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Helen Louise Parsonage

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Avvo Rating10
  • Winston-salem, NC
  • Licensed for 14 years
Helen Louise Parsonage
Helen Louise Parsonage
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About Helen

Board Certified Specialist in both Criminal Defense and Immigration Law.

Specializing in thorough and experienced representation of individuals navigating the mazes of immigration and criminal law.

 

Admitted to practice:

North Carolina State Courts; 

Georgia State Courts; 

United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina; 

United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina; 

United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina; 

United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia; 

United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit; 

United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit; 

Board of Immigration Appeals; 

Executive Office for Immigration Review (Immigration Court); and 

United States Supreme Court

Practice areas

AsylumFederal crimeCriminal defenseImmigration
  1. Immigration: 50%

  2. Criminal defense: 20%

  3. Federal crime: 20%

  4. Asylum: 10%

Languages spoken

English, Spanish

Contact

426 Old Salem Road
address map

Elliot Morgan Parsonage

426 Old Salem Road
Winston-Salem, NC, 27101

Website
http://www.emplawfirm.com/work/immigration-law/

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
GAActive Member in Good Standing 201812/21/2020
NCActive200601/23/2021
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers68
Legal guides2
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
AV Preeminent RatedMartindale-Hubbell2017
Top Rated Immigration Attorney in Winston-Salem, NCSuper Lawyers2017
Immigration LawBest Lawyers in America2017
Rising StarSuper Lawyers2016
Best Immigration Lawyers in Winston Salem, NCThree Best Rated2016
AV Preeminent RatedMartindale-Hubbell2016
Immigration LawBest Lawyers in America2016
Rising StarSuper Lawyers2015
AV Preeminent RatedMartindale-Hubbell2015
Board Certified Specialist - Criminal LawNorth Carolina State Bar2015
Rising StarSuper Lawyers2014
Board Certified Specialist - Immigration LawNorth Carolina State Bar2013
Rising StarSuper Lawyers2013
Featured Atorney: November 2011The Xemplar2011
Defender of Justice (Elliot Pishko Morgan PA)North Carolina Justice Center2011
Emerging Legal Leaders (Finalist)NC Lawyers Weekly2010
2010 Woman ExtraordinaireTriad Business Weekly2010
Pro Bono AwardNorth Carolina Bar Association2006
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Adjunct ProfessorWake Forest University School Of Law2016 - Present
PartnerElliot Morgan Parsonage PLLC2013 - Present
PartnerElliot Pishko Morgan PA2011 - 2013
AssociateElliot Pishko Morgan PA2006 - 2011
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Federal Bar Association, Immigration Law SectionAdvisory Council Member2017 - Present
North Carolina Advocates for JusticeMember2006 - Present
Forsyth County Bar AssociationMember2006 - Present
North Carolina Bar AssociationMember2006 - Present
Forsyth County Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers AssociationMember2006 - Present
American Immigration Lawyers AssociationMember2002 - Present
North Carolina Advocates for Justice Hispanic and Latino Legal Issues DivisionVice Chair2013 - 2014
American Immigration Lawyers AssociationConsumer Protection & Unauthorized Practice of Law Action Cmte2012 - 2013
Forsyth County Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers AssociationPresident2010 - 2010
Forsyth County Juvenile Crime Prevention CouncilBoard Member2010 - 2012
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
The XemplarHelen Parsonage: Fighting for the Underdog2011
Forsyth Woman Magazine p. 74"Helen Parsonage, Attorney & Associate"2011
JDSupraWHEN IS A DIVORCE NOT A DIVORCE? The recognition of non-judicial and customary divorces and its impact on those seeking marriage-based immigration benefits.2006
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
North Carolina Central University School of LawJD - Juris Doctor2006
University of BirminghamBA - Bachelor of Arts1981
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
AILA National Conference 2015Untimely Motions to Reopen2015
AILA National Conference 2014Challenging Mandatory Detention2014
AILA Fundamentals 2014Removal and Relief2014
Hispanic Services CoalitionImmigration Information on the NEW Deferred Action and Work Authorization Memorandum2012
Forsyth County Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers AssociationWHAT A CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT THE DEFERRED ACTION MEMO2012
Dia FamiliarDeferred Action2012
NCAJ - Legal Assistants DivisionChanges in Workers' Compensation2011
CLEEthical Considerations under Padilla v. Kentucky2011
Fundamentals of Employment LawImmigration Compliance and Avoiding Liability2009
A Litigation Paralegal's Guide to Case ManagementPREPARING EVIDENCE AND EXHIBITS FOR TRIALN/A
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
United States v Cornell et al.Not Guilty
State v. Carvalho
Matter of SanchezGrant of Permanent Residency
Diane Duffy v. Hanesbrands, Inc.Affirmed for plaintiff.
Tatum v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.

