Abdulwahid Sheikh Osman

Abdulwahid Sheikh Osman, J.D., LL.M.
Principal Attorney

About My Practice

I believe that justice begins with human dignity. As the founder of Abdulwahid Law Firm, I am committed to treating you with understanding and respect, whatever your background. I am an attorney licensed to practice in the state of Minnesota. I am experienced and well versed in a variety of legal areas and can accommodate the needs of a variety of clients.

Immigration

I litigate cases in immigration courts throughout the country. I have won cases after successful evidentiary hearings and trials on the merits in complex removal cases for clients seeking asylum, adjustment of status, or cancellation of removal. I effectively represented clients with Habeas Corpus petitions in U.S. Federal District Courts and filed appeal briefs with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). I successfully represent clients in a wide range of other immigration matters, including family-based petitions; applications for permanent residence and naturalization; USCIS interviews; appointments at the National Visa Center; and in matters of embassy/consular processing.

Criminal

I have successfully defended clients facing criminal charges, including: felonies, gross misdemeanors, misdemeanors, operating under the Influence (Drugs or Alcohol), and domestic assault. I have also successfully expunged clients’ criminal records and represented clients facing traffic offenses.

Family

I effectively represent clients in family law matters involving divorce (both contested and uncontested), custody, and child support. I have negotiated the amicable resolution of divorce and custody cases.

General Practice

I also have experience representing clients in personal injury, probate matters, business transactions, tax matters, and civil litigation.

About Me

I am proud to be a Somali Minnesotan, with roots in my adopted community and my culture, as well as a global outlook. I live in Minneapolis with my family. I serve on the boards of several community-based organizations. As a former refugee myself, I have been in the same boat as many of my clients. I know what a challenge it is to face the complexities of new legal and social services systems. As a former Hennepin County Human Services Officer, I learned that compassion, empathy, and dedication are the keys to providing exceptional service to people in need. These experiences drive me to serve others in their pursuit of justice and a better life for themselves and their families.

My individual practice is not only motivated by the desire to serve others, but also by a “big picture” understanding of the law. I have more than 10 years of teaching and research experience at the University of Minnesota Law School. I am an expert in the areas of Comparative Constitutional Law, Islamic law, and the Rule of Law. I was the founding Chair of the Somaliland Law Reform Commission, working to build a post-conflict justice system. I also taught university-level courses through the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Hargeisa, Somalia. In 2012, I was appointed by the Somali Transitional Government to be a Senior Policy Advisor on Justice and Rule of Law to the President of Somalia. In this role, I conceived, organized and successfully executed the first ever Somali National Dialogue on Justice Reform. I am a frequent guest speaker at universities and colleges, as well as a commentator for local and international media outlets (including BBC, VOA, and local Minnesota media).

This legal policy work has endowed me with a deep understanding of how individuals interact with the law and what is needed to best serve their needs. My unique, multicultural perspective helps guide my clients through the U.S. legal system successfully.

Education

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.), University of Minnesota Law School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
• Master of Laws (LLM), British Common Law & Islamic Law, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
• Bachelor of Law (LL.B) (Hons), International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
• Bachelor of Arts, International Islamic University, Islamabad Pakistan

Bar Admissions

• Minnesota Supreme Court
• United States Court of Appeals for the Eight Circuit
• United States District Court for the District of Minnesota
• United States Tax Court
• United States Court of International Trade

Professional Memberships

• Minnesota State Bar Association
• American Bar Association
• Hennepin County Bar Association
• Ramsey County Bar Association
• American Immigration Lawyers Association

We Speak:

• Somali
• Arabic