Dyan Williams

Dyan Williams

5.0
Rating: 9.7

Licensed for 20 years

Immigration Lawyer at Minneapolis, MN
Practice Areas: Immigration

80 S. 8th Street, Suite 900, Minneapolis, MN

About Dyan

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Minnesota for 20 years

State: Minnesota

Acquired: 2005

Authorized to Practice

No misconduct found

Location

Dyan Williams Law PLLC

80 S. 8th Street, Suite 900, Minneapolis, MN, 55402

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Dyan Williams's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

68 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (68) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 16 - 20 of 20 reviews | Compassion

Posted by Imran | November 17, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Excellent Layer for Immigration services

I am very happy to recommend Dyan Williams Law for any immigration needs. Dyan assisted me with a very complex situation I was facing pertaining to my wife's situation. We had recently got married and my wife while traveling to US for a temporary visit was detained by CBP at the port of entry and was... issued an expedited removal with a lifetime inadmissibility ban from entering the USA. I found Dyan through the internet and arranged a consultation with her first over Skype from India. I was impressed with her approach she was detail oriented and appeared to be the first attorney out of the few I had already spoken to who was compassionate, very thorough, not greedy and having a good fund of knowledge and understanding of the law. We hired Dyan’s services. She was able to clearly describe us in a very stressful situation which we were dealing with on what needs to be done and advised us on filing a Motion with CBP to vacate the charges. She asked us all relevant information, read my wife's sworn statement over and over, asked several questions and helped us with what it would take to build a strong case for a motion. Dyan worked on a very short notice and deadline to successfully submit our motion in time to the CBP. She was readily available to answer all the questions we had in time and prepared a very thorough and detailed brief and guided us with the submission of each and every relevant documents and proofs pertaining to our case. I was impressed by the clarity and thoroughness of the legal brief she prepared as well as her arguments. She diligently followed up with the CBP on the status of our case after the submission and due to her excellent preparation of the motion and proofs she advised us to submit we were able to obtain a favorable decision in our case. The CBP vacated the expedited removal order and the misrepresentation charge on my wife within 14 days of filing the motion. This was a huge relief to my wife as then we would have required to go through a very lengthy and uncertain waiver process. She is now assisting us with our I-130 petition and immigrant visa process. Throughout this difficult time not only she was a great lawyer and advocate for us but went out of the way to even understand our weak financial situation and provided us some relief in her legal fees and with payment arrangements. She is an honest, hardworking, extremely thorough and detail oriented lawyer who is an expert in the field of immigration and all complicated scenarios surrounding it. Dyan not only supported us in providing timely relief and help. She was sympathetic and compassionate and took time out of her busy schedule to answer every question we asked and counseled us on what is best for us in this situation without being selfish. This is rare and unheard of. Me and my wife will recommend Dyan’s services without any hesitation. She is a brilliant attorney who is very professional, and is expert at immigration law, who cares for her clients and is very knowledgeable. Thanks a lot Dyan! I cannot express my gratitude and respect for you enough with just my words. My wife and I are very thankful for your effort and hard work. We can dream of being together and starting our family soon in USA because of Dyan's effort. There is no doubt in our minds that we made the best decision for ourselves by hiring Dyan for our complicated situation. Thanks again and I look forward to continue seeking your guidance for our I-130 process and immigrant visa process. - Imran and Musarat

Posted by Tun | March 21, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

N-400 application for Naturalization and Gender Change

My parents became naturalized after my 18th birthday so I had to apply for naturalization myself. My case was a unique one because I undergo gender change prior to my application for naturalization. I had different gender listed on my green card versus my state ID and it was a mess. I did not know... where to begin during my naturalization application. I contacted Dyan William and I am so glad I did. Although she had not deal with transgender cases before, Dyan was eager to assist me. I felt respected and Dyan made the whole naturalization process an ease. She told me exactly what I had to do, what documentation I had to gather, and what I could expect. Once everything was submitted, she made sure to keep in contact with me and my naturalization case was approved with the correct gender. If you have a special naturalization case and unsure of what to do, do yourself a favor and call Dyan. It will make your life a lot easier.

