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Sonia S Figueroa

also known as Sonia Lee
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Avvo Rating8.8
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Licensed for 10 years
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About Sonia

Former USCIS Officer * US Military Veteran

As the daughter of immigrant parents, and as a veteran of the US armed forces, I practice law in the areas that I am passionate about. I strive to ensure that all of my clients receive the individualized care that they deserve. My mission is to take a genuine interest in my clients, understand their goals and meet their expectations in a timely and efficient manner. I work to maintain the highest ethical standards and foster a culture of open communication with clients and colleagues.

My focus is immigration, primarily involving family applications, citizenship, removal defense, and T/U/VAWA visas aka humanitarian petitions. This is a growth area of the legal field due to the ever-changing landscape that is immigration policy and the anticipation that some form of immigration reform can be expected in the near future, which will increase the demand for knowledgeable representation.

Practice areas

Immigration
  1. Immigration: 100%

    Former Immigration Service Officer, working on family applications/petitions, asylum, removal defense, T/U/VAWA victims assistance.

Languages spoken

Korean, Spanish

Photos and videos

3334706 1438292439

3334706 1459356162

3334706 1461952374

3334706 1469544994

3334706 1477682561

Contact

2000 Riverside Drive
address map

Law Offices of Sonia Figueroa-Lee

2000 Riverside Drive
Los Angeles, CA, 90039

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
CAActive201002/03/2021
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers516
Legal guides1
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Public Service AwardKorean American Bar Association2016
Golden Keyboard AwardLos Angeles County Bar Association2015
Pro Bono GuardianAmerican Immigration Lawyers Association2014
Honor AwardUnited States Army2003
Summa Cum Laude, Honors Scholar with University HonorsFreed-Hardeman University2001
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
AttorneyLaw Offices of Sonia Figueroa-Lee2010 - Present
Volunteer AttorneyKorean American Bar Association Legal Clinic2010 - Present
Immigration Service OfficerUSCIS2012 - 2013
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
American Immigration Lawyers AssociationMember2014 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar AssociationMember2014 - Present
Korean American Bar Association of Southern CaliforniaMember2008 - Present
Lesbian and Gay Lawyers Association of Los AngelesMember2015 - 2016
National Crime Victim Bar AssociationMember2015 - 2017
Department of Veteran AffairsAccredited Attorney2012 - 2019
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
LA TimesQuoted in the LA Times2019
AVVO Legal Guides6 Quick Do's Before Your Adjustment Interview from a Former Immigration Officer2015
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Loyola Law SchoolJ.D.2007
Cochise CollegeAssociate's Degree2003
Freed-Hardeman UniversityBA - Bachelor of Arts2001
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
TOWARDS FREEDOM: Filipino American Anti-Human Trafficking Summit 2019Anti-Human Trafficking Summit2019
Adoption Citizenship SeminarAre You a US Citizen - Strategies to Confirm Your Citizenship2018
WebinarImmigration Relief for Survivors of Sexual Assault2017
2016 National Conference, Civil Actions for Criminal ActsImmigration Visas for Crime Victims: Minding Your P's and Q's2016
Focus on the Future: the 2014 CFI ConferenceProbate Proceedings and Other Experiences2014
Lunch with the ExpertsPick the brain of a former USCIS Officer2014
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Military Humanitarian Parole in PlaceRemoval order reopened and terminated
Immigration Status under VAWAFound prima facie eligible
Successfully Challenged a Notice of Intent to DenyRe-interview granted
Stay of Removal GrantedPending on appeal

Reviews

(19)
5 Star
95%
4 Star
5%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Review Sonia Figueroa

THE SWAGGIEST IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY EVER!

