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Brian David Lerner
also known as Brian D. Lerner, Brian Lerner
About Brian
Biography
With over three decades of legal experience, I have dedicated my career to helping clients navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration law. Since founding the Law Offices of Brian D. Lerner, APC in 1992, I have represented individuals, families, and businesses in virtually every area of immigration and nationality law. I am proud to be licensed in both California (since 1992) and Texas (since 2025).
I am a Board Certified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law by the State Bar of California, a distinction earned by fewer than 1 in 1,000 attorneys statewide. This certification reflects my commitment to maintaining the highest standards of legal practice.
My firm handles a comprehensive range of immigration matters, including:
• Family- and employment-based green cards
• Deportation and removal defense
• Citizenship and naturalization
• Asylum, withholding of removal, and Convention Against Torture cases
• Nonimmigrant visas (H-1B, E-2, E-1, L-1, O-1, and more)
• Fiancé(e) and spouse visas (K-1, K-3)
• Consular processing and adjustment of status
• Waivers, appeals, motions to reopen, and federal court litigation
• Investor and business immigration (EB-5, E-2, L-1)
I have built a national and international reputation for resolving complex cases that others may turn away. Clients seek my services not only for legal knowledge but also for the judgment developed through decades of navigating intricate legal challenges.
In addition to legal representation, I am committed to public legal education. My YouTube immigration channel features over 700 videos, has garnered more than 4.25 million views, and is supported by a community of over 117,000 Facebook followers, providing clear explanations to empower immigrants worldwide.
If you’re facing an immigration issue or need strategic legal advice, you can self-schedule a free consultation now. I am here to provide the guidance and support you need to move forward with confidence.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Immigration
85%
35 years | 4,250 cases
Asylum
15%
35 years | 250 cases
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Michigan for < 1 year
State: Michigan
Acquired: 2025
No misconduct found
Licensed in Texas for < 1 year
State: Texas
Acquired: 2025
No misconduct found
Licensed in California for 33 years
State: California
Acquired: 1992
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Brian D. Lerner, APC
Long Beach Law Building, 3233 E. Broadway, Long Beach, CA, 90803
Gallery
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Brian David Lerner's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
62 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (62)
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Showing 1 - 5 of 62 reviews
Posted by Zhang | February 10, 2025
A truly outstanding lawyer
A truly outstanding lawyer who deserves more than all stars! I was just consulting, very frequently. Brian is the most knowledgeable lawyer I’ve ever seen. All information I received from him was so impressively clear, helpful, and most importantly accurate. His knowledge clearly span beyond immigrat...
Posted by Jose | March 25, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Extremely ethical
I has the pleasure to hire Brian D. Lerner services back in 2019 when I received a deportation letter. I live in Texas but that didn’t deter the firm from offering me the best legal counsel I’ve had in a decade. From the first free consultation call I realize this firm not going only care about the m...
Posted by anonymous | November 30, 2021 | Hired Attorney
SCAM
Paid them over $6,000 and did nothing for us. Even if we lost the case in court, They didn’t even have the courtesy to call us in person to tell us we lost I had to find out through an email and even then it was a year later very unhappy. They only care about taking your money
Posted by Justice | October 18, 2021 | Hired Attorney
Thank you for your wonderful services
Brian Lerner’s law firm was of great support to My spouse and I. We had lots of immigration legal uphills that this wonderful firm helped us overcome and finally got my green card. We had to defend our marriage after a US consular in Ghana refused to recognize our marriage and recommended to the ...
Posted by Sudeene | October 10, 2021 | Hired Attorney
AMAZING
I still remember the day I had my consultation with Brian Lerner. He told me my case was possible without me having to go back home and he was right, no other lawyer had told me it was possible. Christopher Reed was on my case and this law firm gave me a big win for a very difficult case. Can't thank...
Brian David Lerner's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Lerner is a very knowledgeable attorney who freely educates members of both the bar and public on immigration matters."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. An excellent and knowledgeable attorney who really cares about clients."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. It is clear by reading the answers in the AVVO community that this lawyer is a top notch attorney who is highly respected in the legal community."
