$ 210-285 per hour
About Scott
Biography
Since beginning in the practice of immigration law more than 30 years ago, the most important thing I have learned is to not predict or anticipate a negative outcome to a case. I will not accept a legal matter that I think is frivolous or not supported by law, but there are many cases in which hard work, study of the law and creative advocacy can influence the interpretation of a difficult issue, or gain favorable exercise of discretion of an immigration official or judge. As a colleague taught me a long time ago, if something is not prohibited, it is permitted. Immigration lawyers occupy a peculiar space where, often, government practices are not policies, policies are not rules, rules are not law, and both rules and law seem to be dispensed with, with hardly a second thought. We are persuasive advocates when we bring whatever authority we can muster to bear on a given situation. The adjudicator or IJ will say, "what? there is a rule or a law to apply?" And that can make all the difference in a given case.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Immigration
100%
41 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2020 2019 2017
...
+
5
2017 2012
Licenses
Licensed in Illinois for 39 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 1986
No misconduct found
Licensed in New York for 40 years
State: New York
Acquired: 1986
No misconduct found
Location
Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C.
(312) 444-1950
Fax
105 W. Madison, Suite 2200, Chicago, IL, 60602
Law Offices of Scott D. Pollock
105 W. Madison, Suite 2200, Chicago, IL, 60602-4648
Online Presence
Other places you can find Scott online.
Scott D. Pollock's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
77 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (77)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (57)
Practice Area Knowledge (39)
Advocacy (31)
Professionalism (31)
Recommendation (30)
Character & Conduct (24)
Responsiveness (23)
Staff & Support (22)
Trustworthiness (20)
Compassion (16)
General Knowledge (16)
Communication Style (15)
Cost of Services (8)
Punctuality (4)
Payment Plans (3)
Free Consultations (1)
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | 1 star
Posted by Olurotimi | December 18, 2019 | Immigration
Too greedy for his own good
Had first consultation with Scott in the 90s (don't remember exact time) after a referral by a friend. He couldn't render any help because my case was stuck in INS then. Had a 2nd consultation in 2014 when I was finally placed in removal proceedings. First, he wanted an initial minimum payment of ...
Scott Pollock
Replied last December 18, 2019I am happy that this person, who did not become our client, found an attorney and had a successful result. Since he decided to post a one-star review, I want to respond to his stated concerns. According to him, after a friend referred him over 20 years ago, we could not help because his case was “stuck” at INS. Then, after he was put in removal proceedings, we asked him for a substantial retainer fee and also a guarantor agreement for his wife to sign. He did not indicate why the case was stuck or provide details about his case. At our firm, we often are able to successfully intervene in long-delayed cases by submitting our attorney appearance form and request action with the agency, now the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). We will do this when, in our judgment, it appears the case was submitted properly or there is additional evidence that we can submit to further support the pending application. Owing to our firm’s reputation for zealous advocacy for our clients, USCIS knows that we are ready to take all appropriate legal steps, including suing the agency to obtain a decision. This person either did not want us to intervene, or we determined that the chances of success were low. The fact that he was later put into removal proceedings and had to apply for cancellation of removal, which is a defense to removal available in certain cases involving long-term residence in the U.S., good moral character, and exceptional and unusual hardships to a qualifying family member, suggests that we provided correct advice. As for our pricing for removal defense cases, we are flexible. We determine what we consider to be a reasonable retainer fee in each case, based on an extensive and thorough initial consultation. We are candid and honest in our assessment, and we set out conditions that may include an initial retainer fee, a payment plan, or other financial arrangement. We are very flexible with our clients, and we request a guarantor only in rare cases where it appears that the prospective client will be unable to afford our services on his own. I do not tell any client to not discuss our financial arrangements with anyone; this client's recollection about not informing the IJ of what we charge is simply not our practice or something I would tell a client. It is the client's prerogative to talk of their attorney, our individual agreements are transparent and always in writing to avoid any possibility of misunderstanding, and I will always stand by the client's right to choose his or her attorney and discuss anything he or she chooses to discuss with whomever they choose. I reject this person’s suggestion that I am not conscientious. I am the first to admit that this law firm is not the right one for every prospective client. But I always do my best to provide the highest level of legal advice to each and every prospective client. I and the other attorneys at our firm give an honest assessment of what the services may cost depending on the various options, case strategies, and potential outcomes we have identified in a complex area of the law. We are a nationally recognized full-service immigration law firm that is ready and equipped to provide a high level of representation and counsel to individuals, businesses, and organizations. I am sorry this client experienced me as "too greedy for his own good." In fact, I and my firm spend hundreds of hours doing pro bono legal work each year. For paying matters, we work with our clients and often come up with alternate solutions when they are in financial distress. If you are reading this, please do not think that this person’s decision to not hire us or work with us around his financial limitations reflects any kind of standard practice on our part, nor of the general experience of our many satisfied clients. We will continue to do our best to provide reasonable, honest, and zealous legal representation to each client who decides to hire us.
