$ 350-380 per hour
J. Jae Lee
also known as Dr. Jae Francis
About J.
Biography
Dr. Jae Francis Lee is the Principal Attorney at Francis Law Center, a nationally recognized immigration law firm serving clients across all 50 states from offices in Downtown Chicago, IL, Schaumburg, IL, and Madison, WI. His practice is exclusively dedicated to family-based immigration, humanitarian visas, and removal defense.
Dr. Jae Francis brings a rare dual academic foundation to immigration law. Before practicing law, he spent 22 years as a university professor teaching U.S. History at the University of Wisconsin. He holds a Ph.D. in History from New York University, a J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School, a B.A. from Korea University, and a B.S. from Iowa State University. This combination of a doctorate in history and a law degree gives him an unmatched understanding of the evolution, intent, and real-world application of U.S. immigration law. He has authored textbook chapters and peer-reviewed journal articles and lectures frequently on U.S. Immigration History.
His family-based immigration practice centers on K-1 fiancé(e) visas, spousal green cards through marriage, and complex 601/601A hardship waiver cases. He understands that behind every petition is a family working to build their life together, and he approaches each case with thorough research, meticulous documentation, and compassionate client service.
Dr. Jae Francis is also a fierce advocate for individuals seeking refuge and protection. His humanitarian visa practice provides a critical lifeline to those fleeing persecution, navigating the demanding requirements of asylum, U Visa, T Visa, VAWA, and TPS cases. His removal defense work represents the frontline of immigration law — when clients face the prospect of deportation, he leverages his deep legal knowledge and courtroom experience to fight for their right to remain in the United States. Hablamos Español.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Wisconsin for 13 years
State: Wisconsin
Acquired: 2012
No misconduct found
Location
Francis Law Center- Chicago Office
1931 N. Meacham Rd Ste 102, Schaumburg, IL, 60173
Francis Law Center
2810 Crossroads Dr Ste 3550, Madison, WI, 53718
Francis Law Center
53 W Jackson Blvd Ste 725, Chicago, IL, 60604
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J. Jae Lee's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
39 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (39)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (30)
Professionalism (19)
Practice Area Knowledge (17)
Recommendation (12)
Responsiveness (11)
Communication Style (8)
Advocacy (5)
Character & Conduct (5)
Cost of Services (5)
General Knowledge (5)
Trustworthiness (5)
Payment Plans (2)
Compassion (1)
Free Consultations (1)
Staff & Support (1)
Showing 31 - 35 of 39 reviews
Posted by Jay | September 08, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Immigration
Great lawyer and great person to work with
Dr. Lee helped me get H-1B visa when my University and its attorney made a mistake which ended up with delaying my H-1B visa by 6 months and my wife's H-4 denial. His thorough knowledge and dedicated efforts resolved my difficult situation quickly. I truly enjoyed working with him and I highly ...
Posted by p | June 16, 2015
Highly Knowlegeable
Patient and quick to reply to all my quesitons
Posted by JW | June 15, 2015 | Immigration
Excellent Attorney
Jae is an excellent lawyer! He immediately provided information regarding how to obtain a NIW when I asked about it. Also, he quickly responded several follow-up questions that I had and explained every step clearly. Although I had to discontinue the process since I decided to come back to my country...
Posted by Gary | June 12, 2015 | Immigration
Best immigration lawyer in Chicago
My experience with Mr. Lee was nothing but satisfactory. He was very courteous and prompt from email and telephone conversations and to preparations and filings of my citizenship applications. Once I hired his service, I could rest in peace. Mr. Lee is a hard working and competent lawyer.
Posted by Y.Y. | June 12, 2015 | Immigration
Best immigration attorney!!!
My immigration status recently became jeopardized so that I searched for many immigration attorneys in town. Attorney Lee was the only attorney who could speak Korean in Madison and was simply the best immigration attorney. He kindly explained all the questions I have asked and filed the forms in thr...
J. Jae Lee's Lawyer Endorsements
"An excellent and well respected attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I had the privilege working with Jae early in his legal career. His strong drive to help average people resolve their legal troubles is ingrained in everything he does. His work on behalf of my clients consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the issues he was fighting to resolve. I am confident any client I refer to Jae in need of immigration services would receive nothing but excellent representation."
"I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Lee at the Neighborhood Law Clinic. He is a smart, tenacious, yet personable advocate on behalf of his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse attorney Lee. He is knowledgeable and passionate about immigration law."
"I endorse this lawyer. Jae gives great answers to the Immigration questions presented here."
