Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
I have MOVED TO THE UNITED KINGDOM! Ergo, I have closed my law practice after over a decade. I have really enjoyed working with all of you, and helping you. I wish all of you, attorneys and clients, the best as I begin my new adventure. My law practice was based on... I am very selective accepting cases. Most of my cases are referrals, but some touch my heart and I take those cases too. I am always thrilled to help people to be able to join other family members in this country, or to obtain citizenship. It is an honor and a privilege. I truly care about my clients. It is my job to help people, and they are depending on me to guide them in navigating their way through a system that can be full of confusing signs, roadblocks, and stop signs.
I prefer to prepare petitions thoroughly based on my strategy to use a good offense. Why? I like to close a file the first time around-- if possible. If a case has already been presented, and evidence is missing, it can be the best strategy to file a new petition with additional evidence that can't be introduced on appeal of the earlier denied petition.
The rules are there, and I advise clients to follow them. Many potential clients believe that the rules don't apply to them. The rules apply to everyone, even though the enforcement, processing, and outcomes vary-- and truly seem "unfair" when the immigrant or USC/LPR petitioner believes he/she is on the short end of the stick. However, the facts, jurisdiction, laws, evidence, and so many variables come into play-- and a lawyer can advise, assist, prepare, and present, but cannot be a fortune-teller on the outcome. The process can seem long, but it can be an eternity if done incorrectly the first time. So, the long way is the short way!
Document EVERYTHING! Photocopy and keep copies of everything. Be ready to produce documents if asked-- even if you've already done so-- with a smile. It's easier to close a file by providing the KEY to the lock, than trying to smash open the box (that's a metaphor!)
1
Practice Area
29 years
Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
$ 80-160 per hour
Always
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Chat withState: District of Columbia
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
State: Minnesota
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
State: New Mexico
Acquired: 1984
No misconduct found
701 Fourth Ave South #500, Minneapolis, MN, 55415
701 Fourth Av S #500, Minneapolis, MN, 55415
Showing 1 - 5 of 17 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by paul | November 1, 2011
I was referred to Elaine to obtain legal help after my young son was taken-- internationally and wrongully retained. She discussed the Hague Convention, passport(s), immigration issues and consequences, and also worked with my family law attorney. Thanks to her efforts, I have my young son back in ...
Posted by Starfish :-) | October 25, 2011
I had Elaine as a lawyer for a quite bit time now working on my Asylum case. The experience we had from our case wasn't usual . It was very competitive, stressful for her and me , full of surprise and sometimes full of negative answers but most of all something new for me because it was my first case...
Posted by anonymous | July 7, 2011
Elaine helped us process a marriage green card case two years ago. When we met her for an initial consultation, we immediately noticed that she was very knowledgeable and experienced about the entire process. Her professionalism and courtesy was extended throughout the process and she treated our ...
Posted by Bilal | May 30, 2011
Elaine helped two of my brothers to get their asylum status in the USA She also helped my mother in her immigration issue . Elaine is a very active and she does do a lot of work making sure all is good to go. Bottom line she is a human that practice law and she is very good in what she do. Plain a...
Posted by Alassane | May 10, 2011
I contacted this lawyer one year ago about my case which got stuck in process for about three year. I called her to explain to her what my situation was and she agreed to meet me in my own town. We met and went over all the paperwork, she told me what will be the process and we went from there. She t...
"I endorse this lawyer without any hesitation. We belong to Dakota-Minnesota Chapter of American Immigration Lawyers Association and I have been communicating with Elaine by e-mail exchanges. She has been more than willing to provide valuable advice and relevant legal citations, when I sought inputs from my colleagues for a few new immigration related issues came up in my practice. She seems to be very thorough, considerate, and extremely knowledgeable. I would recommend Elaine to anybody who needs immigration related legal assistance."
"Elaine Schneider and I are both members of American Immigration Lawyers Association and over the years we have corresponded by email on various problems we have seen in our immigration cases. Elaine’s experience and knowledge have aided in my practice and have also helped my clients in securing successful conclusions to the issues they face. I would recommend Elaine to any potential client as an able, professional and skilled attorney whose ability to creatively strategize a client’s case will assist them in successfully navigating the rough waters of immigration law. I think that any client would be very happy with Elaine as their lawyer."
Immigration lawyer
2003
Volunteer Attorney of the Year, Park Avenue Walk-in Legal Clinic
1999
Pro Bono (Volunteer) Attorney of the Year (Individual Category), Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights
1999 - Present
Attorney, Elaine C. Schneider Law Office, P.A.
1997 - 1998
Volunteer (Pro Bono) Attorney, Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights
1983 - 1997
Research Attorney, Westlaw
1999 - 2008
American Immigration Lawyers Association (Minnesota/Dakotas chapter)Member
1998 - 2008
Minnesota Bar Associationmember
1998 - 2008
Bar Association of D.C.member
1998 - 2008
Hennepin County Bar AssociationMember
1985 - 1986
New Orleans Bar AssociationMember
1985 - 1986
Spokane County Bar AssociationMember
1984 - 1985
New Mexico State BarEthics Advisory Committee Member
Per Curiam. Motion to Reopen Granted, Remanded.
1982
Juris Doctor
1979
Bachelor of Arts - Phi Beta Kappa
2000
Time Differences in Adjustment of Status and Naturalization
2001
1985
1985
French
English
Italian
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
How many years of tax return is required to sponsor my spouse?
12 Feb 2019
Misdemeanor (Theft - Shoplifting for under $100) for Foreign National. Outcome - Stay of Adjudication. impact on visa renewal?
11 Feb 2019
I am a daca recipient, I will be traveling to Hawaii in a few weeks , I was wondering if I can stay in military base ?
23 Jan 2019