Posted by David | April 23, 2015 | Immigration

A good attorney for your immigration issues

USCIS approved my wife's marriage-based green card application within one month of the filing, thanks to our attorney Dyan Williams. At first, we planned to file our immigration case on our own. But a friend suggested we contact Dyan to help us get the application done right. Being a member of the U....S. military required me to live in a separate state from my wife, and to depart the U.S. for an overseas assignment. Dyan filed a request with USCIS to schedule an early interview before I left the U.S. on military duty, which USCIS granted. She skillfully guided us on presenting documents to show we have a bona fide marriage, even though we lived in separate states. She also prepared us thoroughly for the interview and attended it with us, which helped us feel at ease in what could have been a stressful situation. Dyan is a highly responsive and courteous attorney who provides high-quality service and thoughtful advice. I would highly recommend her to friends, family members and others who need legal advice in their immigration matters.

Posted by Hanan | March 17, 2015 | Immigration

My experience with Dyan

Dyan Williams is a highly trusted lawyer who can help you prove your marriage is bona fide and rebut marriage fraud findings by USCIS, even when your case has tough facts. After I was granted my conditional green card, I divorced my U.S. citizen husband because of unresolved marital problems. Because... of the divorce, I had to ask for a waiver of joint filing requirement when I filed the Form I-751 to remove the conditions on my permanent residence. During its review of my I-751, USCIS found that my ex-husband and I did not marry in good faith and that we married solely so I could get immigration benefits. Dyan counseled me on what documents to provide to show my ex-husband and I shared a real marriage, helped me draft my affidavit rebutting the marriage fraud claims, wrote a detailed and persuasive legal brief, and advised me on what to expect at my I-751 interview. Whenever I had concerns or questions, I could always count on Dyan to promptly and fully address them. She provided a calming presence that gave me some peace of mind each time I spoke with her. Following a long review process, USCIS eventually approved my I-751 petition and removed the conditions on my permanent residence. With Dyan's guidance, I was able to keep my green card instead of being removed from the U.S., and I can now apply for citizenship. I highly recommend Dyan to anyone who's looking for an expert in getting marriage-based green cards and rebutting marriage fraud findings.

Posted by Dovile | November 20, 2014 | Immigration

The best laywer!

Thanks to attorney Dyan Williams’ well-argued legal briefs and through preparation of my case, I was granted an immigrant visa to live in the U.S. with my naturalized citizen husband. For many years, my husband had to travel back and forth between the U.S. and Europe to be with me and our young daugh...ter. During this time, Dyan not only gave us terrific legal advice, but also encouraged us to keep a positive outlook. My immigrant visa case was complicated because I needed two hardship waivers: one for the 10-year unlawful presence bar and one for allegations of fraud/willful misrepresentation of material fact. My husband also needed to persuade USCIS to sustain the approval of his I-130 petition for me, after USCIS issued a revocation notice claiming I had married my prior U.S. citizen spouse just for immigration benefits. Dyan did an excellent job in helping us get the two I-601 hardship waiver applications approved. She also submitted a thorough response to the Notice of Intent to Revoke the visa petition, explaining that my prior marriage was not a sham and was not entered into just for immigration benefits. USCIS eventually re-affirmed the approval of the petition. Dyan never gave up on our case and boosted our morale throughout the entire process. I am now a lawful permanent resident living in the U.S. with my American husband and daughter. I really appreciate everything Dyan did for us. She stands out as a courteous, responsive and highly skilled attorney who delivers positive results.

See All Client Reviews

Dyan Williams's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Dyan
Ross Brenton Russell headshot
Ross Russell

Unknown lawyer | Apr 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Dyan is an impressive and exceptional immigration attorney. She goes above and beyond to serve her clients. I endorse this lawyer."

Oleg Gherasimov headshot
Oleg Gherasimov

Immigration lawyer | Jan 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Williams is a fine, knowledgeable and effective attorney. She is an asset to the legal community. I endorse this lawyer."

Michael Alexander McVicker headshot
Michael McVicker

Immigration lawyer | Nov 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I am pleased to endorse Ms. Williams as immigration attoreny. The quality of her outstanding, thorough, highly detailed, and very informative responses to a wide variety of questions in this forum demonstrates a thorough and impressive proficiency in the complex and challenging area of immigration law. It is clear to me, as a fellow immigration lawyer with over 19 years of experience, that Ms. Williams approaches the practice of immigration law with the type of dedication that truly benefits her clients."

