Amha Habtemariam Derres

Amha Habtemariam Derres

4.8
Rating: 7.0

Licensed for 15 years

Immigration Lawyer at Arlington, VA
Practice Areas: Immigration, Personal Injury

3033 Wilson Blvd, Suite 700, Arlington, VA

About Amha

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Immigration 95%

Immigration Law practice with special expertise in asylum, family based immigration, adjustment of status, citizenship, appeal before BIA and waivers.

14 years

95%
Personal Injury 5%

Personal injury cases with special focus on auto accidents.

5 years

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in District of Columbia for 9 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 2017

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in New York for 15 years

State: New York

Acquired: 2011

Currently Registered

No misconduct found

Location

Derres & Associates, PLLC

3033 Wilson Blvd, Suite 700, Arlington, VA, 22201

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Amha Habtemariam Derres's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

26 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (26) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | September 28, 2025 | Hired Attorney

Unmatched Expertise and Integrity in Practice

I had a very positive experience with Amha. His long-standing expertise means he knows the law and every aspect of the process extremely well, and he applies that knowledge with unparalleled sharp intelligence and honesty. What impressed me most was his ability to quickly understand complex issues an...d give clear, trustworthy advice. I truly value his integrity and insight, and I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of reliable legal support.

Posted by Samuel | September 11, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Great attorney to hire !!

Amha is an honest, hardworking, knowledgeable and very efficient lawyer. I was very lucky to have him as my lawyer in my immigration proceedings. He has a friendly approach to his clients and with the best of advice. He especially have a great understanding of our country’s situation is well prepared.... His price is very fair compared to others around while he has as much even better success results.

Posted by Almaz | March 06, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Asylum

Mrs

Amaha had been explored different options to expedite my case and finally my asylum request was granted. He is very humble person, he has good customer services and knowledgeable. I strongly recommend his services

Posted by anonymous | June 03, 2022 | Hired Attorney

TERRIBLE !

We have been with this lawyer for 6 years now. He’s very lazy he doesn’t speak professionally at all! He hardly did anything for my process I’m still waiting. He’s not sharp he doesn’t know how to communicate and tell you information anything he’s asked he’ll say “idk they didn’t tell me anything” he... does not care for his clients he’s rather money than help. Please do not go to him! Like someone said under his reviews he will leave you in the dark for AGES ! He will not fight for you or go an extra mile. Do your research, call attorneys before you hire them. Just don’t choose him please ! Don’t know how he passed law school for Christ sake

Amha Derres

Replied last May 29, 2023

I am sorry to read that you felt this way after being with our firm for six years. I remember your case and like we do with all of our pending asylum applications before USCIS, we indeed tried to expedite the case but USCIS didn't approve the expedite request. There is a long backlog of asylum applications and it is common knowledge that there are applications from 2014 and 2015 which are waiting for interviews after more than seven years long wait. We also tried our best to help you with your work authorization application by giving timely advice. We wish you success in all your future endeavors!

Posted by Tedros | March 22, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

An attorney that i highly recommend to take up your immigration-related case(s)

I am not over-stating when I say I was fortunate enough to have had Mr. Amha Derres handle my immigration case. My asylum case was not accepted first time (mostly due to miscommunication from my part and mistakes from the immigration office) and Mr. Derees advised me appropriately to re-apply. Throug...h his encouragement, expert-advice and legal-services, I was able to navigate through all the steps of the process and was able to win the case. Throughout this lengthy process Mr. Derres was not only professional and knows the nuts and bolts of the immigration system and the laws that make it work, he would always find a way to be in your shoes to understand and help you both legally and emotionally. He is always available to discuss your case and guide you through the draining and at times what it seems to feel like a hopeless journey of the asylum process. Besides, Mr Derres works through your financial situation so that you can meet your financial obligations for his legal services. His friendly and accommodating personality is something that you would definitely need as your walk through the grueling waters of the asylum process. Although I don't wish myself to go through the process for a second time, if I had to do it all over again, I would surely choose Mr. Derres to handle my case. Also, I will surely choose Mr. Derres to handle all of my future immigration process. I can guarantee, you will never be disappointed !

See All Client Reviews

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Experience

Rating:  7.0 (Very Good)

Work Experience

2012 - Present

Managing Member/Attorney, Derres and Associates PLLC

2000 - 2003

Assistant Protection Officer/Legal Advisor, United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees (Unh

Associations

2017 - Present

District of Columbia Bar

Member

2015 - Present

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Member

2011 - Present

New York State Bar Association

Member

Education

2005

Washington University School of Law

LL.M - Master of Laws

2000

University of Asmara

LL.B - Bachelor of Laws

Languages

Tigringa

Amharic

Spanish

Activity

Avvo Rating

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