Jim Hacking has practiced law in the greater St. Louis area since 1997. While immigration law is his primary focus, Jim has handled civil litigation for his entire practice. Jim applies his litigation skills to his immigration practice, successfully litigating numerous cases against the federal government for individuals waiting for years for citizenship and lawful permanent resident status. He also has successfully represented many clients facing deportation from the United States.
Outside of the immigration realm, Jim represents individuals injured through the negligence of others and also handles workers compensation claims. Jim is an experienced litigator, having handled numerous cases through trial and appeals in Missouri and Illinois. In the early part of his career, Jim practiced maritime law at a local boutique firm. Jim now uses that background in representing barge workers injured on the job. He has handled numerous Jones Act injury claims over the course of his career.
Jim has been active in local civic affairs. He has been a volunteer attorney through Legal Services of Eastern Missouri since he started practicing law. Jim was a founding member of the St. Louis Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations and served as the group's executive director for two years. He has served on the U.S. Attorney's Hate Crimes Task Force and currently chairs the Muslim Task Force of the ACLU of Eastern Missouri. In 2009, he received the Eugene H. Buder Award from the ACLU of Eastern Missouri as volunteer of the year. In 2009, Jim was elected to the inaugural board of Missouri Immigrants & Refugee Advocates, an organization dedicated to fighting for the rights of immigrants and refugees. In 2010, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri awarded Jim the F. Wm. McCalpin Pro Bono Award for his efforts advocating for low income individuals in the St. Louis area. Jim has also taught as an adjunct professor at the SLU Law School.
In 2004, the Riverfront Times named Jim the Best Lawyer in St. Louis. Jim graduated with honors from Saint Louis University School of Law, where he served as Editor in Chief of the Saint Louis University Law Journal. His article "Won't You Be My Neighbor - Does New Jersey's Megan's Law Violate The Constitution Ban On The Passage Of Ex Post Facto Legislation?" appeared in the 41st Edition of the Law Journal. The Riverfront TImes again named Jim Best Lawyer in St. Louis in 2013.
Jim has been featured in The New York Times, the Washington Post and on National Public Radio. He has been interviewed repeatedly on local television, radio and print outlets. He lives in Webster Groves, Missouri, with his wife, three sons and daughter.
Practice areas
Our firm helps people who want to come and stay in the U.S. We handle citizenship, asylum, green card and employment immigration cases. We view immigration as a zero sum game - you win or lose. We fight very hard for our clients.
16 years, 2,000 cases
Languages spoken
English, Bosnian
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
IL | Active And Authorized To Practice Law | 1998 | 06/13/2022 |
MO | Good Standing, Active | 1997 | 05/22/2022 |
Legal answers | 15 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Best Lawyer in St. Louis | Riverfront Times | 2013 |
F. Wm. McCalpin Pro Bono Award | Legal Services of Eastern Missouri | 2010 |
Eugene H. Buder Award | ACLU of Eastern Missouri | 2009 |
Best Lawyer in St. Louis | Riverfront Times | 2004 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Member | Hacking Law Practice, LLC | 2008 - Present |
Lecturer | St. Louis University School Of Law | 2009 - 2010 |
Member | Tonkin & Mondl, LC | 2006 - 2008 |
Associate | Tonkin & Mondl, LC | 1999 - 2006 |
Associate | Riezman & Blitz, PC | 1997 - 1999 |
Law Clerk | Gray & Ritter, LC | 1992 - 1997 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
American Immigration Lawyers Association | Member | 2008 - Present |
Illinois State Bar Association | Member | 1998 - Present |
Missouri Bar | Member | 1997 - Present |
Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis | Member | 1997 - Present |
American Bar Association | Member | 1997 - Present |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Saint Louis Bar Journal | The Times They Are a Changin' | 2017 |
Saint Louis University Law Journal | “Won’t You Be My Neighbor — Does New Jersey’s Megan’s Law Violate The Constitution Ban On The Passage Of Ex Post Facto Legislation?” | 1997 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Saint Louis University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1997 |
Saint Louis University | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1992 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
The End of DACA | Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals | 2017 |
Welcoming the Stranger | Refugees and Immigrants | 2017 |
Public Radio | The End of DACA | 2017 |
University of Missouri - St. Louis | Immigration 101 | 2016 |
Southern Illinois University | From Student Visa to Green Card Holder | 2016 |
Guest Speaker | What International students need to know about immigration law | 2014 |
American Inns of Court | Client Relations | 2012 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Wilson v. Beers | Defendant's Motions Denied |
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Shawn Hamp, Immigration Attorney on Apr 19, 2019
Relationship: Friend
Jim is an excellent attorney who focuses on getting legal immigration status for his clients when they have faced many set backs and obstacles. He has extensive knowledge about strategies and procedures involving the Unites States Customs and Immigration Service.