Graham Blair Ojala-Barbour headshot
Graham Ojala-Barbour

Immigration lawyer | Jul 20

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Dyan is a great attorney. She is an expert at helping people prove the validity of a real marriage when the government is alleging marriage fraud, and at helping people to become citizens in complex naturalization cases. She is a very good writer and has worked on many successful appeals. I would not hesitate to refer a friend or client to Dyan. I endorse this lawyer."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Unknown lawyer | Apr 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."

View All Endorsements
Graham Blair Ojala-Barbour headshot
Graham Ojala-Barbour

Immigration lawyer

John William Dewalt headshot
John Dewalt

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.7 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Clients' Choice Award 2025, Avvo

2016

Clients' Choice Award 2016, Avvo

2015

Clients' Choice Award 2015, Avvo

2014

Clients' Choice Award 2014, Avvo

Associations

2006 - Present

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Member

2020 - 2022

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Member - National Lawyer Wellbeing Committee

2019 - 2021

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Member - National Legal Ethics Committee

2016 - 2019

American Immigration Lawyers Association (Minnesota/Dakotas chapter)

Co-Chair - Legal Ethics & Professional Responsibility Committee

2009 - 2012

Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers

Member - Board of Directors

Sample of Legal Cases

Ginters v. Frazier, 614 F.3d 822 (8th Cir. 2010)

reverse and remand to the district court for further review

Ndonyi v. Mukasey, 541 F.3d 702 (7th Cir. 2008)

petition granted

Khrystotodorov v. Mukasey, 551 F.3d 775 (8th Cir. 2008)

petition denied

Abdelwahab v. Frazier, 578 F.3d 817 (8th Cir. 2009)

affirmed district court's decision

Sugule v. Frazier, 639 F.3d 406 (8th Cir. 2011)

sustained appeal; reversed the judgment of the district court

See More Legal Cases

Education

N/A

William Mitchell College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

N/A

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

BA - Bachelor of Arts

N/A

University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management

MA - Master of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2023

2023 AILA Annual Conference on Immigration Law

The Art of Time Management

2021

2021 AILA Annual Conference on Immigration Law

Responding to and Avoiding Ethics and Bar Complaints

2020

Minnesota CLE: A Lawyer's Guide to Alzheimer's and Dementia Ethical Issues for Attorneys: How to Avoid the Pitfalls of Competency, Conflicts, and More

2020

2020 Upper Midwest Immigration Law Conference

Ethics in Light of Sineneng-Smith Case

2019

Minnesota CLE, Tired at Work? The Legal and Practical Ramifications of Sleep Deficiency It’s Your Professional Responsibility to Sleep Well

2019

Minnesota CLE Live Webcast Finding Your Rhythm: When to Do What

2019

2018

Paralegals Guide

Focus & Flow: Dealing With Overwhelm, Distractions & Interruptions in Your Busy Law Office, Minnesota CLE, A Solo/Small Firm Paralegal’s Guide to Success, September 21, 2018

2017

2017

American Immigration Lawyers Association, Minnesota/Dakotas Chapter CLE

Zeal Meets Zen: How Mindfulness Promotes Competence & Diligence in Law Practice

2017

2017 Upper Midwest Immigration Law Conference

The Trump Factor: Tackling Ethical Pitfalls and Stress in Unchartered Immigration Territory

2015

CLE, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers

5 Business Mistakes that Solos and Small Law Firms Make (and the Ethical Solutions They're Afraid to Try)

2015

AILA MN/Dakotas Chapter Ethics CLE/Panel Discussion

Managing Client Expectations (before and after representation begins)

2014

Mediation Center CLE

The Mindful Mediator: How to Stay Neutral in Conflict Resolution

2012

William Mitchell College of Law - Alumni CLE Series

Immigration in the Workplace

2012

William Mitchell College of Law - Alumni CLE Series

Failures, Screw-ups and Unknowns (and why they can be good for you)

2012

Hennepin County Bar Association CLE

This Time It's About Us: Risk Management for Lawyers

2012

Hennepin County Bar Association CLE

Opening Up to Difficulties & Disappointment: How to Get Unstruck and Recover from Setback

