$ 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 - 4 of 4 reviews | Punctuality
Posted by Carlos | May 03, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Immigration
My Heart-felt Gratitude.
I am very very grateful to Scott, Linda and to his Law Firm for all the time and assistance they gave me during this process of immigration and naturalization. First, by applying and acquiring my R-1 Visa, my Permanent Residence and then, my Naturalization as a citizen of the United States. I felt ve...
Posted by Julio Melendez | August 19, 2011 | Immigration
Excellent job on immigration case
For 10 years Mr. Pollock and his crew ran a complicated case of asylum, HB1, Permanent residence, etc. etc. Case had a positive outcome a few weeks ago, where me and my family had big win. He and his crew are trustworthy and reliable, they were there on every phone call and every interview we had ...
Posted by Leszek | January 21, 2010 | Immigration
Superb!
Mr. Pollock was and is a superb immigration lawyer. He was on top of everything that we needed. I knew I did not have to worry about anything. I was confident that everything was going to be done right and on time. I truly recommend him to anyone!
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.
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