Posted by

Sonia is such an exemplary immigration lawyer in Los Angeles. She actually advocates the client's confidence just solely with her presence. I had consultations with bunch of lawyers in the town - but not many of them have the admirable warmth and preciseness as Sonia does. I was always stress-free since the day she decided to represent me. I would avidly refer her to anyone who is in the need of an immigration attorney.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

consultation

Posted by

Sonia is a very down-to-earth, honest and passionate attorney. She generously gave me an hour of her time and walked me through various scenarios for my particular issue. More so, she was very responsive to emails and additional questions that I had. Great experience.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Excellent

Posted by

Sonia made the very stressful ordeal of getting a green card as easy as it can possibly be. Always very prompt to reply to any questions i may have had. I really liked speaking to someone that knew first hand what things the officers may ask so i could get together the required evidence before the interview. I would recommend Sonia for any Immigration services you may need.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

La mejor abogada de migración!!!

Posted by

Escoger Sonia como nuestra abogada fue sin duda una de las mejores decisiones que mi esposo y yo pudimos haber tomado, la última vez que vine a los estados unidos marcaron entrada como salida y cuando buscamos abogados para tramitar la green card, muchos me recomendaron regresar a Mexico y hacer todo el trámite desde allá y aun así el proceso duraría de 6 meses a un año, cuando hablamos con Sonia ella nos dijo que era un caso fácil y así fue! Mi green card fue aprobada en menos de 3 meses! Su experiencia como agente de la USCIS nos hizo sentir cómodos al contratar sus servicios. Gracias Sonia!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Consultiation

Posted by

Sonia was responded my call on a profesional and timely manner, She was very helpful and understanding. Defenitely the human side of a lawyer. I hightly recomend her!
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Granted VAWA

Posted by

I found Sonia on Avvo and after going through her reviews I was ready to hire her services. The first time we met , it was pretty intense because she is really a compassionate lawyer. She does listen a lot... you should be sincere and friendly. Prior to her I exchanged with some lawyers who were either quite judgmental or pricey. Needless to say , Sonia was none of the above. She is also pretty affordable. However I strongly advise you to do your homework. Keep track of all your applications with uscis ( keep a copy of everything you file) and help Sonia as much as you can because for what she charges you do not want her to overwork herself. At least that's what I did. I wrote my own detailed affidavit and assisted Sonia all the way. We overcame an 8 page request for additional evidence. Amazing! My VAWA petition got approved in few months. Thank you Sonia. God bless you!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

A+

Posted by

I was dealing with an extremely complex and rare issue regarding immigration. Sonia comforted me in the fact that she was willing to put in the time and effort required in order to find an agreeable solution. Her military background shines through and her experience working for the immigration branch of the government is invaluable. I would highly recommend anyone considering Sonia to follow through on their decision. They won't be disappointed.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Immigration

Posted by

My experience with Sonia was excellent ! She always returned my calls and when she didn't or couldn't help me with something she was quick to get a fellow attorney right on it ! She's professional and kind . I will refer her to my friends and family without question !
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

An Immigration Attorney Who Knows Her Stuff and Speaks Your Language

Posted by

I contacted Sonia regarding a K-1 visa application after we had a complication that resulted in a refusal of entry into the US on a subsequent B1/B2. She answered every question that I had regarding the process, presented any potential barriers I hadn’t already thought about, and already had thought of creative workarounds to any scenario before I asked it. She is incredibly passionate about immigration. She certainly knows legalese but doesn’t speak it. I definitely recommend her legal expertise and legal reform. She was such a breath of fresh air during a stressful immigration time!
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

The most honest

Posted by

Before I met Sonia Figueroa I was quite disappointed, I met many lawyers and I felt I could not trust any of them, the greed some lawyers have is very overwhelming. Now a days is very hard to find honest people. Sonia is a woman with a strong ethic, and good intention, besides having great knowledge about immigration . She will not lie to you. I was convicted for misdemeanor two years ago and I thought all my chances of fixing my immigration status were over, however, she gave me the right information to get me set and work towards my ultimate goal. She gave me hope and real facts. I really trust her , and I recommend her she is truly the best.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney
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Attorney endorsements

(27)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Bashir Ghazialam

I endorse this lawyer.

Rahul Aggarwal

An excellent lawyer who treats her clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism. She is an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend her for future services.