2012

CLE, University of St. Thomas - School of Law

Managing Stress and Avoiding Burnout

2012

CLE, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers

Embracing Change: Overcoming Resistance & Getting Unstuck

2011

Minnesota Legal Services Coalition, Statewide Virtual Conference

The Engaged Lawyer: Paying Attention & Thriving in the Midst of Chaos and Uncertainty

2011

Minnesota CLE webcast

The Practice of Being: Mastering Stress and Finding Meaning as a Lawyer

2011

Minnesota CLE

The Principles of Recovery and the Practice of Law

2010

New Lawyer Experience - Minnesota State Bar Association

Maintaining the Work-Life Balance: How Busy Lawyers Stay Sane

2010

National Bar Related Insurance Companies (NABRICO) Annual Conference

Stress Mastery - Mindfulness for Lawyers

2010

Board Certified Civil Trial Law Specialists, 6th Annual Member Rewards Seminar

Stress Mastery - Mindfulness for Lawyers

Publications

2021

2021

Dyan Williams Law - Immigration Blog 2019 Public Charge Rule Gets Tossed; 1999 Rule is Back

2021

Dyan Williams Law - Immigration Blog B-1 Visitor Visa: Traveling to the U.S. for Business

2021

Dyan Williams Law - Immigration Blog I-601 Waiver + Immigrant Visa = A True Success Story

2020

2020

2019

2019

Dyan Williams Law - Immigration Blog Saying thanks and celebrating 5th year anniversary

2018

Dyan Williams Law - Immigration Blog Trump’s Four Pillars for Immigration Reform

2018

2018

Dyan Williams Law - Legal Ethics Blog Attorney Burnout: The High Cost of Overwork

2017

Dyan Williams Law - Immigration Blog Potential Solutions for Visa Refusal or Visa Denial

2017

Dyan Williams Law - Immigration Blog Common Reasons for Visa Refusal or Visa Denial

2017

Dyan Williams Law - Immigration Blog B-1 Visitor Visa: Traveling to the U.S. for Business

2017

2017

2017

2017

2017

Dyan Williams Law - Legal Ethics Blog Deadlines & Daily Habits: How Time Blocking Works

2017

Dyan Williams Law - Legal Ethics Blog Deadlines & Daily Habits: Why Time Blocking Works

2016

Dyan Williams Law - Immigration Blog I-601 waiver or I-601A waiver for unlawful presence?

2016

2016

Dyan Williams Law - Legal Ethics Blog 5 Must-Knows When Responding to an Ethics Complaint

2016

Dyan Williams Law - Immigration Blog Immigrant Visa Process: Delays and Setbacks

2016

Dyan Williams Law - Legal Ethics Blog 5 Must-Dos When Responding to an Ethics Complaint

2016

2016

Dyan Williams Law - Immigration Blog The Trump Factor on Immigration: To Fear or Not to Fear?

2015

Dyan Williams Law - Immigration Blog Applying for DACA? Here are the pros and cons

2015

Dyan Williams Law - Immigration Blog H-1B Filing Season Begins April 1

2015

2015

Dyan Williams Law - Immigration Blog 5 Things to Do to Get Your Marriage-Based Green Card

2015

Dyan Williams Law - Immigration Blog From K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa to Green Card

2015

2015

Dyan Williams Law - Immigration Blog K-3 Nonimmigrant Visa for Spouse: Pros and Cons

2015

2015

Dyan Williams Law - Immigration Blog The Joys and Benefits of Becoming a U.S. Citizen

2015

Dyan Williams Law - Legal Ethics Blog Responding to Requests for Client Files: Do's and Don'ts

2015

Dyan Williams Law - Immigration Blog When do you need an I-212 Waiver (and how do you get it)?

2015

2015

2015

Dyan Williams Law - Legal Ethics Blog 5 Must-Do's When Responding to an Ethics Complaint

2015

2014

Dyan Williams Law - Immigration Blog Fraud, Lies & USCIS: Pitfalls in Naturalization

2014

Dyan Williams Law - Immigration Blog Priority Date: Current, Retrogressed, or Doesn't Matter?

2014

Dyan Williams Law - Immigration Blog 5 ways Obama's executive actions benefit immigrants

2014

Dyan Williams Law - Immigration Blog 5 myths about Obama's executive actions on immigration

2014

2014

Dyan Williams Law - Immigration Blog What to expect at your marriage-based green card interview

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution