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Alexander M. Ivakhnenko

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About Alexander

Contact us at 773-562-8602 to schedule an appointment. We offer remote Zoom consultations with encrypted technology and personal meetings in Chicago by appointment if needed. We analyze, prepare and submit asylum cases in the United States and handle immigration issues such as adjustment of status. We represent clients charged with state and federal criminal offenses. We use practical legal strategies to handle criminal and immigration issues successfully based on practical court experience in federal and state courts and developed legal knowledge. We apply analytical skills to research, prepare, and handle a case we accept and propose a case strategy to suit case circumstances. We assist people, protect valuable legal rights, minimize mistakes, and handle legal issues professionally. We do not react to laws, we aim to reshape them, so the U.S. legal system remains fair to everyone.

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Practice areas

AsylumImmigrationCriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 35%

    Criminal defense with federal and state felony and misdemeanor charges, including but not limited to murder charges, possession of weapons, UUW, drug charges, PCS with intent to distribute, Illinois traffic offenses, DUIs, drivers' license reinstatements, administrative formal and informal hearings, bench and jury trials, expungement of eligible criminal records.

    16 years

  2. Immigration: 35%

    Submitting relief under current U.S. laws, completing visa extensions, family-based adjustment of status. Preparation of asylum claims, processing of lawful permanent residency, naturalization. Reliable professional representation in the U.S. Immigration Courts, Asylum Office, ICE custody. Preparation of BIA appeals and immigration motion practice. Professional representation at adjustment interviews, federal mandamus, DACA..

    16 years

  3. Asylum: 30%

    Handling asylum cases based on applicable statutory grounds with evidentiary support under the USCIS criteria and the Real Id Act of 2005.

