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Christine Lockhart Poarch

Immigration Attorney at Salem, VA

4.9   30 reviews

also known as Christine Poarch

(540) 404-2131
Message Website
  • State Years
    Virginia - VA 22 years
    Texas - TX 24 years
  • Licensed for 22 years
    State VA
    Acquired 2001
    Status
    Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 24 years
    State TX
    Acquired 1999
    Status
    MCLE Non-Practicing No misconduct found

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

Wonderful lawyer!
Eugenia
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Great service!
Nilda
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
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About Christine

Learn Christine’s areas of practice.

3
Practice areas
  1. Immigration
    85%
    Whether we are helping businesses legally petition for foreign workers, preparing successful applications for permanent residency and citizenship, or representing underserved populations like immigrant women and unaccompanied children, we passionately represent our clients’ interests.

    24 years

  2. Adoption
    10%
    We actively pursue favorable remedies for domestic adoptions and international adoptions that get "stuck" in processing.

    24 years

  3. Asylum
    5%
    We represent children and adults who fear returning to their country of origin.

    24 years

EXPERIENCE. COMPASSION. RESULTS. CALL TODAY.

Originally from Salem, Virginia, I pursued both my undergraduate and graduate education in the cultural melting pot of Houston, Texas, where I first worked extensively with the immigrant community in domestic violence, health care and literacy initiatives.

 

I love the complexity and diversity of my clients’ matters, whether it's contesting an unfair orphan determination in an international adoption, defending a nuanced adjustment or naturalization application, or restoring the immigration status of battered women, abused children and victims of crime. In addition to defending individual aliens and families, I work closely with employers and the employment bar to protect businesses from civil and criminal liability during ICE audits and investigations.

Contact Christine

Poarch Thompson Law
201 S. College Ave.
Salem, VA, 24153
poarchthompsonlaw.com/
Message Get Directions