"I have known Dr. Lee since law school. Without a doubt, he is an excellent advocate, cares about his clients deeply, and is very approachable. I recommend him highly for any immigration-related issues. Anyone in the Midwest (especially Madison and Chicago area) should contact him for his legal advice."
"I met Jae in law school. I found him to be personable, compassionate, and knowledgeable. As an attorney, he is resourceful, creative, and tenacious, and cares about his clients. I recommend Jae to anyone with immigration issues."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known J for a long time. As far as I know, he is diligent, honest, kind, persistent, professional, sincere and dedicated to what he is doing. I also understand that he has mulitple years of experience as an immigration law attorney. Without much hesitation, I can say that he can provide great immigration legal services to clients including Korean speaking people. Heungsoo"
"J. Jae Lee is an dedicated, intelligent, and highly motivated advocate for his clients. He is also an extremely effective attorney who is able to handle complex legal issues in a considerate and organized manner. He is an excellent attorney who serves his clients with compassion and a commitment to advancing their goals and placing them in the best position to successfully resolve their legal disputes."
"I endorse Attorney Lee. He is a very knowledgeable attorney who has great skills when it comes to solving immigration problems and helping clients. If I was a client and needed immigration help, I would contact him first!"
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Experience
Honors
2019
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2017
Distinguished Lawyer, Expert Network
2017
Lead Counsel Rating, Lead Counsel
2016
Clients' Choice Award, Avvo
2016
Top Contributor Award, Avvo
2016
Top 10 Best Immigration Attorney, American Institute of Legal Counsel
2016
Top 20 Best Immigration Lawyers in Milwaukee, Expertise
2015
Top Contributor Award, Avvo
2015
Clients' Choice Award, Avvo
2015
Pro Bono Honor Society, Wisconsin Bar Association
2012
Labor and Employment Law Concentration Certificate with Honors, University of Wisconsin Law School
Work Experience
2012 - Present
Principal Attorney, Francis Law Center
2000 - Present
Associate Professor, University of Wisconsin
2011 - 2011
Law Clerk, Friedman & Anspach
2011 - 2011
Law Clerk, Stix Law Office
2011 - 2011
Law Clerk, National Labor Relations Board
2010 - 2011
Student Attorney, Neighborhood Law Clinic
Associations
2016 - Present
AILA Chicago ChapterNew member commitee
2016 - Present
Good Shepherd HousePresident and Attorney
2016 - Present
American Catholic Lawyers AssociationVolunteer Attorney
2016 - Present
AILA Chicago ChapterCVLS Committee member
2015 - Present
St. Mary Magdalene CongregationTrustee Secretary
2015 - Present
National Immigration Project, National Lawyers GuildMember
2015 - Present
National Asian Pacific American Bar AssociationMember
2015 - Present
Korean American Bar Association of ChicagoMember
2012 - Present
Wisconsin Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
American Immigration Lawyers AssociationMember
2012 - Present
Tenant Resources CenterVolunteer Attorney
2012 - Present
Legal Action of WisconsinVolunteer Attorney
2012 - Present
Dane County Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
I-290B motion to reopen
Approval
R-1 Visa renewal
Approval
I-539 F-1 Reinstatement
Approval
I-130 RFE
Approval
Victoria Bennett v. Meadow Park Apts., LLC
Successful rebuttal
Education
2012
University of Wisconsin Law School
J.D.
2000
New York University
Ph.D.
1994
Korea University
B.A.
1993
Iowa State University
B.S.
Speaking Engagements
2015
2015
Association of Asian American Studies Conference
Transnational Re-mapping of the "Yellow Peril"
2014
National Social Sciences Association Conference
The De-Constitutionalization of Employee Free Speech Protection: Rise and Fall of Mythical Contrasts between the Public and Private Sector Employee Free Speech Protection
2012
Dane County Circuit Court Information Session
Emergency Assistance: Who may qualify and how to apply?
Publications
2016
Gale Cengage Publishing
Dawes Act
2016
Gale Cengage Publishing
Nativism
2016
Gale Cengage Publishing
Johnson Reed Act and Nativism
Languages
English
Korean
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
I have my F3 category of I-130 petition for married children s approved on 28 th sept 2005 with Priority date as 20th sept,2004
15 Jan 2016
Q&A
Does Lawyers charge fee to send clients documents. (Is this Correct)
29 Dec 2015
Q&A
For I-864, can the form preparer, the interpreter, and the benefinary (the intending immigrant) be the same person?
09 Dec 2015