    16 years

Languages spoken

Ukrainian, Russian, English

Photos and videos

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Contact

Attorney Alexander Ivakhnenko of counsel with Makarchuk law

370 West Dundee Road
Wheeling, IL, 60090

Attorney Alexander Ivakhnenko

625 West Division Street
by appointment
Chicago, IL, 60610

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
ILActive And Authorized To Practice Law200603/13/2021
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers40086
Legal guides5
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
2021 Best of Chicago Business ServicesThe Chicago Award Program2021
Avvo Top Contributor 2021Avvo2021
10 Best Attorneys for Illinois NominationAmerican Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys2019
Top rated lawyer 2019Avvo2019
National Advocates: Top 100 Illinois Attorneys for 2019The National Advocates2019
Top Contibutor Award 2018Avvo2018
National AdvocatesNational Advocates: Top 100 Illinois Attorneys for 20182018
Top rated lawyer in IllinoisNational Institute for Trial Advocacy2018
Ten best attorneys 2018. Client SatisfactionAmerican Institute of Legal Counsel2018
Top rated lawyer 2017Avvo2017
National AdvicatesNational Advocates: Top 100 Illinois Attorneys for 20172017
Selected for the membership "10 Best Attorneys in Illinois."American Institute of Legal Counsel2017
10 Best Criminal Law Attorneys in IllinoisAmerican Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys2017
Continental Business Leadership Network 2016Continental Business Network2017
Top 40 Criminal Defense lawyers in Illinois for 2016The American Society of Legal Advocates2017
Alumni Sharing KnowledgeDePaul University2016
Top 40 Criminal Defense Lawyers in IllinoisAmerican Society of Legal Advocates2016
National AdvocatesNational Advocates: Top 100 Illinois Attorneys for 20162016
Alumni Sharing KnowledgeDePaul University2015
DePaul UniversityAlumni Sharing Knowledge2014
Clients' Choice Award for 2013Avvo2013
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Principal AttorneyLaw Offices of Alexander Ivakhnenko2007 - Present
Discovery Legal AssistantGenson & Gillespie2006 - 2007
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
DePaul College of Law Bauer Moot Court Competitionjudge2018 - Present
DePaul Law Alumni Engagement BoardBoard Member, Officer2016 - Present
DePaul Chicagoland Chapter Committeemember2015 - Present
DePaul Alumni UniversityVolunteer Attorney2014 - Present
Chicago Bar AssociationReviewer2014 - Present
DePaul College of Law Alumni RelationsGuest Speaker2013 - Present
Catholic Charitiesof counsel2010 - Present
CBA Criminal Law Committeeattending member2007 - Present
CBA Immigration Law Committeeattending member2007 - Present
US Federal Trial CourtAttorney2007 - Present
US Supreme CourtAdmitted2007 - Present
US Federal Appellate Court 7th CircuitAdmitted2007 - Present
Cook CountyNotary Public2007 - Present
DePaul University Alumni AssociationMember2005 - Present
Chicago Bar AssociationN/A2001 - Present
Election Voting CommissionElections Observer2018 - 2018
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Avvo StoriesIs it legal to flip off a cop?2015
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
CLE coursecontinuing legal education2020
DePaul UniversityContinuing legal education2017
DePaul University College of LawJD2005
Loyola University Chicago School of LawU.S. Refugee law. Rome, Italy2004
Touro College - Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law CenterComparative, international law. Moscow, Russia2002
University of LinguisticsMA in Linguistics1989
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Specifics of immigration practiceMentor2019
Radio programIllinois Concealed Weapon Carry License2016
ChicataLegal Responsibilities and Professional Negotiation for Translators and interpreters2016
DePaul National Heritage Moot Court Competitionjudge2016
DePaul Moot Court Competitionjudge2015
ChicataLegal Responsibilities and Professional Negotiation for Translators and interpreters2015
DePaul Moot Court Competitionjudge2014
Open World Programjudicial exchange communication2013
DePaul Moot Court Competitionjudge2013
Expert witness testimony on the federal discovery compiledExpert witness2012
DePaul Moot Court Competitionjudge2012
International Judicial ExchangeOpen World Program2012
DePaul Moot Court Competitionjudge2011
Criminal Justice fall classJuvenile criminal aspects2010
MLERessay writing tutor2010
DePaul Moot Court Competitionjudge2010
Criminal Justice and its practical applicationsa lecture on practical points of criminal justice principles2010
Jessup International Moot Court Competitionjudge2009
MLER tutor at Northwestern Universityessay writing tutor2009
private law firmExpert witness2007
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
State of Illinois vs. JBCCriminal charges dismissed
People vs. OH.Case dismissed
In the Matter of O.B.Asylum granted to both clients in court.
State vs. MGCharges amended to a not CIMT offense,
Matter of SBLPR status granted
Matter of DKLPR granted
People vs. ASAll charges were dismissed
In the Matter of OILPR granted
The Matter of DRNatulralization was approved.
State of Illinois vs. VKThe case was completed with a sucessful termination of the supervision.
People vs. FDCharges dismissed.
Peopel vs. AACase dismissed.
State vs. VNCharges amended. Jail time avoided
State of Illinois vs. MBCharge amended. No conviction.
People vs. YKThe charge was dismissed
State of Illinois vs. MKThe case was dismissed.
People of the State of Illinois vs. DKexpundgement order was granted, arrest expunged
Peope of the State of Illinois vs. DKCase dismissed, expungment order granted
In the Matter of L.the client saved significant amount of money
People of the State of Illinois vs. APNot gulity verdict.
In the Matter of the X familyAsylum granted
In the Matter of ABAEAD granted
In the Matter of EPLPR status granted
In the matter of A.B.A.The case was approved permitting the client to seek LPR status in the US
State of Illinois vs. TCCase dismissed.
State of Illinois vs. RDNot guity
In the Matter of GSU visa was submitted
State of Illinois vs. DRCase dismissed.
People of the State of Illinois v. XXCriminal case dismissed.
DHS fraud unit v. XXThe U.S. Citizenship was preserved.
The State of Illinois vs. DKThe client avoided a criminal conviction
AOS to LPRLPR granted
Illinois v. BCharge dismissed
State of Illinois v. XXJail time, conviction avoided
In the matter of XXLPR status granted
Matter of XX One Stop AOS ReliefAOS granted
Matter of ********granted
Removal proceedings terminatedLPR status reinstated after removal proceedings, I-551 stamp received in a foreign passport for travel.
People v. AACase dismissed
People v. MCase dismissed
State traffic charges dismissedCharges dismissed
Lawful Permanent Resident readmittedThe LPR was readmitted
Felony conviction avoidedCase deferred, felony conviction avoided
Lawful permanent residence status receivedLPR status granted
Retail Theft case dismissalcharge dismissed
VAWA Petition approvedVAWA granted
In the Matter of OTThe case was approved for U.S. citizenship
In the Matter of MKThe client was approved for citizenship
State of Illinois v. EGCharges dismissied
People v. XXsucessful release of personal valuables in a forfeiture case
In the matter of NTLPR approved, LPR card received
People V. VSprosecution deferred, conviction avoided, case dismissed
Criminal investigationThe target of the criminal investigation was not criminally charged or arrested
People v. MProbation was reinstated, the client avoided prison and became eligible to expunge the case after five years.
In the Matter of ECpetition to adjust pending
People v. A.P.LCase dismissed
In the Matter of AAThe Court granted political asylum to Respondent.
State of Illinois v. A.CPrison sentence avoided
In the Matter of M.Ythe IJ adjusted Respondent to LPR upon approved AOS Petition
Lawful Permanent Residence approvedLPR granted
State of Illinois v. BHThe client avoided prison and qualified for four months in the County Boot Camp program.
Removal proceedings of XXRespondent immediately eligible to adjust the status to the Lawful Permanent Residency in the United States
People v. A.K.A CD Misdemeanor outcome permitted the client to avoid prison and a felony three conviction
Removal proceedings of I.V.court proceedings terminated for adjustment of status with the USCIS
Matter of T.LPetition to remove the LPR condition unilaterally was granted
in the matter of A.SThe client was granted naturalization in the U.S.
The City of Chicago v. X Auto LLCThe case was dismissed with all fines and costs overturned, all vehicles returned to the owners.
in the Matter of M.M.Naturalization approved
Matter of A. GAfter an interview at the U.S. Consulate and the review of the materials the relative was issued a five year multiple entry visa.
People of Illinois v. T.Ycase dismissed, arrest eligible to expunge, car fine rescinded
People of Illinois v. N.S.Dismissed. Driving Permit granted
In the Matter of M.G.LPR granted
In the Matter of S. FThe client received Lawful Permanent Card
People of the State of Illinois v. R.SCase dismissed.
US Immigration Court Removal proceedingsSuccessfully gained refugee status after the federal court hearing
Barbara Gruttier, Petitioner v. Lee Bollingerthe affirmative action admissions policy upheld
A federal Writ of Mandamus results in a prompt issue of the US Permanent ResidencyLPR approved.
In the Matter of MSThe family of four was approved for asylum
Asylum grantedAsylum was granted to all family members.
Matter of EMThe client's LPR status was approved with the condition removed.
Matter of DKThe client was approved for naturalization with an oath scheduled.
Matter of DKThe client was approved for naturalization with an oath scheduled.

