I represent families and individuals seeking legal status or citizenship in the United States, entrepreneurs starting or purchasing businesses, and businesses hiring or transferring foreign workers. Our cases include adjustment of status (green cards), immigrant visas (family and PERM), citizenship, fiancee visas (K-1), business visas (E, L, H-1B, O-1), and people with extraordinary ability (EB-2 with National Interest Waiver).
Practice areas
Practice includes family-based immigration (green cards, visas), business immigration (H-1B, H-2B, L visas), investors and entrepreneurs (E-2), naturalization and citizenship, and deportation/removal defense.
17 years
Languages spoken
Spanish
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
TN | Active | 2013 | 04/27/2022 |
FL | Member in Good Standing | 2003 | 03/17/2022 |
DC | Good Standing | 1991 | 03/16/2021 |
MD | Inactive - Retired | 1991 | 03/30/2022 |
VA | Authorized to Practice Law | 1990 | 02/13/2017 |
Legal answers | 68 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Attorney for Justice | Tennessee Supreme Court | 2019 |
Attorney for Justice | Tennessee Supreme Court | 2018 |
International Community Leader Award | International Business Council, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce | 2015 |
Pro Bono Star Certificate of Achievement | American Immigration Lawyers Association | 2014 |
Susan Colver Rosenberger Prize (International Relations) | Brown University | 1987 |
Magna Cum Laude | Brown University | 1987 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Attorney | Lester Law | 2013 - Present |
Attorney | Southern Star Immigration, P.A. | 2011 - 2013 |
Attorney | Fleet, Spencer & Kilpatrick, P.A. | 2006 - 2011 |
Attorney | Ketchel & Lester, LLP | 2005 - 2006 |
Virginia Public Defender Commission | 1995 - 2003 |
Staff Attorney | Virginia Capital Representation Resource Center | 1995 - 1995 |
Associate | Brownstein, Zeidman & Lore | 1993 - 1995 |
Assistant Public Defender | Virginia Public Defender Commission | 1991 - 1993 |
Associate | Zuckerman Spaeder, LLP | 1990 - 1991 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
American Immigration Lawyers Association | Chair, Military Assistance Program (MAP) Committee | 2019 - Present |
American Immigration Lawyers Association (Mid-South chapter) | 2013 - Present | |
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | N/A | |
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Past President, Okaloosa-Walton Chapter | N/A |
Bridge Refugee Services | Chair, Board of Directors | 2018 - 2020 |
American Immigration Lawyers Association | Vice Chair, Military Assistance Program (MAP) Committee | 2017 - 2019 |
International Business Council, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce | Past President | 2017 - 2018 |
International Business Council, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce | President | 2016 - 2017 |
Bridge Refugee Services | Board of Directors | 2015 - 2018 |
Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce | Board of Directors | 2015 - 2016 |
International Business Council, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce | President-Elect | 2015 - 2016 |
Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | 2014 - 2017 | |
Chattanooga Bar Association | 2014 - 2015 | |
American Immigration Lawyers Association | Military Assistance Program (MAP) Committee | 2014 - 2017 |
International Business Council, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce | Treasurer | 2013 - 2015 |
American Immigration Lawyers Association (Central Florida chapter) | Chair, Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee | 2012 - 2014 |
American Immigration Lawyers Association (MidSouth chapter) | Committee Member, Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL) Committee | 2012 - 2013 |
American Immigration Lawyers Association | Committee Member: Consumer Protection & UPL Action Committee | 2011 - 2012 |
Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association | Chair, American Citizenship Committee | 2011 - 2013 |
Okaloosa-Walton Bar Association | Past President | 2007 - 2008 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Articles section of website | Preparing for the Trumpocalypse: What Happens to DACA? | 2016 |
Articles section of website | 2016 ICE Raids: How to Protect Yourself | 2016 |
Articles section of website | Preparing for the Trumpocalypse: Could President Trump Really Deport the "11 Million"? | 2016 |
Articles section of website | The President's Executive Action on Immigration | 2014 |
Noticias Libres | What is an Immigration Bond? | 2013 |