Posted by Vladimir | September 18, 2018 | Immigration
Vladimir Curcic
I had a consultation with Christina Murdoch, regarding my visa, and changing my status from F-1 to whichever will work. First of all, they made me pay for consultation in advance. Second, miss Christina was late 35 min, I was scheduled at 3pm she showed up at 3:35 pm, which put me in unconfident s...
Scott Pollock
Replied last September 18, 2018I have investigated this situation and also spoken with our attorney Christina Murdoch so that I can understand and address the complaints. All attorneys at SDP&A are experienced, dedicated, and well-regarded in the immigration field. Each one strives to analyze each situation and identify the client's needs. We try to provide a range of available options based on the specific situation and goals of the client, and provide our best advice, simply but comprehensively, on how to achieve those goals. On rare occasions there are misunderstandings. We disagree on what was the actual advice given in this consultation. As for Mr. Curcic's points about tardiness and costs associated with an in person consultation, everyone arriving to SDP&A for the first time is first asked to complete a consultation questionnaire. The attorney reviews the questionnaire to determine the client’s immigration history, issues and concerns, and identify potential options and case strategies. This may take some time before the client is actually brought in to meet with the attorney. Generally in person consultations take an hour or more to allow sufficient time to explore and explain different available options and advise the client on case issues, obstacles, and risks. Parking in downtown Chicago is expensive; we do not have an arrangement to validate parking. Our office is centrally located and near several bus lines, CTA and Metra stations. We usually e-mail our questionnaires to clients when they schedule the appointment. Persons who complete and return the questionnaire before the consultation can be seen sooner. Sometimes emergencies can delay the start of a consultation, but we try and communicate this if a consultation will be significantly delayed. We respect our clients’ time. We can also do a consultation by telephone, Skype, FaceTime, or other electronic means. These can also save time and expense. But we prefer an in-person consultation for better information sharing that can help the prospective client decide whether to retain our services. We are sorry that Mr. Curcic was dissatisfied with Ms. Murdoch’s consultation, but we appreciate his raising these concerns and we will continue to do our very best for our clients who entrust their important immigration cases to us.
Posted by anonymous | May 25, 2009 | Ethics & Professional Responsibility
Fee is too high
Based on my experience our fiduciary relationship of trust was violated. Fee is unreasonable, more than customarily charged in the locality for similar services. Even being discharged for cause and paid for the limited services he provided,he asserted an" attorneys' lien", and refused to return un...
Scott Pollock
Replied last June 01, 2009Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. is a full-service immigration and nationality law firm in Chicago. Its attorneys provide legal services in the areas of immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, employment and family based immigration, deportation defense, immigration detention representation, political asylum, waivers of inadmissibility, employment authorization, employer immigration compliance, federal litigation and appeals. Scott D. Pollock, the firm's founder, has practiced immigration law since 1985. This firm has received Martindale Hubbell's AV rating (very high to preeminent), and several of its attorneys are recognized by Law and Politics and included in its Illinois Super Lawyer and Illinois Rising Star lists. The firm values scholarship, pro bono representation and service to the immigration bar, so as to protect individual rights and due process, and promote the progressive advancement of U.S. immigration law. All attorneys in the firm are active members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association This dissatisfied former client came had unsuccessfully sought her green card for many years before coming to this firm. She fails to mention that her complex case was compromised by her own actions, or that her unfounded complaints against this firm were rejected by the Illinois Supreme Court's Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission.
Scott D. Pollock's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. A brilliant and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
"Lawyers who serve the avvo community as much as Mr. Pollock are few and far between. It takes passion, concern and dedication to devote so much time. You have my endorsement and kudos."