Reviews

(52)
5 Star
100%
4 Star
0%
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2 Star
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1 Star
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Review Alexander Ivakhnenko

Fast reply and very helpful

Posted by

He is the best and helped me with my questions. I had really helpful answers in return. Great service. Thank you!
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney
Alexander Ivakhnenko's response: We are pleased to assist people during these hard times.

Good lawyer and person

Posted by

I know Alexander 5 year he help me out with my criminal case and cleaned my history record. After that I got 2 years green card than 10 years. Recently I went with him to citizenship interview and I passed, now I'm waiting my oath ceremony. I would recommend for all as a good lawyer, he knows what to do. Good things you can contact to him any time he'll respond you.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Alexander Ivakhnenko's response: Our practice appreciates the fact when we first signed up the client, there were several legal issues that required immediate legal attention in the right direction. Looking back at all legal issues we feel incredible satisfaction and pride that we did our work the best way possible, protecting the client's privileges, preserving his future, giving him a chance to join this great nation as a citizen. For that, we feel grateful, that our office was able to make a difference in a human life.

Good lawyer and great person

Posted by

I've been a client of Mr. Ivakhnenko since 2014. He presented my case very diligently, with passion, like it was his own life on the line. He was helpful, constantly updated me on the case and finally - we got the outcome we were looking for. He's tough guy, who will fight for you - I can tell you that much!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Alexander Ivakhnenko's response: We have worked on that complex case as a dedicated team for sex years. As a result of our joint efforts we convincingly prevailed in the federal court, paving a great future for this American family. Thank you for your kind words of appreciation.

I would recommend for all

Posted by

I know Alexander for 3 years he's really professional lawyer he help me out twice with my immigration case. Recently I got my 10 years. I really appreciated to him. He gave me professional advises,how to collect papers. I did everything what he said. Than I got my green card. Good things about him you can contact him any time.He will answer you,and easy to understand him.Im sure he's one of best lawyer in Chicago.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Alexander Ivakhnenko's response: It was a pleasure to work with the client who paid close attention to every detail of his immigration case during our joint work on his LPR.

Excellent Immigation Attorney

Posted by

My husband and I hired Alexander Ivakhnenko to help me obtain permanent residency. Alexander did a terrific job! Communication was very efficient, always promptly responded to my phone calls and e-mails. He prepared us for our interview very well and was present for it to assist with any challenges. I am very glad that we thoroughly worked on my case, which really paid off resulting in an approval for green card within 7 months. I would very highly recommend Alexander to anyone seeking legal immigration advice.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Alexander Ivakhnenko's response: We pride ourselves on efficiently reuniting American families and providing a solid foundation for pursuing their plans in the United States.