Noticias Libres | Why Can't I Get A Work Permit? | 2013 |
Noticias Libres | Immigration Reform: Haven't We Been Here Before? | 2013 |
Noticias Libres | DACA and Military Service | 2013 |
Noticias Libres | What's in a Name? | 2013 |
Noticias Libres | The New ICE Detainer Policy: Something That Makes Sense | 2013 |
Noticias Libres | Keeping Families Together: The New Stateside Waiver Rule | 2013 |
Noticias Libres | Protecting Yourself -- Avoiding Immigration Scams | 2013 |
Noticias Libres | "Yes, I Am" | 2013 |
Noticias Libres | The new DREAM Act Announcement: What Does It Really Mean? | 2012 |
Noticias Libres | FIve Myths of Immigration Law | 2012 |
La Costa Latina | The New ICE Detainer Form | 2012 |
La Costa Latina | The "New" Obama Enforcement Policy: Rumor and Reality | 2011 |
La Costa Latina | Navigating the Waiver Process | 2011 |
La Costa Latina | Alabama's Anti-Immigration Law: Where Do We Stand? | 2011 |
Employing International Workers, 2011 Edition (Aspatore Books, Inside the Minds series) | Advising the Small Business Client: Needs, Expectations, and Reality | 2011 |
La Costa Latina | The "New" Obama Enforcement Policy: Rumor and Reality | 2009 |
La Voz Del Latino | Recognizing and Combating Human Trafficking | 2008 |
La Voz Del Latino | Family-Based Immigration, Part 1: Marriage to a U.S. Citizen | 2007 |
La Voz Del Latino | Family-Based Immigration, Part 2: Petitioning for Family Members | 2007 |
La Voz Del Latino | What is an I-94, and Why Is It Important? | 2006 |
La Voz Del Latino | The J Visa | 2006 |
La Voz Del Latino | What is an "H" Visa? | 2006 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Yale Law School | JD - Juris Doctor | 1990 |
Brown University | B.A. | 1987 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
American Immigration Lawyers Association Annual Conference | Military Immigration | 2019 |
American Immigration Lawyers Association (MidSouth Chapter Conference) | EB-2 Visas (National Interest Waiver) | 2019 |
American Immigration Lawyers Association Annual Conference | Military Immigration | 2018 |
Public Education | Immigration -- Where Are We Now? | 2017 |
Public Education | Immigration -- How Did We Get Here? | 2017 |
Presentation | Know Your Rights | 2016 |
AILA Mid-South Chapter Conference | Military Immigration (panel) | 2016 |
28th Annual Central Florida Chapter Conference: Basics and Beyond at the Beach | Ask the Experts: Family-Based Immigration | 2014 |
28th Annual Central Florida Chapter Conference: Basics and Beyond at the Beach | Citizenship and Naturalization | 2014 |
IBC Monthly Meeting | Business Immigration: Navigating the Basics | 2013 |
CLE Presentation | On from Padilla: Ethical Considerations in the Criminal Defense of Non-Citizens | 2013 |
CLE Presentation | Crimmigration: Ethical Considerations In Representing the Non-Citizen | 2012 |
Seminar, St. Sylvester's Catholic Church, Gulf Breeze, FL | State-Sponsored Immigration Laws | 2011 |
Seminar, Hispanic Resource Center, Pensacola, FL | State-Sponsored Immigration Laws | 2011 |
Seminar | Current Topics in Immigration Law | 2011 |
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Okaloosa-Walton Chapter) Monthly Meeting | Effective Assistance of Counsel after Padilla v. Kentucky | 2011 |
CLE presentation | Crimmigration: Ethical Considerations in Representing the Non-Citizen | 2011 |
Swedish Trade Mission | E-2 Visas | 2010 |
ECAR International Section Meeting | EB-5 Visas | 2010 |
ECAR International Luncheon | E-2 Visas | 2010 |
Rotary Club of Destin Meeting | Immigration Basics for Emerald Coast Businesses | 2009 |
Info Expo | Immigration and Criminal Law | 2009 |
Fundamentals of Employment Law | Immigration Law Update | 2009 |
District 9 International Summit | Visa Options for International Buyers | 2009 |
2 & 4 @ 12 | Hiring Foreign Workers | 2009 |
Monthly Meeting | Constitutional Law | 2008 |
International Real Estate and Business Conference | Immigration Issues for Realtors | 2008 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Cancellation of Removal | Cancellation of Removal Granted |
EB-2 with National Interest Waiver | Visa granted |
L-1A Petition | Approved |
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March 15, 2016
Aaron Wentz, Immigration Attorney on Aug 22, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I would strongly endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Mr. Lester on multiple immigration matters. He is very knowledgeable on the issues and was very responsive and helpful for our mutual clients. I will use Mr. Lester's services anytime in the future that the need arises.
Sarah Oberliesen, Immigration Attorney on Apr 1, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. I know Marty Lester both personally and professionally. We have worked together on at least one case in the last two years. Through his diligent efforts, and masterful legal skills, Marty has been able to obtain positive results for some very tough cases. Marty holds many educational seminars for attorneys on immigrations to assist us in understanding the immigration consequences possible in criminal cases. I trust Marty to handle all of the immigration needs of my clients, and I highly recommend him for your immigration and criminal needs.
Jay Patel, Immigration Attorney on Nov 15, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. I have known Marty for quite a while and he is a great attorney. When my clients ever have immigration issues, I send them to Marty.
Richard Alvoid, Immigration Attorney on Aug 23, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have reviewed much of Mr Lester's work over the years and can say with conviction that he produces thorough, well-reasoned legal arguments and has provided quality representation to his clients.
Amber Seay, Immigration Attorney on Feb 22, 2017
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
Martin is an excellent immigration lawyer. His years of experience, outstanding courtroom presence as well as his honesty and dedication truly set him apart. Martin is doing immigration law for all the right reasons, and I could not recommend a better immigration lawyer.
Aaron Wentz, Immigration Attorney on Aug 22, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I would strongly endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Mr. Lester on multiple immigration matters. He is very knowledgeable on the issues and was very responsive and helpful for our mutual clients. I will use Mr. Lester's services anytime in the future that the need arises.
Tim Flaherty, Immigration Attorney on Mar 2, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Lester is a very talented attorney. I have personally witnessed his skill and preparedness in court and it is very impressive. I would not hesitate to refer a client to Mr. Lester.
Glenn Swiatek, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 10, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Marty is an exceptional lawyer who I have known in the legal community here for quite a number of years. In fact, he is one of my "go to guys" when I need advice in regard to my own criminal defense practice.
Robert Gilligan, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 6, 2015
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer.
Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 5, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Martin. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.
Neil Rambana, Immigration Attorney on Nov 27, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Christopher Brannon, Immigration Attorney on Oct 18, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have personally referred several prospective clients to Mr. Lester regarding various immigration issues. I consider Mr. Lester the "go to" attorney if you have questions or concerns regarding residency, naturalization, work permits, or green card issues. I consider Mr. Lester an excellent man with high ethical standards.
Sarah Oberliesen, Immigration Attorney on Apr 1, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. I know Marty Lester both personally and professionally. We have worked together on at least one case in the last two years. Through his diligent efforts, and masterful legal skills, Marty has been able to obtain positive results for some very tough cases. Marty holds many educational seminars for attorneys on immigrations to assist us in understanding the immigration consequences possible in criminal cases. I trust Marty to handle all of the immigration needs of my clients, and I highly recommend him for your immigration and criminal needs.
Joe DeGaetano, Immigration Attorney on Mar 29, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Marty Lester is very smart, conscientious, and friendly. He is an excellent lawyer and I recommend him highly.
Michelle Hendrix, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 29, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I met Marty Lester at a seminar approximately eight years ago. He is well respected in the community as a zealous advocate for his clients.
Valerie Prevatte, Immigration Attorney on Sep 23, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I attended his seminar last year and he's an outstanding attorney; definately knows the impact criminal charges have on immigration status.
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