Jinna Kang, Immigration Attorney on Sep 15, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I wholeheartedly endorse Sonia. Sonia is a true rarity - in a good way; she comes from a Spanish-speaking Korean background who served this country both in the military and at USCIS. Sonia handles VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) cases, and that's where our paths crossed - I handle Domestic Violence Victims' cases in family law courts. Sonia is genuine, passionate, knowledgeable, and truly cares about her clients. She will bend over backwards to help her clients in the most efficient way. As someone who started her legal career in immigration law, I truly appreciate and respect Sonia's passion for the work she does and would strongly recommend her to anyone with immigration law needs.

Somair Alam, Immigration Attorney on Feb 12, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Sonia is a top-notch immigration attorney. She is a zealous advocate for her clients and well respected in the legal community.

Susanna Litwack, Immigration Attorney on Jan 9, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Sonia is a an amazing immigration attorney who cares deeply about her clients and is a strong advocate. I've worked with Sonia in the past and hope to do so again in the future.

Ross Russell

Sonia Is an impressively talented attorney. She delivers results for her clients and does it with a smile and at a reasonable rate. We need more attorneys like Sonia Figueroa. I endorse this lawyer.

Constance Hill, Immigration Attorney on Nov 12, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Sonia is highly knowledgeable in immigration law and procedure. She has helped me tremendously many times by generously sharing her knowledge. Sonia is without a doubt, an asset to her peers and I strongly endorse her.

Alberto Quirantes, Immigration Attorney on Oct 7, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Sonia Figueroa is an excellent immigration lawyer. When you need immigration help, it's important to hire a lawyer you can trust. Sonia is that lawyer. I have nothing but good things to say about her passion for the law and for helping her clients. I highly endorse Sonia. You should call her today.

Steven Chung, Immigration Attorney on Jun 13, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse Sonia immensely. She is very helpful to other immigration attorneys with their questions. She is on her way to becoming the immigration lawyer's lawyer.

Farid Zakaria, Intellectual property Attorney on Jun 12, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I previously worked with Sonia on a litigation matter and can say confidently that she is a top-notch attorney. Sonia quickly identified the key legal issues in the case and displayed refined analytical skills when evaluating the parties' respective legal positions. She applied complex legal concepts with ease and assurance, and developed a legal strategy that ultimately greatly benefited the client. I would highly recommend her to anyone.

Ekaterina Powell

I endorse this lawyer. Very knowledgeable attorney.

George Henderson, Immigration Attorney on May 18, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Based on her excellent responses to questions posed here on Avvo I feel Attorney Figueroa is a fine advocate.

Dale Pawley, Immigration Attorney on May 13, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Ms. Figueroa is a well-prepared, compassionate attorney who routinely goes the extra mile for her clients. She works hard, and is thoroughly prepared for every hearing. I look forward to working with her again on future matters.

Richard Llerena, Immigration Attorney on May 11, 2015
Relationship: Other

I have been privileged to have observed Ms. Figueroa and observe the quality of her contributions to those of us who have a passion for immigration work. She has a strong work ethic and puts the client's needs above anything else. A great attorney all around who has secured great results for her clients.

Benjamin Osorio, Immigration Attorney on May 6, 2015
Relationship: Other

Mrs. Figueroa always provides thoughtful detailed responses to complicated legal issues. I endorse this lawyer.

Michael Potter, Immigration Attorney on May 5, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Sonia's considerable talents are brought to the forefront in serving her clients. She is bright, diligent and puts her client's interest first. Sonia is a credit to the Legal Profession.

Michael Shabani, Immigration Attorney on May 3, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. She is very knowledgeable in area of Immigration law and a regular contributor on Avvo. Ms. Figueroa is talented, though and fights hard for her clients. I highly recommend attorney Figueroa.

Luisa Beristain, General practice Attorney on May 2, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. I have the pleasure of knowing Sonia Figueroa, a fellow attorney in Los Angeles County. She is ethical, compassionate and hardworking.

Vivek Mittal, Immigration Attorney on Apr 30, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Ali Shalchi, Litigation Attorney on Apr 30, 2015
Relationship: Supervised lawyer

I endorse this lawyer.