Gihan L Thomas
About Gihan
Biography
USA Immigration Attorney Gihan Thomas is a Certified Specialist, Immigration and Nationality Law by the State Bar of Califonria, Board of Legal Specialization. She has obtained her bachelor degree in English and American Literature from Alexandria University. She obtained her Juris Doctor degree from University of West Los Angeles in 1998. She has been practicing law for the past seventeen (17) years. Her practice focuses exclusively since her admission on US Immigration Law.
Attorney Thomas experience over the years focused on both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas. She has handled family petitions, fiancée visas, consular processing, labor certifications, business visas, investment visas and employment based petitions.
Attorney Thomas has also represented thousands of immigrants before the Immigration Courts in filing asylums, cancellation of removals, suspension of deportation, adjustment of status and waivers for grounds of inadmissibility applications. She has also represented her clients before the Board of Immigration Appeals in filing appeals and motions to reopen. She is respected as a well talented aggressive litigator, highly experienced with asylum cases. Her depth knowledge of the immigration field has brought this green card attorney to impressive results for her clients over the years.
Attorney Thomas has argued many cases before the Ninth Circuit and Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals and has a winning record in her federal appellate review cases. Most significantly, her published opinion Viridiana v. Holder 646 F.3d 1230 (9th Cir. 2011) sets a record in tolling the statute of limitation for asylum seekers victimized by immigration consultants that resulted in their failure to meet the one year statutorily deadline. Attorney Thomas has also assisted the immigrant community in Sumolang v. Holder, 723 F.3d 1080 (9th Cir. 2013), a second published opinion, which extended asylum to a parent based on the harm occurring solely to the child. Attorney Gihan Thomas iwas behind the decision of Chandra v. Holder 751 F.3d 1034 (9th Cir. 2014) wherein the Ninth Circuit found that changed country conditions as it relates to change personal change circumstances could vacate a final removal order.
Admissions
Board of Legal Sepcialization - 2014
State Bar of California – 1998
Federal District Court – Central - 1998
Third, Ninth and Eleventh Circuit Courts of Appeals
Awards and Certificates
Attorney Thomas has received many awards from the City of Los Angeles for her impressive work in vindicating the rights of immigrants in the United States.
Speaking Engagements
Attorney Thomas appeared and continue to appear on several satellite stations such as LOGOS TV, Hope TV, C-SAT, and France 24, to discuss and answers questions and provides updates on US Immigration Laws.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 27 years
State: California
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Gihan L Thomas
930 Colorado Blvd. Unit 2, Los Angeles, CA, 90041
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Gihan L Thomas's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
104 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 25 reviews | Character & Conduct
Posted by NYS | December 23, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Immigration
Professional Lawyer
I am beyond grateful for the incredible help I received from Gihan Thomas and her team with my immigration case since 2015. She made a great effort from start to finish, Gihan was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive. Thanks to her expertise and dedication, Gihan took the time to ...
Posted by Pierson | November 01, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Immigration
Professional Lawyer
Mrs Gihan Thomas is a great professional attorney, we hired her on March 1, 2022, she is knowledgeable, experienced and kind, we really appreciate her help in our case. We finally got our green cards today November 1, 2023 (exactly 1 year and 8 months). We want to say thank you so much Mrs Gihan an...
Posted by Bassim | September 01, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Immigration
Bassim William
الشكر و التقدير للمستشارة جيهان توماس ، و بعد ٢٦سنة في اميركا و بعد عده محولات مع عده محامين هجره ، المستشاره جيهان توماس بفضلها و مجهودها الجبار اخذنا موافقة على الاقامة عن طريق اللجوء ، شكرًا على كل ما فعل من أجلنا
Posted by anonymous | January 19, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Immigration
Very Disappointed!!!!
I was granted withholding removal and was married to my wife who was a green card holder at that time, In order for me to get a green card, I have to reopen and close my withholding case then adjust my status. but since my wife was only a green card holder we had to wait until she became a citizen. W...
Gihan Thomas
Replied last January 19, 2021Mr. Wibowo - I stand by my professional advice and statements that these type of cases must be reopened by the District Counsel's office in order to allow, if any, to adjust status based on a petition by your US citizen spouse. Furthermore, DHS, on several cases, with your identical situation, did not consent to join in to reopen removal proceedings. We were informed that people with outstanding removal orders are considered an enforcement priority for the current administration. If in fact you were truthful and was granted a reopening of your case, if any, it is never done in 60 days as you falsely allege in your review. These motions to reopen are normally considered only by the Chief District Counsel herself, and they take over 90 days before they are decided. After considering the reopening, a motion must be filed with the Immigration Court to re calendar and it takes a minimum of another 60 days to be assigned and granted by the Immigration Judge. Thus, all the information you are providing in this review is false, inaccurate and contrary to the current procedures followed by the District Counsel in Los Angeles and/or the Immigration Court. So, your statements are nothing but a JOKE
Posted by anonymous | January 30, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Asylum
joanna
Gihan is a professional lawyer, i had a very wonderful experience to work with her, she always deal with my asylum issue in an efficient way, with her help and support, my case approved finally, she could be your first choice in your case too. ❤️
Gihan L Thomas's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Personable very effective great attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Gihan is a passionate advocate for her clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mrs. Thomas has served as a mentor and a friend. Her knowledge of Immigration law is a trusted reference for me as I deal with the complexity of Immigration law. She is highly ethical and her conscious is her guide as she zealously serves her clients, and protects them along the Immigration processes. She is highly recommended."
"I've referred several clients to Gihan Thomas. She addressed their issues quickly and the reviews I got back from them was excellent."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have worked with GIhan Thomas on several complex criminal/immigration matters, Gihan is an experienced litigator and very knowledgeable of immigration law. She has helped many, many individuals avoid deportation."
