Elaine Carol Schneider

     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!)