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I grew up in a small village in Africa where I lived with no electricity or running tap water. I never imagined that I would live in America as a U.S. Immigration lawyer. My family and I have been through what most would call "Immigration Hell" including deportation. We legally fought and we now live in America as U.S. citizens. Therefore, I can personally relate to immigrants and their struggles because I was also an immigrant. Click Here to read the the story of my life as an immigrant before I became an Immigration Lawyer.
Lelia Adams was once an immigrant who is now an Immigration Lawyer dedicated to helping other immigrants. Lelia was born and raised in a small village in Africa. She later relocated to the United States of America as an immigrant and after several years became a naturalized United States citizen. Lelia attended Southern Connecticut State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science. While in college Lelia was a Congressional Intern for Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro representing the 3rd Congressional District of Connecticut. After graduating from college, Lelia worked for many years with a top wireless and communication industry as a coordinator in Continuity Marketing and Operations where she worked and interacted with people from different international cultures.
Lelia later earned her J.D. from Stetson University College of Law in Tampa Bay Florida and graduated with accolades. While in Law school, Lelia was placed on Honor Roll and as a result of her skills in advocacy she was also a finalist for the Phelps Dunbar 1st Year Appellate Advocacy competition. She also gained valuable experience in the court room as a judicial intern for Honorable Amy M. Williams of the 6th Judicial Circuit, Civil Division, in Saint Petersburg, Florida.
After graduation from law school Lelia relocated to Missouri where she was admitted to practice law. While in Missouri, Lelia worked with a non-profit organization in areas such as consumer protection, family law and Juvenile Law. In this role, Lelia fought fearlessly for all her clients through adjudication, meetings with social services and foster parents. She eventually relocated to the Phoenix Arizona to focus on immigration law. While in Phoenix, Lelia worked with an Immigration Firm helping clients with different aspects of immigration law.
Although Lelia was born and raised in Africa, she has traveled the world learning about people in other cultures. Lelia studied Common Law and the Law of Restitution at Oxford University in the United Kingdom. Lelia also participated in the American and Caribbean Law Institute program through Stetson University College of Law, researching and writing about both domestic and foreign laws on Trademark Infringement. While in the American and Caribbean Law Institute, Lelia participated with several Law schools from the United States and the Caribbean in a mock trial on Foreign Trademark Infringement.
Now in her practice as an Immigration Lawyer, Lelia continues to be dedicated to her clients and fearlessly represents them because as an immigrant who has been through the United States immigration system, she truly understands the struggles and concerns of other immigrants. Lelia is a member of the State Bar of Missouri. She is also a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and her focus is only on immigration law.
Profile at a Glance
Bar Admission
State of Missouri
Missouri Supreme Court
Education
Juris Doctorate, Stetson University College of Law
Saint Petersburg, Florida
International Law Studies, Oxford University – University of Florida Study Abroad Program Oxford, UK.
Bachelor of Science, Political Science, Southern Connecticut State University
Honors
William F. Blews Pro Bono Service Award
Honor Roll
Advocacy Award
2007 Phelps Dunbar 1st Year Appellate Oral Advocacy Competition, Finalist
Professional Affiliation
American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
American Bar Association
2
Practice Areas
We have not found any cost information for this lawyer
State: Arizona
Acquired: 2024
No misconduct found
State: Missouri
Acquired: 2010
No misconduct found
Other places you can find Lelia online.
Showing 6 - 10 of 34 reviews
Posted by Patricia | January 08, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Immigration
I presented a very difficult case to Essien Law Firm, I went many Firms to take me case but they refused stating that they needed more time to even attempt this case . one of the lawyers even told me it's best that I gave up . So my daughter and I decided to call a few more offices and Essie...
Posted by Michael | July 24, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Immigration
Exceptional Family-Based Immigration Attorney in Phoenix
5 Stars to The Best Immigration Law Firm for Getting my Green Card Approved in 2 Months!!! I recently had the pleasure of working with Attorney Lelia Adams at Essien Law Firm in Phoenix for my Green Card Marriage Adjustment of Status, Family Based Immigration, and Work Authorization case. From our ...
Posted by Karan | January 10, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Immigration
Green card renewal
I sought Lelia’s expertise for my green card renewal, a critical and complex immigration issue. Her service quality was exceptional, demonstrating profound legal knowledge and genuine care. She exceeded my expectations, providing clarity and a strategy that simplified the process, resulting in a more...
Posted by Jane | December 07, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Asylum
A passionate immigration lawyer
I am extremely grateful for the quality of legal representation I received from Essien Law Firm. I presented my Asylum case to Attorney Lelia Adams in April 2023. She conducted a very thorough interview to gather all the necessary information. Despite the complexity of the case she guided me througho...