Najmeh Mahmoudjafari, Immigration Attorney on Dec 9, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse and highly recommend this lawyer. I cannot say enough about Jim. He is not only knowledgeable, but he is also passionate. He loves what he does, and it shows. His clients' interests are his interests. He is an exceptional advocate that ensure all his clients' needs are met with the best possible results. I am proud to call him a colleague!
Kyce Siddiqi, Immigration Attorney on May 18, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer.
Gary Burger, Immigration Attorney on Aug 24, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Jim is a really smart and hardworking lawyer. He is a zealous advocate for his clients. His legal acumen and ability to get amazing legal results is without equal. I refer all my immigration clients to him.
Thomas Gonwa, Unknown Attorney on Aug 4, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jim sets the standard for immigration attorneys. I refer clients to Jim without hesitation and strongly endorse him.
Mark Cantor, Immigration Attorney on Feb 25, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jim is one of the best immigration lawyers in the St. Louis region. I never hesitate to refer anyone in need of help with a family or work visa or any other type of immigration matter because I know they will be in good hands with Jim. He is a very caring and compassionate person and provides a great service for his clients.
Benjamin Glass, Immigration Attorney on Oct 3, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jim Hacking has an enormous number of immigration resources at his website. I'd highly recommend visiting the website and then giving his office a call. They love to help people!
Jonathon Burns, Immigration Attorney on Aug 17, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jim is one of the most knowledgeable immigration attorneys in the State of Missouri. I have referred clients to him and will continue to do so in the future. I recommend him without exception.
Stephen Bardol, Immigration Attorney on Jun 18, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jim is one of the best immigration attorneys in town. I refer any of my clients with immigration issues to Jim and know that they will be in great hands with Jim.
Rickey Farrow, Personal injury Attorney on Sep 18, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Vaughan De Kirby, Immigration Attorney on Aug 26, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I practice exclusively Immigration law in San Francisco California. I know how important the right immigration attorney can be to reaching your immigration goals. Attorney Jim Hacking has been practicing law since 1997 and helping people in the St. Louis area with their immigration issues for many years. Without hesitation Jim is the attorney to call when you need an attorney who is an expert in immigration law.
Mark Dean, Immigration Attorney on Aug 25, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jim is one of the top, if not top, immigration attorney in the St. Louis area. I recommend him for anyone (fellow lawyer or client) needing immigration advise and counsel.
Robert Caldwell, Immigration Attorney on May 6, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jim takes a very active and aggressive approach to ensure that his clients receive fair treatment in their immigration proceedings, and he is not afraid to take court action. Jim strongly supports fair immigration legislation, and his work wholly contributes to a better society. I strongly endorse Jim.
Ross Mutrux, Immigration Attorney on Apr 25, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jim is the best immigration lawyer I know in St. Louis. I refer him all immigration clients that come through my office.
Andres Mejer, Immigration Attorney on Apr 22, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
James knows his stuff. He is compassionate about his clients and strong advocate for their needs. You can trust James. You can rely on James. He takes your issues to heart. If you find yourself in the St. Louis area and need an immigration attorney, James is your guy.
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