Reviews

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4.9 / 5.0
  30 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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Posted by Eugenia | March 31, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Wonderful lawyer!
We hired Christine and her team for immigration purposes. They were angels from the first meeting. She is so empathic, really connecting with us and gave us all the information very clearly. The process of documentation was fast, all our questions were answered, and we always received timely, informative updates throughout the process. Pricing was reasonable y hablan español!! I definitely recommend them. We have her and her team to thank for our successful case.
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Posted by Nilda | March 9, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great service!
Christine has been handling my case for years and always proved to be affected, getting the job done fast and easy, keeping me updated. Thank you for all your hard work!
Posted by Gabriel | March 3, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent service and help
Christine and her team helped to obtain my green card and my US citizenship. It was a very smooth and easy process with their guidance
Posted by Izabelly | April 20, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding Job
Christine was an amazing lawyer to work with. I truly appreciate the help towards getting my Immigration status changed. She was very up front and always answered all my questions regarding the process. Thank you for all the help and support!
Posted by anonymous | March 10, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
thank you for helping me obtain my citizenship
Thank you for helping me all this time that I spend preparing myself studying to be ready and not have problems that I would worry about to obtain my citizenship.
Posted by rajakoti | December 9, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Best Lawyer
I am really feel blessed to have her as my lawyer. She is very polite, caring, humble and easy to work with. In addition to all of these she gives the best solutions on immigration work. I have been working with her on multiple visas. She provides services more than you expect. It is easy to reach her, she clarifies all the questions very quickly. For all my good friends and well wishers , I highly recommend her. If she takes your immigration then you will surely get the best attorney. Its my honest opinion. Christine, saying just thanks is not enough, you are really great, I Thanks god for getting me to know about you through my friend. I am really fortunate to get guidance and get all my work done through you & your immigration agency. Keep doing the great work, please take care of your health, you have the best team. thanks to Poarch law firm :)
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Posted by anonymous | December 7, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great to work with
Christine and Dana are great to work with. They got us over the finish line when it was a difficult time. Always there to answer questions and provide advise.
Posted by Amanda | March 13, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Professional and Reliable Legal Counsel
Our experience with Christine was fantastic. She provides frank and reliable legal advice. I am confident that any information I receive from her is 100% accurate. I would highly recommend hiring Christine.
Posted by BRUCE | October 13, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Extraordinary immigration attorney.
My case was handled with efficiency and by professional and proficient lawyers and staff.
Posted by Lindsay | August 14, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
When It Matters Most Hire the Best!
Christine Poarch and her team at Poarch Law are absolutely incredible and we give them our highest recommendation when it comes to custody and adoption. They actively listened to us and were meticulous about the details of our situation. Their knowledge and expertise helped us to achieve better results than we expected and they were always accessible whenever we had a question about the process. Their direct and honest approach helped us feel prepared and set us up with real expectations about our case. This team is professional and exceptional when it comes to the law, but what really sets them apart is the way they make you feel. Christine and her team welcome you like family and they immediately set you at ease. They go the extra mile to and help to take the burden of stress off of you. We felt completely supported and cared for during our difficult case and should we have to go through this process again, Christine and her team would be our first call.
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Posted by Alexia | August 14, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing Team!
Christine Poarch and her team at Poarch Law are absolutely incredible and we give them our highest recommendation when it comes to custody and adoption. They actively listened to us and were meticulous about the details of our situation. Their knowledge and expertise helped us to achieve better results than we expected and they were always accessible whenever we had a question about the process. Their direct and honest approach helped us feel prepared and set us up with real expectations about our case. This team is professional and exceptional when it comes to the law, but what really sets them apart is the way they make you feel. Christine and her team welcome you like family and they immediately set you at ease. They go the extra mile to and help to take the burden of stress off of you. We felt completely supported and cared for during our difficult case and should we have to go through this process again, Christine and her team would be our first call.
Read less
Posted by Carmen | May 19, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Caso Exitoso
Yo soy una ciudadana Americana y mi esposo y yo contratamos los servicios de Christina. Aunque mi esposo tenia 2 (dui's) es decir historical de manejar tomado, ella nos dijo que todavia podia pedirlo y optener buenos resultados, y asi fue. Aunque me llevo varios anos juntar todo el papeleo requerido, finalmente le llego la cita a mi esposo, y aunque el estaba algo nervioso de tener que salir para Mexico, lo hizo y en dos semanas estaba de regreso en casa para solo esperar su recidencia. Muchas Gracias Poarch Law!"
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Posted by Daniel | April 24, 2019
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Went above and beyond
I consulted with Christine for a half-hour about several aspects of my wife's efforts to bring her mother from Russia to the US. Christine started with me ten minutes early, as her previous appointment had ended early, and stayed with me five minutes later than planned until her following appointment showed up. She provided very clear advice and even volunteered information about adoption when she learned that my wife and I were considering that option. Clearly a very caring and capable individual, I highly recommend her as an attorney.
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Posted by Lucian | April 16, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thoughtful and professional
Very solid and professional firm! Poarch law assisted us in the long process of adjusting the immigration status for our son, and now he is a permanent resident. Through the professional and dedicated work of Christine and the firm, we could be together as a family. It was a wise decision to hire Poarch law, because so much of our future life depended on the immigration system. Christine, thank you!
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Posted by Casandra | January 22, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
She brought us home!
Christine is hands down AMAZING! Without her help my family would still be stuck in Mexico today. It honestly does not mater how far away you are nor what country you are in (SHE CAN HELP & SHE WILL) Honest, hard working, determined & trustworthy has her name all over it! If I had to do it all over again, I’d hire her and anyone from her office over & over again! Thank you poarch laws, Because of you my family now has a chance ... You saved our lives & we will forever be grateful!!!
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Posted by Donna Line | December 1, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent!!!
My husband & I chose Christine as recommendations from another lawyer, since I came to live in USA she did all my paperwork and helped us to fill all our forms, in her Office I applied and was approved to get my permanent residency & my citizenship. I am extremely happy for the job she did, as well as Dana, Kelsey, Katy. Amanda... well I could see all of them as my own family, they support me in all ways possible, they did an excellent professional job to us! I really recommend this Office 100%, I am very glad I worked with Christine Lockhart! I recommend her & her office 100%
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Posted by Natasha | September 19, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Natasha
No better lawyer for your immigration needs. We had spoke to multiple lawyers that told us it would take 10+ years to get my husband his citizenship. We hired this law firm and it only took 1 1/2 years. We are so thankful and we could not have made it through this process without them!
Posted by Jim | August 3, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Competent and fair
We spent 7 years, and hired multiple other law firms to assist us in gaining legal status for our adopted daughter before we finally hired Christine and her team. She successfully accomplished obtaining our daughter's legal residency and did it quickly and for a fair price. Without her, I don't know that we would have been successful. Thank you Christine.
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Posted by Daniel | July 24, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Immigration Expert
Christine is incredibly professional and knowledgeable. Her immigration expertise really made me feel confident throughout my particular process. I have only experienced positive results by working with her and I highly recommend her services!
Posted by Bryan | July 24, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Great Advice and Assistance in Tricky Situation
Christine consulted with me on a tricky immigration situation that I would not have been able to navigate without her. She is very thorough, thoughtful, and responsive. Would definitely recommend!
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Cost

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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Poarch Law
  • 2003 - Present
  • Attorney
  • The Becket Fund For Religious Liberty
  • 2002 - 2003
  • Board Member
  • Justice For Our Neighbors Immigration Law Clinic
  • 2001 - 2005
  • Attorney
  • Gentry Locke Rakes & Moore, LLP
  • 2001 - 2002
  • Attorney
  • Clore & Blakeney
  • 1999 - 2001
View all work experience

Education

  • South Texas College of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1999
  • University of St. Thomas
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1994

Associations

  • Roanoke Bar Association
  • Associate Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • Virginia Women Attorneys Association
  • Member
  • 2005 - Present
  • Salem/Roanoke County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2004 - Present
  • Virginia State Bar
  • Member
  • 2001 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • Spanish
  • English