Incredible professionalism and responsiveness

Posted by

Mr. Ivakhnenko was hired to assist a family member in obtaining U.S. Citizenship. Our family could not be happier with the services provided by Mr. Ivakhnenko. From the beginning of the relationship, he set expectations, assisted with the document preparation and helped navigate along the entire process. Mr. Ivakhnenko has incredible attention to detail and provided our family with a very high level of service. Our family was extremely happy with the results, as U.S. Citizenship was granted. I would recommend Mr. Ivakhnenko for any legal needs in the area of immigration.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Adjustment of status

Posted by

Me and my wife had the pleasure working with Alex. He help us a lot. We couldn't have asked for a better lawyer! His services are excellent. His is very knowledgeable, proffesional and friendly. We highly recommend Mr Alexander Ivakhnenko to anyone who is looking for the best immigration lawyer!!!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great job with naturalization

Posted by

Alexander did a terrific job in helping me obtain my US naturalization. He was courteous, professional and responsive. I highly recommend him.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Simply superb

Posted by

I had two citations written up for a driving incident that had the potential to upset my driving record at a young age. However, he was very detailed with questioning the events that took place in this incident to receive a firm understanding of the situation. Thanks to Alexander, my tickets were dismissed in a matter of seconds as he dealt with this incident remarkably.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Very Good Attorney

Posted by

We hired Alexander Ivakhnenko to help us in an immigration case for my wife. Mr. Ivakhnenko was extremely professional with handling of the case. The case was completed to our complete satisfaction. I would highly recommend Alexander Ivakhnenko to anyone.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(245)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Cesar Mejia Duenas, Immigration Attorney on Jan 21, 2021
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse Attorney Alexander Ivakhnenko. His answers in Avvo are clear, precise, and concise being very helpful to our community.

Christopher Wright, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 16, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer for his ability to respond promptly and maintain the utmost professionalism.

Svetlana Kaff, Immigration Attorney on Nov 9, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse Mr. Ivakhnenko for his professionalism and commitment to the practice of law.

Kerrianne Waters, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 26, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mr. Ivakhnenko provides quality representation and further shares his wealth of knowledge with his clients and with many on this site. I have learned from him as I am sure many have. I recommend and endorse this attorney.

Maksim Tikhvinskiy, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 10, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer for him valuing principles of Pro Bono work, He answered thousands of questions and helped thousands of clients.

Ekaette Eddings, Immigration Attorney on Mar 17, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. He is excellent in practice and his legal advice reflects the same excellence.

Anthony Cameron, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 8, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

This is an attorney with an intellect and preparation skills far above the professional standard. He practices in two areas which often cross contaminate one another. Even for Non-citizens with permanent status here,he is one stop shopping for your beef with the State Government and again for any immigration implications. He also generous with his time and attention. He is also empathetic and expresses himself kindly. I have relatives from Chicago who are LPRs. If they got into any kind of trouble, I would quickly haul them to Alexander's door.

Katarina Schmidt, Immigration Attorney on Dec 6, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Wayne Morrow, Immigration Attorney on May 26, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mr. Ivakhnenko is recognized as an outstanding advocate. His commitment to achieving justice is an inspiration to the legal community and a saving grace for his clients. I endorse this lawyer. WM

Diana Lang, Immigration Attorney on Apr 26, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I fully endorse this lawyer. He is an excellent attorney.

Channika Desilva, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 22, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I highly endorse this lawyer. Mr. Alexander is a highly skilled and well-known attorney in the legal community for his outstanding professionalism and work ethic. I highly recommend this lawyer to anyone who needs quality legal representation.

Namita Agarwal, Immigration Attorney on Feb 21, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. He is knowledgable and thoughtful and seeks to preserve the interests of his clients.

Somair Alam, Immigration Attorney on Feb 11, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Alexander is a top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community.

Matthew Henry, Immigration Attorney on Jan 27, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Alexander is a prominent immigration attorney in Chicago. He is a highly respected advocate and very effective for his clients. He is known for serving the Russian and Ukrainian communities. He's an asset to the profession and I highly recommend him.

Gregory Cade, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 26, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. Alexander is a well-regarded and driven attorney who has provided exceptional legal representation to numerous clients throughout the U.S. With his extensive knowledge, broad experience and impressive professional skills, he is bound to invest his time and energy into achieving the best outcome for each case, regardless of its level of complexity.

Kevin Neiman

Attorney Ivakhnenko is respected by colleagues and is dedicated to the field and his clients. He is a relentless attorney who goes the extra mile for his clients. He is dedicated, strategic, and compassionate. His experience makes him uniquely qualified to provide the practical advice that matters most to clients. I endorse this attorney because, in addition to those qualities, I know that he can be trusted to handle the case to the best of his ability.

Gregory Stone, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 22, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Joel Halvorsen, Immigration Attorney on Nov 16, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse and highly recommend Alexander. He is a highly skilled attorney who is well respected in the legal community.

Kia Kondori, Immigration Attorney on Oct 16, 2016
Relationship: Other

Alexander is super knowledgable and dedicated to his clients when it comes to providing them with legal services. He presents all the options and is someone you can rely on. I definitely endorse him and he's a great asset to the legal community in the Chicago area.

Ross Russell

Alexander is an exceptional attorney. He has dedicated his practice to representing those that are in the most delicate and burdensome situations. His service to the underserved members of the community are admirable. I endorse this lawyer.

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