Martin Wayne Lester
also known as Martin W. Lester, Marty Lester
About Martin
Biography
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
1
Practice Area
21 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Tennessee for 13 years
State: Tennessee
Acquired: 2013
No misconduct found
Licensed in District of Columbia for 34 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
Licensed in Florida for 22 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2003
No misconduct found
Licensed in Maryland for 34 years
State: Maryland
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
Licensed in Virginia for 35 years
State: Virginia
Acquired: 1990
No misconduct found
Location
Lester Law
651 E. 4th Street, Suite 200, Chattanooga, TN, 37403
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Martin Wayne Lester's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
17 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 17 reviews
Posted by An | May 21, 2025 | Immigration
Highly recommend
I had a consultation with Mr. Lester and was truly impressed by his willingness to go above and beyond to understand my background and current situation. He provided clear, specific answers, shared recent updates, and offered effective guidance tailored to my immigration concerns and future plans. I ...
Posted by Kiran | January 23, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Immigration
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 cas...
Posted by Charlotte | September 18, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Immigration
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 w...
Martin Lester
Replied last September 18, 2020Thank you, Charlotte! It was a pleasure working with you. We are all very happy that your case had such a positive outcome.
Posted by Janet | February 13, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Immigration
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 mil...
Posted by anonymous | February 13, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Immigration
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...
Martin Wayne Lester's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Martin. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"Marty Lester is very smart, conscientious, and friendly. He is an excellent lawyer and I recommend him highly."
"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."
"I attended his seminar last year and he's an outstanding attorney; definately knows the impact criminal charges have on immigration status."
Immigration lawyer
Family lawyer
Immigration lawyer
Immigration lawyer
Immigration lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Experience
Honors
2019
Attorney for Justice, Tennessee Supreme Court
2018
Attorney for Justice, Tennessee Supreme Court
2015
International Community Leader Award, International Business Council, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce
2014
Pro Bono Star Certificate of Achievement, American Immigration Lawyers Association
1987
Susan Colver Rosenberger Prize (International Relations), Brown University
1987
Magna Cum Laude, Brown University
Work Experience
2013 - Present
Attorney, Lester Law
2011 - 2013
Attorney, Southern Star Immigration, P.A.
2006 - 2011
Attorney, Fleet, Spencer & Kilpatrick, P.A.
2005 - 2006
Attorney, Ketchel & Lester, LLP
1995 - 2003
, Virginia Public Defender Commission
1995 - 1995
Staff Attorney, Virginia Capital Representation Resource Center
1993 - 1995
Associate, Brownstein, Zeidman & Lore
1991 - 1993
Assistant Public Defender, Virginia Public Defender Commission
1990 - 1991
Associate, Zuckerman Spaeder, LLP
Associations
2013 - Present
American Immigration Lawyers Association (Mid-South chapter)
Past President, Okaloosa-Walton Chapter
2021 - 2022
American Immigration Lawyers AssociationMember, Ethics Committee
2019 - 2021
American Immigration Lawyers AssociationChair, Military Assistance Program (MAP) Committee
2018 - 2020
Bridge Refugee ServicesChair, Board of Directors
2017 - 2019
American Immigration Lawyers AssociationVice Chair, Military Assistance Program (MAP) Committee
2017 - 2018
International Business Council, Chattanooga Area Chamber of CommercePast President
2016 - 2017
International Business Council, Chattanooga Area Chamber of CommercePresident
2015 - 2018
Bridge Refugee ServicesBoard of Directors
2015 - 2016
Chattanooga Area Chamber of CommerceBoard of Directors
2015 - 2016
International Business Council, Chattanooga Area Chamber of CommercePresident-Elect
2014 - 2017
Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2014 - 2015
Chattanooga Bar Association
2014 - 2017
American Immigration Lawyers AssociationMilitary Assistance Program (MAP) Committee
2013 - 2015
International Business Council, Chattanooga Area Chamber of CommerceTreasurer
2012 - 2014
American Immigration Lawyers Association (Central Florida chapter)Chair, Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee
2012 - 2013
American Immigration Lawyers Association (MidSouth chapter)Committee Member, Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL) Committee
2011 - 2012
American Immigration Lawyers AssociationCommittee Member: Consumer Protection & UPL Action Committee
2011 - 2013
Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar AssociationChair, American Citizenship Committee
2007 - 2008
Okaloosa-Walton Bar AssociationPast President
Sample of Legal Cases
Cancellation of Removal Granted
Visa granted
Approved
Education
1990
JD - Juris Doctor
1987
B.A.
Speaking Engagements
2019
Military Immigration
2019
EB-2 Visas (National Interest Waiver)
2018
Military Immigration
2017
Immigration -- Where Are We Now?
2017
Immigration -- How Did We Get Here?
2016
Know Your Rights
2016
Military Immigration (panel)
2014
Ask the Experts: Family-Based Immigration
2014
Citizenship and Naturalization
2013
Business Immigration: Navigating the Basics
2013
On from Padilla: Ethical Considerations in the Criminal Defense of Non-Citizens
2012
Crimmigration: Ethical Considerations In Representing the Non-Citizen
2011
State-Sponsored Immigration Laws
2011
State-Sponsored Immigration Laws
2011
Current Topics in Immigration Law
2011
Effective Assistance of Counsel after Padilla v. Kentucky
2011
Crimmigration: Ethical Considerations in Representing the Non-Citizen
2010
E-2 Visas
2010
EB-5 Visas
2010
E-2 Visas
2009
Immigration Basics for Emerald Coast Businesses
2009
Immigration and Criminal Law
2009
Immigration Law Update
2009
2009
Hiring Foreign Workers
2008
Constitutional Law
2008
Immigration Issues for Realtors
Publications
2016
2016
2016
2014
2013
2013
2013
2013
2013
2013
2013
2013
2013
2012
2012
2012
2011
2011
2011
2011
2009
2008
2007
2007
2006
2006
2006
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Can i apply for a Green card yet?
07 Mar 2024
Can I keep my Fiancé in the US?
12 Oct 2023
Can I apply for renewal of B1/B2 visa while my hardship waiver for J1 is still pending?
13 Jul 2022