"I endorse Attorney Lerner. From his answers and time on Avvo, it is clear he is dedicated to serving those in need and his clients. It's rare that lawyers spend so much valuable time helping the community, for free, and I applaud him for doing it to such a great level. Kudos"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is extremely knowledgable of immigration law and often gives insightful answers."
"Brian and I taught a CLE course on immigration, and I found him knowledgeable about all aspects of immigration law. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Lerner has shown an outstanding grasp of the law."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Brian is a pillar of the San Diego legal community, and is very active in our professional organizations. If ever there is a need for advice on immigration, Brian is a wealth of knowledge and resources for attorneys and clients alike. I highly recommend this attorney!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I heartily endorse Brian and would recommend his services. As an avid Avvo contributor, he demonstrates his knowledge and command of the law as well as his desire to help others. Attorneys are not paid to answer questions on this site, but he willingly shares his expertise with the public and other attorneys."
Camille Bowman
Immigration lawyer
David Gonet
Family lawyer
Richard Lawson
DUI and DWI lawyer
Nazanin Ghazi
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Christopher Reed
Immigration lawyer
Experience
Honors
2012
20 Year Licensed and Practicing Attorney, Martindale-Hubbell
2004
Who's Who in Executives and Professionals, National Register of Who's Who for Executives and Professionals
2000
Certified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law, California State Bar, Board of Legal Specialization
Work Experience
1996 - Present
Attorney at Law, Law Offices of Brian D. Lerner, APC
1994 - 1996
Attorney at Law, Law Offices of Marks, Acalin & Lerner
Associations
2009 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar Association, Commercial Law and Bankruptcy SectionMember
1996 - Present
American Immigration Lawyers AssociationMember
1995 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar Association, Immigration Law SectionOfficer
Sample of Legal Cases
RIVAS vs. Janet Napolitano
Remanded to USDC
In Re: Patel
Granted
In Re: Valbuena
Discharged Granted
In Re: Turner
Discharged Granted
In Re: Armijo
Discharged Granted
In Re: Almanzi
Discharged Granted
In Re: Hutson
Discharged Granted
In Re: Villavicencio
Discharged Granted
McKenzie vs. Holder
5th Circuit Granted and Remanded
In Re: Pollhammer
Discharged Granted
In Re: Dayrit
Discharged Granted
In Re: Llorin
Discharged Granted
In Re: Alano
Discharged Granted
In Re: Ramos
Discharged Granted
In Re: Ramirez
Discharged Granted
State of California vs. Phillips
Granted
In Re: Omine
Discharged Granted
In Re: Valdez
Discharged Granted
In Re: Scheffler
Discharged Granted
In Re: LUNA
Grant
In Re: Perez
Discharged Granted
In Re: Hem
Discharged Granted
In Re: Jacobo Sr.
Discharged Granted
In Re: Manole
Discharged Granted
In Re: Brounley
Discharged Granted
In Re: Duarte
Discharged Granted
In Re: Padilla
Discharged Granted
In Re: Zepeda
Discharged Granted
In Re: Canlas
Discharged Granted
In Re: Mey
Discharged Granted
In Re: Moy
Discharged Granted
In Re: Amos
Discharged Granted
In Re: Aurigue
Discharged Granted
In Re: Brillantes
Discharged Granted
In Re: Duran
Granted
In Re: Espinal
Discharged Granted
In Re: Supersaud
Granted
In Re: Bioletto
Discharged Granted
In Re: S0
Discharged Granted
In Re: Rideaux
Discharged Granted
In Re: Pierce
Discharged Granted
In Re: Pineda
Discharged Granted
In Re: Benosa
Discharged Granted
In Re: Montes
Discharged Granted
In Re: Juarez
Discharged Granted
In Re: Saclolo
Discharged Granted
In Re: Montes, J
Discharged Granted
In Re: Briones
Discharged Granted
In Re: Lopez
Discharged Granted
In Re: Avina
Discharged Granted
In Re: Salvador
Discharged Granted
In Re: Vasallo
Discharged Granted
In Re: Mendoza
Discharged Granted
In Re: Sevilla
Discharged Granted
In Re: Swaby
Discharged Granted
In Re: Maxwell
Discharged Granted
In Re: Atencio
Discharged Granted
In Re: Gaspar
Discharged Granted
In Re: Navas
Discharged Granted
In Re: Tandoc
Discharged Granted
In Re: Cipriano Jr.