"Gihan Thomas is extremely knowledgeable about immigration law and passionate about her work. I have referred clients to Ms. Thomas and she has always given them an honest opinion based on her vast experience, about the possible outcome of their case. Once she accepts a case, she will work tirelessly on behalf of her client. I wholeheartedly endorse Ms. Thomas."
"I know Attorney Gihan Thomas for 15 years and I endorse her as a lawyer as she is the peek of her career. She is highly focused and strong willed to get results for her immigration clients. Her outstanding knowledge of the law coupled with her meticulous preparation for her cases make her an excellent lawyer. Attorney Thomas is well respected and liked not only by her clients and colleagues but also judges as well. I would recommend her to anyone with immigration issues in a heart beat."
"Ms. Thomas is an exceptional immigration lawyer and is well versed in the field of Immigration law."
"Gihan Thomas' legal skills and commitment to her clients are exceptional. Gihan takes cases many other attorneys refuse because of the complexity of legal issues and she does not rest until each of her clients is successful. Gihan's excellent legal work has been recognized by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in multiple published opinions that have helped improve the law for immigrants. Gihan has a keen eye for spotting legal issues and finding ways to resolve her clients' cases and yet she is very personable and takes the time to develop a relationship with each of her clients. I highly recommend Gihan."
"Ms. Thomas is incredibly knowledgeable with the law and works tirelessly for each of her clients. I had the honor of working for her as I attended law school and feel privileged to have had such an excellent mentor."
"I've had the privilege of knowing Gihan Thomas for most of my life, and she is undoubtedly an exceptional attorney and mentor. She is hard-working, dedicated, knowledgeable, responsive to her clients and her peers, and is extremely passionate about her work. I would highly recommend her services."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. I have known her for many years now and she is always on top of breaking news and developments in immigration law. She is also a zealous representative of her clients in immigration court. She will review your case and honestly tell you what your chances of success are and what the best approach is in your case."
"I endorse this lawyer. She is an absolute top in handling immigration cases. She is dedicated to her files, very knowledgeable about her laws and keeps updated with recent decisions. She is brilliant, professional, ethical and I recommend her services to anyone."
"I have known and worked with Ms. Thomas for several years. She is very knowledgeable, extremely professional and dedicated to her clients. She is well regarded amongst colleagues and opposing counsel. I endorse this lawyer."
"Gihan Thomas is an excellent attorney doing cases from the asylum office all the way to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. She prepares thoroughly for each case and is available to her clients for questions. She taught me a large amount about immigration and asylum law. I highly recommend her as an attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. While she is a competitor, she handles areas (appeals) that I do not. I have always been more than pleased with the results of cases that I have referred to her. There is enough work that sending the client to a colleague who has greater expertise is something that we should all do. I have also had the pleasure of appearing for her and thus I have seen her work up close - great lawyer!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Thomas and I worked as opposing counsel for many years. I was a government attorney and she was representing her clients. She always litigated her cases with total commitment and preparation and her client's were well-served by her representation. She is an excellent attorney and a true expert in immigration law. Her knowledge in Egyptian and Indonesian case law may be better than anyone I have encountered, though she is excellent in all immigration law."
"I endorse this lawyer. Gihan Thomas is a high calibre immigration attorney whom I have had the pleasure of knowing for about a decade. She is well versed in the law, extremely dedicated to her profession, and high regarded not only by other members of the immigration bar, but also by the judges."
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Experience
Honors
2021
Top Women Attorneys for 2021, Los Angeles Magazine
2021
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2020
Top Women Attorneys for 2020, Los Angeles Magazine
2020
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2019
Top Women Attorneys for 2019, Los Angeles Magazine
2019
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2018
Top Women Attorneys for 2018, Los Angeles Magazine
2018
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2017
Top Women Attorneys for 2017, Los Angeles Magazine
2017
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2016
Top Women Attorneys for 2015, Los Angeles Magazine
2016
Top Women Attorneys for 2016, Los Angeles Magazine
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2015
Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2007
Certificate of Recongition, State of California Senate
2007
Outstanding Community Leader Award, City of Los Angeles, Councilmember First District
2007
Outstanding Community Leader Award, County of Los Angeles, Supervisor Fourth District
2007
Outstanding Community Leader Award, County of Los Angeles, Supervisor Second District
2007
Outstanding Community Leader Award, County of Los Angeles, Chairman of the Board (Third District)
2007
Outstanding Community Leader Award, County of Los Angeles, Supervisor Fifth District
2007
Outstanding Community Leader Award, City of Los Angeles, Councilmember
2007
Special Congressional Recognition, United States of America Member of Congress
2007
Certificate of Recognition, California State Assembly
Work Experience
1998 - 2015
President, LAW OFFICES OF GIHAN THOMAS, PLC
Associations
2015 - Present
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth CircuitAttorney Member
2014 - Present
SC Chapter, American Immigration Lawyers AssociationLiaison Litigation
2014 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar AssociationMember
2014 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaCertified Specialist
2009 - Present
United States Court of Appeals for the Third CircuitAttorney Member
2005 - Present
United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh CircuitAttorney Member
2000 - Present
United States Court of Appeals For the Ninth CircuitAttorney Member
1998 - Present
United States District Court for the Central District of CaliforniaAttorney Member
1998 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaAttorney Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Granted
Granted
Granted
Grnated
Granted
Education
1998
JD - Juris Doctor
1985
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2016
Federal Litigation - Intermediate
2015
Litigation 101/Exceptions One Year Asylum Filing
2013
2013
2013
2013
2012
2012
2012
Publications
2014
2013
2011
Languages
English
Arabic
Mandarin
Indonesian
French
Activity
Legal Answers