Christopher William Helt

PRO

Christopher William Helt

5.0
47 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 31 years

Immigration Lawyer at Chicago, IL
Practice Areas: Immigration

10 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 875, Chicago, IL

Virtual Consultation Available

About Christopher

Biography

Do you have a serious immigration issue? Contact Chicago Immigration Attorney Christopher Helt Esq.

Chicago Immigration Lawyer with 30 years of legal experience. Nationwide Immigration Law Practice handling complex immigration matters.

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Immigration 100%

Immigration & Nationality law, with a nationwide immigration practice appearing before the USDOJ's Executive Office for Immigration review, federal district court, federal circuit courts of appeal, and the Department of Homeland Security.

31 years

100%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2020 2015 2014
Gold Client Champion
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 31 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1994

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

The Helt Law Group, LLC

10 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 875, Chicago, IL, 60606

www.heltlawgroup.com

Helt Law Group Atlanta

260 Peachtree NW, Suite 2200, Atlanta, GA, 30303

www.heltlawgroup.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Christopher online.

Christopher William Helt's Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (39) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 8 reviews | Compassion

Posted by anonymous | August 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

From Removal proceedings to Citizenship

Please take the time to read this during especially during these uncertain and frightening times for immigrants. I had the privilege of working with Christopher Helt on a complex immigration case, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. I was a lawful permanent resident and stopped at the ...airport. I was placed in removal proceedings and Mr. Helt met with my family and friends and obtained my release on bond despite my first lawyer we hired said it wasn’t possible. It was clear at that point Mr. Helt was knowledgeable but also genuinely dedicated to his clients even when he has yet met him! After my release and during my immigration court proceedings, he artfully assist me, helping me navigating the U.S. immigration court system which can be daunting and terrifying especially with intricate cases like mine. Mr. Helt was incredibly thorough, breaking down every step of the process and ensuring that I understood my options before my court hearings. There were detailed legal briefs filed in support of my case that I think it would take decades for other lawyers to apply the type knowledge and experience in those legal papers he has. Mr. Helt explained them to both the judge and the homeland security attorney in a very nice and understanding way. Mr. Helt’s attention to detail was outstanding. Being in deportation or removal proceedings as a green card holder is a very stressful time. You think that your life here in the United States may be over. But Mr. helt provided me with immense peace of mind before and after my court hearings. He won my removal case and then I filed for US citizenship. My case was still complex but Mr. Helt artfully explained my situation in basic terms to the USCIS officer who granted my naturalization application. I am an American citizen today because of Mr. Helt. What impressed me the most was Mr. Helt’s ability to handle the complexities of my case with such expertise. Christopher Helt’s decisions for me were strategic, he was calm under pressure, and very proactive in making sure everything was ok, even anticipating potential challenges before they came up, as if he could predict them before court or later before my naturalization interview. Thanks to Christopher Helt’s hard work and dedication, my case was successfully resolved and I have begun a new and more secure life as a proud American! If you’re dealing with a complex immigration matter, look no further – Mr. Helt is the lawyer you want by your side. Big Thanks to him and his staff.

Posted by Sunshine | September 22, 2020 | Hired Attorney

Impeccable Services, top-notch lawyer

Mr Helt is very knowledgeable and genuine in explaining different scenarios and sharing law interpretations. He is very sharp with the technical details, empathetic and open-minded in listening to our case. We appreciate how Mr Helt explained to us, in layman's terms, the risks involved in every opti...on. We will be using Mr Helt's services.

Posted by anonymous | September 06, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

The only immigration lawyer you need

In March 2018, my family was contact by immigration stating that there were some issues with our current status. I had family members apply for citizenship and were concerned that they would not have to opportunity to partake in the citizenship of this great country. We went to a total of 4 diff...erent lawyers, one of whom was Mr Helt. The first 3 recommended a stance of defense; Mr Helt recommended a stance of attack. For some reason, we decided that based on how Mr Helt presented himself to us we would hire him to represent our case. It was a decision I would go back in time to make again. After we hired Mr Helt, he drew up a plan on how to approach this case and he represented us despite the complexity of our case. My family was preparing to sell our house and all of our belongings expecting the worst. Mr Helt told us to not waste our time considering that, rather just live life as normal as we can. Mr. Helt was ALWAYS, and i mean ALWAYS, willing to meet and help my family when we felt concerns arise and he responded to email within 1 business day. To say least, we received our citizenship strictly due to the skill-set of Mr Helt. I sincerely make this plea to anyone reading this, just hire Mr Helt. I am eternally grateful for the kindness and confidence Mr Helt gave us during our time of need. Thank you again Mr. Helt for helping my family. -K.M.

Posted by anonymous | October 26, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Christopher Helt is a super lawyer.

I would like to say from the bottom of my heart that Christopher Helt really assisted me and my family when we needed it the most. He took time to examine the difficulties of my case. He gave me a feeling confidence to fight my case even though I had been to 2 pervious other lawyers who just charged... me and did nothing . At the end of my case ,Mr Helt got all the charges dismissed and did it by making my very difficult issue seem very straightforward . I will be grateful to him and pray for him and his family.