Discharged Granted
In Re: Rivera
Discharged Granted
In Re: Llarena
Discharged Granted
In Re: Johnson
Discharged Granted
In Re: Daguil
Discharged Granted
In Re: Calangian
Discharged Granted
In Re: Juarez
Discharged Granted
In Re: Duarte
Discharged Granted
In Re: Castillo
Discharged Granted
In Re: Ordonez
Discharged Granted
In Re: Anderson
Discharged Granted
In Re: Worthington
Discharged Granted
In Re: Halasz
Discharged Granted
In Re: Veneracion
Discharged Granted
In Re: Botero
Discharged Granted
In Re: Henriquez
Discharged Granted
In Re: QUBADI
Discharged Granted
Ong vs. Holder
Granted in part; dismissed in part
In Re: Oliva
Discharged Granted
In Re: Turvey, S
Discharged Granted
In Re: Casillano
Discharged Granted
In Re: Gallegos
Discharged Granted
In Re: Turvey
Discharged Granted
In Re: Agito
Discharged Granted
In Re: Jimenez
Discharged Granted
In Re: Lopez
Discharged Granted
In Re: Chavez
Discharged Granted
In Re: Caynan
Discharged Granted
in Re: Johnson
Discharged Granted
In Re: David
Discharged Granted
In Re: Shores
Discharged Granted
In Re: Boongaling
Discharged Granted
In Re: Diaz
Discharged Granted
In Re: Lubiano
Discharged Granted
People vs. Hassan
reversed
Grava v. INS
Granted
PERM
Win
Deportation/Removal Proceedings
Win
Waiver
Win
Asylum Granted for homosexual client from Kenya
Win
Client was placed in Removal Proceedings
Win
Waiver of 3/10 year bar
Win
Client had various Criminal Charges
Win
Naturalization Application Approved
Win
Removal Proceedings terminated w/o prejudice by IJ
Win
Greencard holder father petitioned on child's behalf while she was a single
Win
In absentia MTR granted by IJ
Win
Deportation
Win
Child under CSPA
Win
Battered Spouse
Win
Granted Adjustment of Status
Win
Court Proceedings Granted
Win
Client waited years and had an Order of Deportation
Win
Cancellation of Removal Granted
Win
Client is under 245(i)
Win
Advanced Degree PERM Granted
Win
Person had Deportation Order
Win
Client’s mother was about to die.
Win
Court Proceedings Granted
Win
Order of Deportation
Win
Cancellation of Removal
Win
Under 245(i)
Win
Person had Deportation Order
Win
Supplemental Brief regarding Naturalization Application
Win
Labor Certification approved after filing Notice of Appeal
Win
F-1 Granted
Win
Filed Complaint for Declaratory Relief arguing that the AAO
Win
Asylum Granted. Client was a Radio Reporter from the Philippines
Win
Cancellation of Removal Granted after 5 years
Win
Removal Proceedings Terminated
Win
Widow Petition was approved with minimal supporting evidence
Win
Medical hardship and Waiver of the 3/10 Year Bar was granted
Win
Person had deportation order for years and Motion to Reopen was denied
Win
Person becomes U.S. Citizen even with conviction
Win
Naturalization Granted to Person with more than 2 crimes
Win
Person was put into Deportation Proceedings voluntarily as she had a child with severe health problems
Win
Granted RIR Labor Certification
Win
Writ of Mandate Filed
Win
Person gets Green Card back
Win
Client was in Removal Proceedings in Immigration Court
Win
E-2 Granted in 12 Days
Win
Person in deportation wins 212(c) relief
Win
Waiver granted for person barred from re-entering the U.S.