Reviews

(12)
5 Star
92%
4 Star
8%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Review Helen Parsonage

Alejandro Manrique

Posted by

She got my green card in a record time: two months. She care about my case. She knows the intricacies of American immigration law very well. She is honest, methodical and accessible. She really cares about her clients and has a powerful legal writing and a sharp mind.

A+++ Lawyer in Defense, Knowledge, Responsiveness and Presentation

Posted by

I have worked with several lawyers over the years for various professional and personal needs. Helen was the most responsive lawyer which I have experienced. She was always very timely in her appearances in court and her responsiveness to phone calls and emails. The case was always well explained and there were no surprises. She goes the extra mile to give the best defense possible and to negotiate the most advantageous conditions possible. She has a solid knowledge of the law and presents herself well in the courtroom. I would highly recommend her to any and all persons in need of an extraordinary defense attorney.

Very kind and professional

Posted by

I asked for and advise about my two year rule and she gave me definite answers. She even extended help by authenticating my papers. She was so kind and professional.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Excellent

Posted by

Helen was thorough, quick and straight to the point from the very beginning. She is clearly very knowledgeable in what she's doing. She was there to answer our questions by text and e-mail late night and weekends. I highly recommend her!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Competent, very accessible, organized, gay friendly

Posted by

After interviewing several lawyers, Helen was by far the most organized in what it would take to marry my Canadian partner and get him a visa. She made the process understandable and her checklists on actions or documentation to complete were outstanding. We were also able to text her questions and get fast responses/answers. We highly recommend her!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Very satisfied client

Posted by

My wife and I are very happy with the way Helen and her team handled my wife's Permanent Residency to the U.S.A. Helen and her staff are very friendly and approachable. I highly recommend her services and I would use her services again in the future. I would like to thank her and her team for the success of our application processing. Thank you!
Helen Parsonage's response: Thank you for the kind words. My office always strives to provide good service and it was a pleasure to work with you.

Our Experience

Posted by

Ms. Parsonage provided an excellent service to us, regarding my Husbands Adjustment of Status, not only was she knowledgable but very easy to get in contact with regarding the slightest issue. She was on point with the whole application process and organized to a tee; she also was very flexible with making arrangements for the financial aspect of her services. We highly recommend Ms. Parsonage as she provided exemplary services and in a timely fashion. Thank You Ms. Parsonage for your excellent service!
Helen Parsonage's response: Thank you for the kind words. Our office always strives to do the very best for each client, and it was a pleasure working with you and your husband. All the best to you and your family.

adjustment of status

Posted by

Working with Mrs. Parsonage was such an easy, comfortable experience. Walking in you're already nervous not knowing what to expect, Mrs. Parsonage immediately makes you very aware and confident about your situation. My husband and I felt so welcome every time we came to her office and you could always tell she had actually reviewed all of our information and was involved in every step! We would recommend Mrs. Parsonage to anyone and we appreciate everything she did for us on our journey!

Residency status

Posted by

My partner and I were looking for a lawyer to help us with my residency status here in the USA we found Helen Parsonage , she was very helpful and dedicated to our case . We are glad she was the right person to work with .