"Scott Pollock is one of the best immigration lawyers in the country. If there is some way that your case can be solved or salvaged, Scott has the knowledge and acument to bring it to a successful conclusion."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Pollock is an exceptional attorney. Although I have been practicing law for 24 years as a judge, magistrate, law professor, prosecutor, and private attorney, I learn from his responses on Avvo every time that he posts. If I needed an attorney, I would hire him. I recommend him with no reservation. It would be the best investment of your life to hire him to represent you."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Scott Pollock is an excellent professional who continues to provide concise, accurate and efficient services in immigration matters."
"Scott knows every aspect of immigration law from employment-based immigration to deportation defense. He has been practicing immigration law for almost 25 years, heads a great team of attorneys and is bilingual (English and Spanish). When I have a deportation case in Chicago, I call Scott and get his advice."
"I have known Scott Pollock for about 25 years. He and his firm are known as very aggressive and diligent attorneys on deportation and immigration cases, both complicated and straightforward. My firm refers to his firm many of the more complicated cases we don't have the resources to handle. I have complete confidence in the work of his firm."
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Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
Illinois Super Lawyer, Illinois Super Lawyers
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Illinois Super Lawyer, Illinois Super Lawyers
2012
Bar Registry of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
Illinois Super Lawyer, Illinois Super Lawyers
2011
Bar Registry of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2010
Illinois Leading Lawyers, Law Bulletin Publishing
2010
Illinois Super Lawyers, Law & Politics Media
2010
Bar Registry of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2009
Illinois Super Lawyers, Law & Politics Media
2009
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2009
Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
Illinois Leading Lawyers, Law Bulletin Publishing Company
2009
Joseph Minsky Beacon of Light Award, American Immigration Lawyers Association Chicago Chapter
2008
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2008
Illinois Leading Lawyers, Law Bulletin Publishing Company
2008
Illinois Super Lawyers, Law & Politics Magazine
2007
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2007
Illinois Leading Lawyers, Law Bulletin Publishing Company
2007
Ilinois Super Lawyers, Law & Politics Magazine
Work Experience
1990 - Present
Founder and principal attorney, Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C.
Associations
2004 - Present
Illinois State Bar AssociationMember, Section Council on International and Immigration Law
1987 - Present
American Immigration Lawyers AssociationMember, Chapter Chair and many local and national committees
1985 - Present
Chicago Bar Associationmember and past Chair, Immigration & Nationality Committee
1985 - Present
National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers GuildMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Kamal v. Gonzales
Ruling for Plaintiff
Hafeez v. Dorochoff
Court denies government's motion to dismiss
Kholyavskiy v. Schlecht
Order grants attorneys fees & costs
Meraz v. Comfort
Ruling for Plaintiff
Morales-Morales v. Gonzales
Ruling for the petitioner
Education
1985
Brooklyn Law School
Juris doctorate cum laude
Speaking Engagements
2010
2010 AILA Annual Conference
Dirty Little (or Big) Secrets: Criminal Grounds of Removeability and Inadmissibility
2009
Meeting of the Chicago AILA Chapter
Responding to USCIS Allegations of Fraud
2009
Employment Based Immigration Issues for Recruiters
Employment based immigration issues for recruiters
2009
Chicago Bar Association Chapter Meeting
International Students and F-1 Visa Status
2009
AILA Web-Seminar December 3, 2009
Permanent Porting under AC21 in the Twenty-First Century Economy
2009
2009 Annual Conference on Immigration and Nationality Law
Overview of Criminal Grounds of Inadmissibility
2008
Federal Bar Association 3rd Annual Workplace Enforcement Conference
From IRCA to ICE- an Overview of Workplace Enforcement
Publications
2008
Inside the Minds (Aspatore Books)
Working with Government Agencies in Immigration Law
Languages
Spanish
French
Serbo-Croatian
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Scott earned significant contribution points in 2017.
Legal Answers
Q&A
Hello i have question relted to my F1 visa
22 Apr 2024
Q&A
Green card expiring soon ?
31 Mar 2024
Q&A
I am a U.S citizen. I want to apply for my mother and my 14 year old brother. Can i file 1 petition for both of them?
22 Mar 2024
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
What You Need to Know About President Obama’s Executive Action
25 Nov 2014
Legal Guide
The Writing is on the Wall- tips for immigrant users of social media
13 Oct 2011
Legal Guide
Consular Notification- a Benefit for Detainees and Other Strangers in a Strange Land
09 Mar 2011