Form I-601 Waiver Introduction to Provisional & Traditional Waivers, with Laura Kelsey Rhodes and Jonelle Ocloo, May 10, 2013

2012

International Medical Graduate Taskforce bi-weekly call Judicial Review of J-1 Waiver Denials, with Devin Theriot-Orr, November 9, 2012

2012

American Immigration Lawyers Association-Federal Court Litigation Section, November 19, 2012

INA 212(e) Waiver Litigation, with Devin Theriot-Orr

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

Top Contributor

Brian earned significant contribution points in 2013.

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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