Win
TN for Management Consultant Granted
Win
Asylum for Cambodian couple who worked in government
Win
Withholding of Removal Granted
Win
Cancellation of Removal Granted
Win
PERM Approval
Win
Client was placed in Removal Proceeding
Win
Person had allegation of Marriage Fraud prior to Adjustment Interview
Win
Deportation Order in Absentia
Win
Applied and was Granted the V Visa
Win
Client was charged with removability as an Aggravated Felon
Win
Adjustment Granted
Win
Deportation/Removal Proceedings for Firearm Conviction
Win
LPR Client charged as removable as an Aggravated Felon
Win
Person lost in Immigration Court and the BIA due to a Drug Conviction
Win
Person did not have Sponsor for Affidavit of Support for F-1 Status
Win
Adjustment of Status Granted to Person in Deportation/Removal Proceedings
Win
Naturalization approved for client after having naturalization denied previously
Win
USCIS would not adjudicate Citizenship Application claiming Criminal History
Win
Person thought she was a U.S. Citizen for over 30 years
Win
Writ of Mandate Approved
Win
L-1A approved for the owner and president of textile art and production
Win
USCIS issues RFE to deny I-140
Win
Person in Removal Proceedings Charged with Fraud
Win
Person was turning 21 in 3 days and would age out and be out of status
Win
Person in Deportation Proceedings and filed Motion to Terminate
Win
F-1 Student Visa Approved
Win
Felony conviction under sale or transportation of marijuana reduced to Misdemeanor Conviction
Win
Green Card Renewal Approved after 2 years
Win
Person about to be deported
Win
Person waited 9 years for adjustment to be granted.
Win
H-2B’s Approved simultaneously for 8 Landscape Workers.
Win
I-130 Approved
Win
Motion to Reopen Granted
Win
Person had daughter with severe physical damage
Win
Temporary H-2B visa as a Housekeeper
Win
Adjustment of Status Granted
Win
PERM Approval
Win
Person had drug possession charge and drug for sale charge over 10 years ago
Win
Person had 3 crimes
Win
Adjustment Granted in Court based upon approved I-140 Petition
Win
Person’s husband was in jail and unable to attend the interview
Win
Adjustment denied because Spouse died
Win
Respondent was charged as an Aggravated Felon
Win
Person was a Lawful Permanent Resident with Crime of Corporal Injury to Spouse
Win
Person was Charged with Alien Smuggling
Win
O-1 Extraordinary Ability Alien
Win
Person with Multiple in Admissibility Issues and possible Fraud Issues
Win
Family never received notice of Request for Evidence and Residency was Denied
Win
Battered Spouse with no Police Reports
Win
Education
1991
McGeorge SOL Univ of the Pacific
Juris Doctor
1988
Univ of Southern Calif
BS - Bachelor of Science in Business Administratin
Speaking Engagements
2010
LawReview CLE
Introduction to Immigration Seminar
2010
Introduction to Immigration Law for Attorneys
Immigration Introduction to Work Visas
2009
Jordan High School Legal Symposiam
Various Legal Subjects for High School Boys
Publications
2009
Asian Journal
The Widow Penalty Ends
2009
The California Examiner
EB-5: The Basics
2009
The Taliba
PERM
2009
Asian Journal
What do I have to be thankful for?
2009
California Examiner
Can I be deported for this crime?
2009
Peoples Journal
What is a background check?
2009
Peoples Journal
My Crime was vacated! Now What?
2009
California Examiner
I'm over 21. Can I still adjust status?
2009
California Examiner
I don't qualify for any visa.
2009
2009
Asian Journal
What is the Bankruptcy Estate?
2009
2008
Immigration Law Today
Business Without Borders- Obtaining E-1 and E-2 Status for Foreign Investors
Languages
Spanish
English
Tagalog
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can a friend help me get a US Visa by sponsoring me?
27 Jan 2020
Q&A
N-400 after interview 120 day Passed still waiting for decision ?
27 Jan 2020
Q&A
Does the immigration send you a mail to notify u if they granded your request to reschedule your interview?
24 Jan 2020
Legal Guides
Video Legal Guide
Who is subject to being unlawfully present
11 Jan 2012
Video Legal Guide
Who is eligible for the Waiver of the 10 year bar?
11 Jan 2012
Video Legal Guide
When will the new regulations for submitting the Waivers be issued?
11 Jan 2012