ONE PRACTICE. ONE FOCUS. ONE PASSION: IMMIGRATION LAW
J.J. Despain is a managing attorney in Boise for W&O’. He is admitted to the Colorado State Bar and practices mostly family-based and employment-based immigration law. J.J. has represented clients in over 100 interviews with USCIS. He has participated in events at community centers in both Utah and Idaho to present issues in immigration law and speak about the many possibilities available to potential clients. J.J. graduated from Brigham Young University, where he earned a bachelor of arts in communications with an emphasis in print journalism. He spent two years as an opinions editor, sports editor, and web editor for the campus newspaper, The Daily Universe. J.J. also earned minors in both Spanish and political science. After his undergraduate studies, J.J. attended law school at the University of Iowa College of Law. In Iowa, J.J. was the president of the student chapter of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society, a managing editor of the Iowa Law Review, a judicial clerk for the Honorable Stephanie M. Rose of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, and was involved with the Latino Law Students Association and Sports Law Society.
J.J. previously worked with Catholic Charities of Central Texas in Austin, Texas, where he led the office’s DACA renewal process for clients, and also assisted with U-visas and I-601A waivers. He also worked in Austin with Texas RioGrande Legal Aid on cases involving housing disputes. Back in Iowa City, J.J. assisted with Cole & Vondra, PC, in putting on Know Your Rights seminars for the local immigrant community, and with the Iowa Legal Aid Pro Bono Project.
In his spare time, J.J. enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, exploring the Idaho outdoors, drawing, watching sports (especially BYU), and watching movies. J.J. and his family live in Boise.
Practice areas
Family-based immigration, such as U-visas, I-601 and I-601A waivers, I-130 petitions, and adjustment of status. Employment-based immigration, such as E-visas, L-visas, PERM, and I-140 petitions.
7 years
Languages spoken
English, Spanish
Wilner & O'Reilly Aplc
10173 West Overland Road
Boise, ID, 83709
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CO | Active | 2016 | 06/08/2022 |
Legal answers | 69 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Boyd Service Award with Highest Honors | University of Iowa College of Law | 2015 |
Pro Bono Society | University of Iowa College of Law | 2015 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Managing Attorney | Wilner & O'Reilly | 2019 - Present |
Associate Attorney | Wilner & O'Reilly | 2016 - 2019 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Colorado Bar Association, Immigration Law Section | Executive Council Member | 2019 - Present |
American Immigration Lawyers Association | 2017 - Present |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Authority | Top Lawyers: J.J. Despain of Wilner & O’Reilly On The 5 Things You Need To Become A Top Lawyer In Your Specific Field of Law | 2021 |
Thrive Global | J.J. Despain of Wilner & O’Reilly: “Optimism” | 2021 |
Wilner & O'Reilly | What immigration options are possible for my family in Afghanistan? | 2021 |
Bankrate | Car ownership for DACA and undocumented citizens | 2021 |
The Vertical | Business immigration: What 2021 will bring for foreign entrepreneurs in the U.S. | 2021 |
Interest.com | Financial Assistance for DACA Recipients Amid COVID-19 Crisis | 2020 |
Wilner & O'Reilly | Having an advocate on your side can make all the difference | 2020 |
Wilner & O'Reilly | The Public Charge Rule is Back (For Now) | 2020 |
American Bar Association | The first-generation law student job search: Different and difficult | 2020 |
Wilner & O'Reilly | COVID-19: Does receiving money from the CARES Act affect my immigration status? | 2020 |
The Millennial Source | What Are the Legal Stakes for Dreamers if DACA is Terminated? | 2020 |
Wilner & O'Reilly | Does immigration check your social media? | 2019 |
U.S. News & World Report | Is Law School Worth It? What Young Attorneys Say | 2019 |
Riverside Lawyer | H-1B Visa Program | 2018 |
Wilner & O'Reilly | USCIS policy changes on denials, NTAs, and RFEs | 2018 |
Wilner & O'Reilly | Supreme Court Decides Sessions v. Dimaya | 2018 |
Wilner & O'Reilly | U.S. Census adding citizenship question | 2018 |
Iowa Law Review | From Off the Bench: The Potential Role of the U.S. Department of Education in Reforming Due Process in the NCAA | 2015 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of Iowa College of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 2015 |
Brigham Young University | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 2011 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Humanitarian Parole for Afghans | Humanitarian Parole for Afghans | 2021 |
Women Who Rock With Success Investigations | The Future of DACA Immigrants | 2020 |
Women Who Rock With Success Investigations | Defining DACA and What It Means for Immigrants | 2020 |
Executive Luncheon, Meridian, ID | Overcoming the Barriers of Immigration | 2020 |
Dinner and Learn, Meridian, ID | Immigration Benefits through Military Service | 2020 |
Dinner and Learn, Lewiston, ID | Immigration Benefits through Military Service | 2020 |
Dinner and Learn, Jerome, ID | Immigration Benefits through Military Service | 2020 |
Dinner and Learn, Emmett, ID | Immigration Benefits through Military Service | 2020 |
Continuing Legal Education | Overcoming the Barriers of Immigration for Employees | 2020 |
Dinner and Learn, Rupert, ID | Immigration Benefits through Military Service | 2019 |
Dinner and Learn, Idaho Falls, ID | Immigration Benefits through Military Service | 2019 |
Community Forum | Issues in Immigration | 2017 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Naturalization with criminal history | Approved |
Adjustment of status with I-693 issues | Approved |
Removing conditions on permanent residency with divorce issues and sexual orientation issues | Approved |
Adjustment of status with I-9 issues | Approved |
Adjustment of status with Quilantan entry | Approved |
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March 27, 2020
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April 19, 2019
Derek Poulsen, Immigration Attorney on Jun 5, 2020
Relationship: Co-worker
J.J. is very dedicated to his law practice and those he represents. His desire to zealously represent individuals is proven by his dedication to stay up on the evolving immigration laws and vigorously advocate for each client.
Eric Checketts, Immigration Attorney on May 17, 2018
Relationship: Other
I have known J.J. since I started law school about five years ago. He is a very conscientious individual who cares deeply about helping others. Without hesitation I recommend him to anyone looking for help with a legal matter.
Sully Bryan, Immigration Attorney on Dec 19, 2017
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Kelly O'Reilly, Immigration Attorney on Dec 19, 2017
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
I endorse this lawyer.
Richard Wilner, Immigration Attorney on Dec 19, 2017
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
I endorse this lawyer.
Jeanny Tsoi, Immigration Attorney on Oct 10, 2016
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer. J.J. is a very knowledgeable and diligent attorney. It has been a great pleasure working with him.
Jordan Moody, Immigration Attorney on Aug 3, 2016
Relationship: Co-worker
J.J. is a dedicated attorney. I worked with him personally on multiple cases and I could always count on things being done at the highest levels. I endorse this lawyer.
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