Martin Wayne Lester

Martin Wayne Lester

also known as Martin W. Lester, Marty Lester

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 35 years

Immigration Lawyer at Chattanooga, TN
Practice Areas: Immigration

651 E. 4th Street, Suite 200, Chattanooga, TN

About Martin

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

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.

21 years

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Tennessee for 13 years

State: Tennessee

Acquired: 2013

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in District of Columbia for 34 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 1991

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Florida for 22 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 2003

Inactive

No misconduct found

Licensed in Maryland for 34 years

State: Maryland

Acquired: 1991

Inactive - Retired

No misconduct found

Licensed in Virginia for 35 years

State: Virginia

Acquired: 1990

Associate

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

5.0 /5.0

17 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (17) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | General Knowledge

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 ...highly recommend Mr. Lester to anyone seeking immigration advice—he is knowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely cares about helping his clients.

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...e 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!

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...itary 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.

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... 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.

Posted by MOHD | March 18, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

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.

See All Client Reviews

Martin Wayne Lester's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Martin
Aaron B Wentz headshot
Aaron Wentz

Immigration lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | Jan 06

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 lawyer | Nov 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Christopher Paul Brannon headshot
Christopher Brannon

Immigration lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 All Endorsements
Amber J. Seay headshot
Amber Seay

Immigration lawyer

Aaron B Wentz headshot
Aaron Wentz

Family lawyer

Neil St. John Rambana headshot
Neil Rambana

Immigration lawyer

Steven A. Culbreath headshot
Steven A. Culbreath

Immigration lawyer

Matthew W. McClellan headshot
Matthew McClellan

Immigration lawyer

Joe DeGaetano headshot
Joe DeGaetano

Personal injury lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

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)

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Past President, Okaloosa-Walton Chapter

2021 - 2022

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Member, Ethics Committee

2019 - 2021

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Chair, Military Assistance Program (MAP) Committee

2018 - 2020

Bridge Refugee Services

Chair, Board of Directors

2017 - 2019

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Vice Chair, Military Assistance Program (MAP) Committee

2017 - 2018

International Business Council, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce

Past President

2016 - 2017

International Business Council, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce

President

2015 - 2018

Bridge Refugee Services

Board of Directors

2015 - 2016

Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors

2015 - 2016

International Business Council, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce

President-Elect

2014 - 2017

Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2014 - 2015

Chattanooga Bar Association

2014 - 2017

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Military Assistance Program (MAP) Committee

2013 - 2015

International Business Council, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce

Treasurer

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 Association

Committee Member: Consumer Protection & UPL Action Committee

2011 - 2013

Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association

Chair, American Citizenship Committee

2007 - 2008

Okaloosa-Walton Bar Association

Past President

Sample of Legal Cases

Cancellation of Removal

Cancellation of Removal Granted

EB-2 with National Interest Waiver

Visa granted

L-1A Petition

Approved

See More Legal Cases

Education

1990

Yale Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1987

Brown University

B.A.

Speaking Engagements

2019

American Immigration Lawyers Association Annual Conference

Military Immigration

2019

American Immigration Lawyers Association (MidSouth Chapter Conference)

EB-2 Visas (National Interest Waiver)

2018

American Immigration Lawyers Association Annual Conference

Military Immigration

2017

Public Education

Immigration -- Where Are We Now?

2017

Public Education

Immigration -- How Did We Get Here?

2016

Presentation

Know Your Rights

2016

AILA Mid-South Chapter Conference

Military Immigration (panel)

2014

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

2013

IBC Monthly Meeting

Business Immigration: Navigating the Basics

2013

CLE Presentation

On from Padilla: Ethical Considerations in the Criminal Defense of Non-Citizens

2012

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

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

2010

Swedish Trade Mission

E-2 Visas

2010

ECAR International Section Meeting

EB-5 Visas

2010

ECAR International Luncheon

E-2 Visas

2009

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

2008

Monthly Meeting

Constitutional Law

2008

International Real Estate and Business Conference

Immigration Issues for Realtors

Publications

2016

Articles section of website 2016 ICE Raids: How to Protect Yourself

2014

2013

Noticias Libres The New ICE Detainer Policy: Something That Makes Sense

2013

Noticias Libres Why Can't I Get A Work Permit?

2013

Noticias Libres What is an Immigration Bond?

2013

Noticias Libres What's in a Name?

2013

Noticias Libres "Yes, I Am"

2013

Noticias Libres Protecting Yourself -- Avoiding Immigration Scams

2013

Noticias Libres DACA and Military Service

2013

Noticias Libres Immigration Reform: Haven't We Been Here Before?

2013

Noticias Libres Keeping Families Together: The New Stateside Waiver Rule

2012

2012

Noticias Libres The new DREAM Act Announcement: What Does It Really Mean?

2012

La Costa Latina The New ICE Detainer Form

2011

2011

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

2006

La Voz Del Latino What is an "H" Visa?

2006

La Voz Del Latino The J Visa

Activity

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