Posted by Domingo | July 29, 2014 | Immigration

"Lifetime Dedication And Trust In Him"

I arrived in the US from the Philippines just a hope to get a better opportunity in life. However under any circumstances , the journey has been ultimately difficult especially if a particular status still under the radar. But if there is life, there is hope. I have always believe that there are bril...liant Lawyers out there whose kind, compassionate and will not take your money and run and Christopher Helt is one of those good ones out there. My immigration journey has been very difficult for me, it was very tough that I almost give up. Christopher Helt has been there for me with his expertise and guidance with my immigration. I cannot believe that after many struggles with USCIS to prove my case, I will soon become an American citizen. Christopher Helt has sophisticated skills with unique ability when it comes to immigration expertise. I have no idea what he did in my case because according to one of the USCIS officer, they do not have this kind of case in twenty years. I have a very unique immigration case that only Christopher Helt knows the secret on how to win and succeed. We never give up until we won the case, that's why I owe it all to Christopher Helt and his caring team. I am so thankful for everything he has done to me. He takes the time to return emails and worked on my case personally at all times for over five years, including meeting me in the evening for an urgent matter. Christopher Helt is a special lawyer who understands what its like coming from where I have lived, and never forget his dedication to me and seeing my case to the end.

See All Client Reviews

Christopher William Helt's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Christopher
Micheal L. Harper headshot
Micheal Harper

Immigration lawyer | Oct 27

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

""Tough as nails adversary, and gentleman outside the courtroom." I was an INS/DHS prosecutor for over 27 years. I have had many contested hearings with Mr. Helt over the years, and have always found him well prepared and a fighter for his clients. Outside the courtroom, Mr. Helt has always been the consummate gentleman. I consider Mr. Helt one of the best immigration removal defense attorneys in the Unites States.""

Kenneth Sylvan Levine headshot
Kenneth Levine

Immigration lawyer | Jun 02

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Christ Helt is an exemplary immigration attorney. He has a global reputation in deportation defense and over the years has prevailed on several important cases in U.S. circuit and district courts. Immigration lawyers nationwide regularly cite Chris's court decisions in their own advocacy."

James Morris McClintick headshot
James McClintick

Immigration lawyer | May 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Chris is a highly skilled and uncommonly dedicated attorney, with years of experience and an extensive knowledge of immigration law. Whether it be family-based adjustment, removal defense, or any other aspect of immigration law, Chris will be a fierce and creative advocate for his client. He's a legend in his field and among the very best."

Kenna Alan Walker headshot
Kenna Walker

Immigration lawyer | Jun 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I wholeheartedly endorse Chris Helt. He is one of the hardest working and ethical immigration attorneys currently practicing. His advice is straight and true. Chris values his clients and will not stop until he gets the best outcome for each."

Sameer Hasan Hasan headshot
Sameer Hasan

Immigration lawyer | Jun 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Chris is passionate about his cases. He is one of the rare attorneys that have the legal knowledge coupled with the passion required to zealously represent clients."

View All Endorsements
James Morris McClintick headshot
James McClintick

Immigration lawyer

Noah John Magrisso headshot
Noah Magrisso

Unknown lawyer

Sameer Hasan Hasan headshot
Sameer Hasan

Immigration lawyer

Kenneth Sylvan Levine headshot
Kenneth Levine

Immigration lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Chicago's Top Rated Lawyers (Immigration), ALM Legal Leaders

2022

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2022

Litigator of the Year, American Institute of Trial Lawyers

2019

Who's Who in American Law, Marquis Who's Who in American Law

2015

llinois Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2015

Humanitrian Award, pro bono service, Honduran refugees and UACs., LULAC of Illlinois

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

FBI Director's Community Leadership Award, FBI

Work Experience

1994 - Present

Managing Member, Helt Law Group, LLC.

Associations

2024 - Present

National Trial Lawyers Association Top 10 Immigration

President

2013 - Present

Loyola Academy Bar Association

Member

1998 - Present

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Member

1994 - Present

Chicago Bar Association

Member

1994 - Present

Federal Trial Bar for the Northern District of Illinois

Member

1990 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Hui Ran Mu v. Barr, 936 F.3d 929 (9th 2019)

Petition for review granted; denied as to MTR.

In Matter of Hasan Meghani (BIA 2014)

Administrative closure by BIA

Noorani v. U.S. Attorney General, (11th 2006)

Petition for review granted. IJ and BIA decision vacated.

Merchant v. US Attorney General, 461 F.3d 1375 (11th Cir. 2006)

Petition for review granted. IJ and BIA decision vacated.

78 No. 13 Interpreter Releases 604 (2001)

Asylum granted (social group membership)

See More Legal Cases

Education

1994

Loyola University Chicago School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1990

Loyola University Chicago

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2014

Guest lecuturer, Immigration & Islam in The United States Islamic History Course (Dept of History) Immigration

2010

A Person to Person History: 9/11 Survivors Visit Loyola University Symposium Loyola University

2009

9/11 Survivors Visit Loyola Symposium Loyola University

2005

Criminal Justice Ethics...tough decisions for lawyers, judges, police and other professionals. Law and Ethics

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution