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Martin Wayne Lester

Immigration Attorney at Chattanooga, TN

5.0   16 reviews

also known as Martin W. Lester, Marty Lester

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  • State Years
    Tennessee - TN 10 years
    Florida - FL 19 years
    Dist. of Columbia - DC 32 years
    Maryland - MD 32 years
    Virginia - VA 32 years
  • Licensed for 10 years
    State TN
    Acquired 2013
    Status
    Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 19 years
    State FL
    Acquired 2003
    Status
    Member in Good Standing No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 32 years
    State DC
    Acquired 1991
    Status
    Good Standing No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 32 years
    State MD
    Acquired 1991
    Status
    Inactive - Retired No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 32 years
    State VA
    Acquired 1990
    Status
    Associate No misconduct found

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

He got my I-485 approved in 7 months!
Kiran
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Highly recommend. Truly cares. Super responsive
Charlotte
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
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About Martin

Learn Martin’s areas of practice.

1
Practice area
  1. Immigration
    100%
    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.

    18 years

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).

Contact Martin

Lester Law
4513 Hixson Pike
Suite 104
Chattanooga, TN, 37343
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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0
  16 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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Posted by Kiran | January 23, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
He got my I-485 approved in 7 months!
Having a very complicated case, I had consulted with more than a few lawyers about my options to apply for a greencard over the years. As soon as we consulted with Mr. Lester, my wife and I knew that he understood our situation and would be able to help us. We promptly hired Mr. Lester to take my case and he has been extremely patient with me and all my questions. He explains everything clearly and doesn't sugarcoat anything. He is patient and extremely thorough to make sure everything is done correctly. Thanks to him clearly laying out my case, my I-485 was approved within 7 months from when Mr. Lester first submitted it. The best compliment that I can give Mr. Lester is that although he was not the first attorney I consulted with, thankfully he was the last!
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Posted by Charlotte | September 14, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly recommend. Truly cares. Super responsive
Lester Law helped me through all the steps along the way. Started working with them back in 2016 to obtain my LPR. Very thankful they walked me through the overwhelming process. After obtaining my Greencard they then helped me with my extension and eventually my Naturalization. The entire process was stressful at times and overwhelming, as a lot of unexpected things happened along the way, but they were always only a phonecall away and super responsive. I never felt like I was left on my own. I highly recommend this firm as they do not treat you as a number, and actually care about you individual needs.
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Response from Martin Lester September 18, 2020
Thank you, Charlotte! It was a pleasure working with you. We are all very happy that your case had such a positive outcome.
Posted by anonymous | February 12, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Gracias, Gracias, Gracias - 1,000,000 Thanks to You!
Mr. Marty was a fantastic help to us in Adjusting Status without having to go back to my country for the interview. We did not know that there was a way to file like this until we spoke with him and he describe the PIP for me through my wife who was in the Army before. Every thing was smooth and they are very professional and friendly - like family now to us. I recommend the people of Lester Law to anyone who may need to consult or hire their services.
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Posted by Janet | February 12, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
By far the best of the best’
What an amazing experience we had in working with Mr. Lester and his team! His knowledge, professionalism and integrity were the reason we selected him and a favorable USCIS decision was the cherry on top. He knew exactly what direction our process should take through the Parole in Place for past military service. His thoroughness was even evident to the interviewing official and she was impressed enough to tell us what a great job he had performed. His team was in constant communication and he gently guided us through the process ... every step of the way he showed us we had made the right choice. Thank you to the Lester Law Team and especially the care and concern of Lori, his wife. We are truly blessed to have you on our side in our path to citizenship for my husband.
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Posted by Charlotte | May 4, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Recommended
I have used Mr. Lester twice now. First time to apply for my initial greencard, and now recently to get my conditions removed. Mr. Lester has always been very kind and has always answered all my questions and addressed my concerns. And there have been many. He is also very responsive to email. I know he is busy and has several clients, but he makes you feel like you are his only client. I highly recommend him. And even though I hope I do not need a lawyer again anytime soon, I would hire him again in a heartbeat when needed.
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Posted by MOHD | March 17, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding Lawyer -Excellent Immigration Services
I first contacted Marty Lester on November/2017 for Immigration consultation. I was in search for a lawyer who understand how to adjust status for someone who has a Temporary Protection Status (TPS). I found Mr. Lester on the internet, after listening to his videos and looking over his qualifications, I decided to contact him for a consultation. Mr. Lester is a knowledgeable immigration lawyer, during our first phone consultation I felt I am in good hands, he provided me with options and chose the right path for me and my wife to adjust status to Permanent Residence status. I live in California and I decided to hire Mr. Lester who reside in Tennessee because of his knowledge. The process of adjusting status to Permanent Residence through EB2 & NIW from TPS is complex and require an experienced immigration Lawyer. Mr. Lester submitted our concurrent applications for EB2 - NIW and Permanent Residence on mid of February 2018, we received our Green Cards by the end of February 2019. Mr. Lester is a knowledgeable immigration lawyer and we strongly recommend him.
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Posted by Marc | May 24, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Immigration Lawyer
I contracted Martin for my green card application. Martin supported me from the first to the last step, going patiently through several requests for evidence and a final interview. He is a careful listener and advised me on the strategy, that eventually lead to the approval of my green card. He has a profound knowledge of the complexeties of the green card application and always came up with the right solution guiding me safely through the process. I am very glad I had him on my side and highly recommend his affordable service.
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Posted by anonymous | February 23, 2018
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Great experience
Mr. Lester was very professional and helpful. I would recommend his services.
Posted by anonymous | March 23, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent immigration lawyer
Mr. Lester helped me to obtain an employment based Greencard. His professionality and broad knowledge about this very complex area is impressive. He and his team has always been courteous and very helpful.
Posted by Chris | March 15, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Imigration service
An absolute pleasure to work with. Efficient helpful and precise service.
Posted by Houston Settle | March 13, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent
My wife and I'd experience with Lester Law has been wonderful and easy. The immigration process can often be frustrating but Lester Law really took away a lot of the frustrations. Marty is very knowledgable and kind.
Posted by anonymous | March 12, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Dual Citizenship review
In my initial consultation, Mr. Lester reviewed the dual citizenship situation of my daughter born abroad of American paternity. Other lawyers had expressed concerns about unreal problems, and even charged me $400 for reading a letter in which I had informed them of material that they did not know - so much for lawyers who write law texts.
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Posted by Robert | March 10, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
N400 Application & 240 Proceedings
Martin helped me avoid the 240 Removal process before it ever started. He also helped me with the N400 process. I feel blessed to call myself a Citizen. Thanks again.
Posted by Vince | March 5, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Business Visa
Assisted my brother-in-law. In obtaining a business visa. Very satisfied with his professional manner and outstanding knowledge in the visa process
Posted by Manuel | June 22, 2015
Results driven..... Very responsive
From the first meeting we knew we were in good hands. Mr. Lester gained our trust immediately. He was always responsive to our phone calls and emails. Mr Lester is extremely knowledgeable with the immigration system. Throughout the entire process he kept us well informed and instructed us every step of our journey. Mr Lester assisted my wife and daughter in the very best way and with a results driven lawyer he accomplished everything he promised.... I highly recommend Mr. Martin Lester for any immigration problem you may have. You will be in good hands with Mr. Lester. Thank you again Mr. Martin Lester
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Posted by Manuel | June 22, 2015
Outstanding support and diligence
Mr Lester was extremely helpful in our journey to get my wife and daughter legalized in the USA. Other lawyers fell very short in being able to do anything. Mr Lester accepted us as a client, Went right to work and impressed us though out the whole process. We felt comfortable in his hands and were well taken care of. We are now at the end of our journey and everything went perfect. I would live to shout out to everyone that Martin Lester was the best Immigration lawyer I have ever met... Highly recommend him. Thank you Marty
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Cost