Posted by Dennis Ong | November 16, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Asylum
Exceptional lawyer with her personal touch
From the very beginning of our complex asylum filing process, Lelia and her team at the law firm stood out for their extraordinary dedication and expertise. Lelia's personal touch was evident in every interaction. She not only demonstrated profound legal knowledge but also a remarkable level of empat...
"An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services."
"Attorney Lelia Nyong Adams is a powerful advocate for her clients. She is always prepared and very successful in the courtroom. The client who trusts his case to Lelia makes a wise decision, and I highly recommend her work."
"Attorney Lelia Nyong Adams is a tremendous defense lawyer and is deeply committed to provide excellent representation to her clients. She is a lawyer with boundless energy and great integrity. I would highly recommend her to anyone needing assistance."
"I endorse this lawyer. She is passionate in her representation of her clients...understanding their struggles from a unique standpoint. She gives freely to answer the public's questions on Avvo as well."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Adams is consistently knowledgable and thoughtful in her advice to her clients."
"I endorse this lawyer for her contributions in the Avvo forums."
"I endorse Lelia without reservation. She has demonstrated an exceptional grasp of the law and is a superb litigator."
"Highly skilled and knowledgeable. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"A brilliant attorney, and highly respected in the legal community. I can definitely endorse this lawyer."
"I strongly endorse Ms. Adams in all areas of law associated with immigration and deportation. She is a tremendous advocate for her clients."
"Lelia is a skilled attorney here in Phoenix, and a very well qualified practitioner. Were I to need an attorney for an immigration issue, I'd sit down with her first."
"Attorney Lelia Adams is an aggressive advocate for her clients with a track record of success. I fully endorse her."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Attorney Lelia Adams shows compassion to help people in need by providing sound legal advice in the Avvo community. She is respected by colleagues in the legal field. I fully endorse her."
"I endorse attorney Lelia Adams. She gives back to the community by providing outstanding legal answers in Avvo for individuals who have asked for help on their case. A valuable member in the legal industry."
"I endorse attorney Lelia Adams. She provides excellent legal answers in the Avvo community to help people who came here seeking some advice. She is an asset to our profession."
"Lelia is a fierce advocate for her clients, willing to go over and beyond to ensure that they are adequately represented. I recommend her to anyone seeking immigration services."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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2014
AVVO TOP CONTRIBUTOR AWARD, AVVO
2011
Blews Pro Bono Service Award, William F. Blews
2009
Leadership Award, Stetson University College of Law
2007
1st Year Appellate Oral Advocacy Competition, Finalist, Phelps Dunbar
2014 - Present
Immigration Attorney, Essien Immigration Law
2012 - 2014
Of Counsel, Muesliikon
2011 - 2011
Owner, LELIA N. ADAMS LAW FIRM
2010 - 2011
Staff Attorney, Legal Aid Of Western Missouri
2009 - 2009
Trademark Intern, Caribbean Law Clinic
2009 - 2009
Intellectual Property Intern, Washington Patent Service
2009 - 2009
Judicial Intern, Judge Amy Williams, 6th Judicial Circuit, Florida Circuit Court
2000 - 2000
Congressional Intern, Office of Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro
2014 - Present
American Immigration Lawyers AssociationMember
2010 - Present
Missouri State Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
Missouri BarMember
T-VISA Granted. Trafficking victim now has State ID and work authorization and will eventually be eligible to apply to become a lawful permanent resident with a U.S. green card.
GRANTED! This clients now lives in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident with a green card!
Naturalization Granted, He is Now a U.S. Citizen
Granted! My client was granted an immigrant visa and she reunited with her family in America
Granted. Client was released from Jail and went home with her family member.
TN Visa Granted.
Granted
2011
JD - Juris Doctor
2002
BS - Bachelor of Science
2025
Convention Planning Committee Monthly Meetings Participant
2021
Family/Juvenile- CLE Attended
2021
Competency and Mental Health in Removal Proceedings- CLE Attended
2021
Immigration Presentation
2020
Immigration
2014
Immigration
2014
2020
2020
2014
2014
English
Legal Answers
Top Contributor
Lelia earned significant contribution points in 2014.
Can I?
29 Jul 2025
I have submitted my 10 yr GCard renewal app online This would be my 2nd 10 yr renewal. Do I need to hire atty.
29 Jul 2025
I got married 10 months ago my wife is abusing me I want to apply for VAWA?
01 Jun 2025