Excellent Attorney

Posted by

I couldn't imagine having better legal representation. She got me the best deal I could have possibly had in a situation that could have gone very differently. She was able to portray me in a very positive light, despite my being in a unique position that made it difficult.
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(18)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Mark Shmueli, Immigration Attorney on Jul 16, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Helen is an extremely knowledgeable attorney in one of the most complicated areas of immigration law: analyzing criminal convictions for their immigration consequences. She is not only a tireless advocate but also an extremely helpful mentor to new attorneys. When I chaired a conference this year for the federal bar association and wanted attorneys from around the country, Helen was my top choice for her region.

Jessica Bell, Immigration Attorney on Feb 16, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Helen zealously advocates for her clients and is well respected in the areas of immigration and criminal law. I have not hesitated to refer clients to her when issues in those areas come up with my own clients.

Gabriel Zeller, Immigration Attorney on Aug 23, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Helen is very knowledgeable about Immigration Law and is a zealous advocate for immigrants.

Jessica Bell, Immigration Attorney on Feb 16, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Helen zealously advocates for her clients and is well respected in the areas of immigration and criminal law. I have not hesitated to refer clients to her when issues in those areas come up with my own clients.

Mark Shmueli, Immigration Attorney on Jul 16, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Helen is an extremely knowledgeable attorney in one of the most complicated areas of immigration law: analyzing criminal convictions for their immigration consequences. She is not only a tireless advocate but also an extremely helpful mentor to new attorneys. When I chaired a conference this year for the federal bar association and wanted attorneys from around the country, Helen was my top choice for her region.

R. Michael Elliot, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 14, 2015
Relationship: Co-worker

Helen Parsonage is an excellent, talented attorney who fights hard for her client's rights. She comes with my highest recommendation.

R. Brian Cloninger, Immigration Attorney on Feb 7, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Michael Eldredge, Immigration Attorney on Aug 19, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Valerie Johnson, Immigration Attorney on Jun 6, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. She is a tireless advocate for those who are injured, accused or need help in immigration matters.

Denise Gold, Immigration Attorney on May 31, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer. Helen takes the time to know her clients and cares about the outcome of their cases. She understands the law and advises fellow attorneys, like me, about the immigration-related aspects of our own cases.

Ernest Dummit, Immigration Attorney on May 24, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Helen does great work, and truly fights for her clients.

Charles Alexander

I endorse this lawyer. Helen is extremely helpful in matters involving immigration and the consequences of certain pleas on deportation

Neil Lewis, Immigration Attorney on Mar 21, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Helen is a great and compassionate immigration lawyer.

Ana Schwartz, Immigration Attorney on Mar 21, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Fantastic attorney! Never gives up the fight. Very well respected in her field.

Bobby Bollinger, Immigration Attorney on Mar 2, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. I have known Helen for several years and have spent some time with her at Continuing Legal Education conferences. When I have a question about immigration law, I call Helen. I would not hesitate to refer a client to her.

Matthew Kolken, Immigration Attorney on Jan 10, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

This is a lawyer that cares about her clients, and fights for every inch.

Sarah Farber, Immigration Attorney on Apr 25, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Helen is a professional par excellence. She is one of the most creative, diligent attorneys practicing in immigration law in North Carolina.

John Fitzgerald, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 26, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

It is easy to say a lot of great things things about Helen. She is an excellent attorney. She is kind, caring, thoughtful, selfless, and always thoroughly prepared in court. She would drop what she was doing in a minute if you needed help. She fights tirelessly on behalf of her clients. She is well thought of and deeply respected by her fellow attorneys, police officers, district attorneys, and judges. If more lawyers were like Helen, our profession would have a much better name than it does. Keep up the excellent work, Helen!

Timothy Wipperman, Immigration Attorney on Oct 27, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Helen is my "go to" person for immigration matters. I consult with her concerning possible "ripple effects" any time I'm representing a non-citizen.

Jason Smith, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 29, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer's work. Helen cares about her clients and fights for them. I see many of her clients in the court house speaking highly of her and recommending her to others in need of an attorney.