Rates
  • Retainer Sometimes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • 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
View all work experience

Education

  • Yale Law School
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1990
  • Brown University
  • B.A.
  • 1987

Legal Cases

  • Cancellation of Removal
  • Cancellation of Removal Granted
  • EB-2 with National Interest Waiver
  • Visa granted
  • L-1A Petition
  • Approved

Associations

  • 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
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • 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
View all awards

Publications

  • 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
  • Employing International Workers, 2011 Edition (Aspatore Books, Inside the Minds series)
  • Advising the Small Business Client: Needs, Expectations, and Reality
  • 2011
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • 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 -- How Did We Get Here?
  • 2017
  • Public Education
  • Immigration -- Where Are We Now?
  • 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
  • Citizenship and Naturalization
  • 2014
  • 28th Annual Central Florida Chapter Conference: Basics and Beyond at the Beach
  • Ask the Experts: Family-Based Immigration
  • 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
  • Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Okaloosa-Walton Chapter) Monthly Meeting
  • Effective Assistance of Counsel after Padilla v. Kentucky
  • 2011
  • Seminar
  • Current Topics in Immigration Law
  • 2011
  • CLE presentation
  • Crimmigration: Ethical Considerations in Representing the Non-Citizen
  • 2011
  • 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
  • ECAR International Luncheon
  • E-2 Visas
  • 2010
  • Swedish Trade Mission
  • E-2 Visas
  • 2010
  • ECAR International Section Meeting
  • EB-5 Visas
  • 2010
  • Rotary Club of Destin Meeting
  • Immigration Basics for Emerald Coast Businesses
  • 2009
  • Fundamentals of Employment Law
  • Immigration Law Update
  • 2009
  • Info Expo
  • Immigration and Criminal Law
  • 2009
  • 2 & 4 @ 12
  • Hiring Foreign Workers
  • 2009
  • International Real Estate and Business Conference
  • Immigration Issues for Realtors
  • 2008
  • Monthly Meeting
  • Constitutional Law
  • 2008
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (14)
Given (6)
Endorse Martin
Aaron B Wentz headshot
Aaron Wentz
Immigration Attorney | Aug 22
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 Villa Oberliesen headshot
Sarah Oberliesen
Immigration Attorney | Apr 01
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 headshot
Jay Patel
Immigration Attorney | Nov 15
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 Arlen Alvoid Jr. headshot
Richard Alvoid
Immigration Attorney | Aug 23
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 J. Seay headshot
Amber Seay
Immigration Attorney | Feb 22
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."
Tim Michael Flaherty headshot
Tim Flaherty
Immigration Attorney | Mar 02
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 Matthew Swiatek headshot
Glenn Swiatek
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 10
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 Samuel Gilligan headshot
Robert Gilligan
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 06
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Martin. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Neil St. John Rambana headshot
Neil Rambana
Immigration Attorney | Nov 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Christopher Paul Brannon headshot
Christopher Brannon
Immigration Attorney | Oct 18
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."
Joe DeGaetano headshot
Joe DeGaetano
Immigration Attorney | Mar 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Marty Lester is very smart, conscientious, and friendly. He is an excellent lawyer and I recommend him highly."
Michelle Lynn Hendrix headshot
Michelle Hendrix
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 29
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 Erwin Prevatte headshot
Valerie Prevatte
Immigration Attorney | Sep 23
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."
View more endorsements
Chattanooga Immigration Lawyer Martin Wayne Lester
Martin Wayne Lester
Immigration Attorney
Chattanooga, TN
Licensed for 32 years
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