Honors and Awards

  • AV Peer Review Rating
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2013
  • Small Business of the Year
  • Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce
  • 2013
  • AV Peer Review Rating
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2012
  • Small Business of the Year
  • Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce
  • 2012
  • Top Attorney
  • Roanoker Magazine
  • 2012
  • Rising Star
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2012
  • AV Peer Review Rating
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2011
  • Top Attorney
  • Roanoker Magazine
  • 2011
  • Rising Star
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2011
  • Small Business of the Year
  • Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce
  • 2010
  • Top 20 Under 40
  • Blue Ridge Business Journal
  • 2010
  • Rising Star
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2010
View all awards

Publications

  • The Federal Lawyer
  • “Immigration Court Reform: Congress, Heed the Call.”
  • 2016
  • National Council for Adoption
  • “Avoiding the Perils and Pitfalls of Intercountry Adoption from Non-Hague Countries: Considerations for Agencies and Adoptive Parents Part II: Orphan Processing: Navigating Roadblocks and Delays.”
  • 2015
  • National Council for Adoption
  • “Avoiding the Perils and Pitfalls of Intercountry Adoption from Non-Hague Countries: Considerations for Agencies and Adoptive Parents Part I: The Orphan Definition: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You.”
  • 2015
  • ABA Book Publising
  • “Rights of Aliens in the United States.”
  • 2015
  • The Federal Lawyer
  • “Immigration Options for Juveniles: From Technical Solutions to Adaptive Change.”
  • 2014
  • The Federal Lawyer
  • “The Federal Bar Association’s Proposal for the Creation of a Federal Immigration Court.”
  • 2014
  • Virginia Lawyer (Virginia State Bar)
  • “When Federal Immigration Law is a State Issue: Special Immigrant Juveniles in Virginia.”
  • 2014
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • National Conference
  • Special immigrant juveniles, drug crimes, and remedies in removal proceedings.
  • 2013
  • Rule of Law Symposium
  • Living the DREAM: Deferred Action and Other Immigration Options for Children
  • 2012
  • National Conference
  • Special immigrant juveniles, drug crimes, and remedies in removal proceedings.
  • 2012
  • Humanitarian Visas Seminar & CLE
  • Humanitarian Visas
  • 2012
  • Roanoke Bar Association CLE
  • Immigration Myths and FAQs
  • 2011
  • Roanoke Bar Association CLE
  • Immigration Consequences of Criminal Convictions in Virginia
  • 2011
  • Virginia CLE
  • Immigration Law for the Main Street Lawyer
  • 2010
  • Martinsville SHRM Meeting
  • An Employer’s Road Map: Myths and Methods of Immigration
  • 2009
  • Franklin County SHRM
  • Employer’s Guide to Immigration Compliance
  • 2009
  • Roanoke Valley Paralegal Association Meeting
  • Immigration Law for the Main Street Lawyer
  • 2008
  • Roanoke City Public Defenders’ Luncheon
  • Immigration Consequences of Criminal Offenses
  • 2008
  • Martinsville Society for Human Resource Management
  • Immigration Law for Human Resources Professionals
  • 2008
  • Salem/Roanoke County Bar Association, Spring Lunch Meeting
  • Immigration Law for the Main Street Lawyer
  • 2007
  • International Public Management Association For Human Resources, Western Virginia Chapter Meeting
  • Immigration Law for Human Resources Professionals
  • 2007
  • Roanoke Family Violence Coordinating Council Meeting
  • Visas for Victims
  • 2006
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (4)
Given (3)
Endorse Christine
Broderick Lee Young headshot
Broderick Young
Immigration Attorney | Aug 28
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse Christine. She continues to be a valuable resource for an important client in a specialty that requires Christine's level of expertise."
Ross Cameron Hart headshot
Ross Hart
Immigration Attorney | Oct 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Absolutely a wonderful, dedicated lawyer I'm proud to have as a colleague and a friend. She almost single-handedly filled a void in legal services in our area and built and manages a firm dedicated to helping people with immigration issues. Not only does she do good work for her clients, but she spends time trying to educate other lawyers and the courts on how other cases can affect immigration status. She is a star."
Xavier Francois Racine headshot
Xavier Racine
Immigration Attorney | Aug 07
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Christine is an extremely knowledgeable and competent attorney who cares about her clients and will take every step to ensure they obtain the desired result. I highly recommend her."
Ofelia L Calderon headshot
Ofelia Calderon
Immigration Attorney | Oct 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Christine Poarch is an incredibly intelligent and competent attorney. She cares deeply for her clients, the community, and the practice of immigration law. I refer all potential clients hailing from the southwest region of VA her way because I know that they will be in good hands."
Broderick Lee Young headshot
Broderick Young
Employment and labor
Robyn Smith Ellis headshot
Robyn Ellis
Elder law
Ofelia L Calderon headshot
Ofelia Calderon
Immigration

Avvo Contributions

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Salem Immigration Lawyer Christine Lockhart Poarch
Christine Lockhart Poarch
Immigration Attorney
Salem, VA
Licensed for 24 years
(540) 404-2131 Message Website