Giacomo Jacques Behar

PRO

Giacomo Jacques Behar

also known as Giacomo Behar

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 32 years

Immigration Lawyer at San Diego, CA
Practice Areas: Immigration

402 West Broadway, Suite 1520, San Diego, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Giacomo

Biography

Fluent In 7 Languages. CA Board Certified Specialist In US Immigration Law. Call For In-Depth Consultation 7 days/wk. No free consultations. Phone/Google Meet/Skype/Zoom Consultations available 7 days a week.

Fluent in 7 languages. CA Board Certified Specialist in U.S. Immigration. Call for in-depth consult 7 days/wk. No free consultations. Phone/Google Meet/Skype/Zoom Consultations available 7 days a week.

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Immigration 100%

Since 1993 I earned a solid reputation for creative advocacy. Taking time to fully grasp each client’s unique situation, am personally available to clients 24/7. Q’s are handled by an attorney speaking your own language (I am truly FLUENT in 7 languages!) & not by a secretary, as is often the case in other firms. Whether a family-based application, complicated business/employment visa, asylum or deportation case, I believe ea. client deserves the best of my personal, legal & creativ

33 years | 3,700 cases

100%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2026 2025 2024
...
+ 12
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2026 2025 2024
...
+ 12

Licenses

Licensed in California for 32 years

State: California

Acquired: 1993

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Behar International Counsel, PLC

402 West Broadway, Suite 1520, San Diego, CA, 92101

immigratingtousa.com

Giacomo Jacques Behar's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

297 Client Reviews

Showing 136 - 140 of 143 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Sandrine | August 21, 2012 | Immigration

Great immigration attorney

About ten years ago my employer recommended that we work with Mr. Behar for my work visa as he had worked with him in the past for another work visa and some other legal matter and he was very satisfied. Another advantage is that Mr. Behar speaks French fluently. Since then Mr. Behar has been my at...torney and I was able to obtain all my work visas and green card without any issues. Behar International Counsel has always been great at explaining every step of the various procedures (for work visas and green card) and answering any concerns. I would highly recommend Behar International Counsel for all your legal immigration needs.

Posted by anonymous | August 21, 2012 | Immigration

Hard working attorney

I have used Giacomo for 4 different people, all with great success. Giacomo does what you want from an attorney - get the job done. As a business owner, some people look for "deals" I tell them you get what you pay for... If your situation is critical and you want to ensure success, I recommend y...ou go with a firm that specializes in what you need, results! Having spent lots of $$$ on different attorneys for different situations, I can honestly recommend Giacomo for any personal or business immigration needs. He is the only attorney I have used that is shooting 100% success for each case I have brought to him. Not only does he get it done correctly the first time, but his staff will follow up and ensure you get all the documents together and review it several times. His thoroughness and professionalism are greatly appreciated. One other important note, is that should you need multi lingual support, Giacomo himself speaks 6-7 languages! That type of attorney is few and far between. From multiple european languages to spanish, his office will speak your native tongue, if they don't, they will get someone too make it happen. They want you to feel at ease with the information needed to make your case a success. I have never met a single attorney with more depth and knowledge in his field. Giacomo's creativity in getting the job done is second to none. You can call day or night, he will get back to you, even on holidays! Yes he understands the importance of customer service and knows that people calling him need help. You will feel very comfortable using Giacomo for any immigration situation. I believe he is one of the best in his field of immigration.

Posted by INCI | August 21, 2012 | Employment & Labor

EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE

Mr. Behar is a unique immigration lawyer in many respects: he is the only lawyer that we know of in California, in the U.S., who has a complete command over seven (7) different languages! Unlike most other lawyers, Giacomo will personally take & respond to your call nights and weekends. That sets him... apart from all other lawyers I’ve known. After having successfully used Mr. Behar’s immigration services for myself and various members of my family, over the years I have referred many, many complex, hard to solve employment, family & immigration court cases to him. He has never disappointed us. In each one of those cases he used his formidable legal expertise, immense creativity and unlimited energy to solve and obtain a positive result for each case. Giacomo was always there for us when needed and personally answered everyone’s phone calls nights, weekends, and even on the 4th of July! Mr. Behar’s wife Tatyana, also an excellent immigration lawyer, works with him in the same office. The office staff is extremely knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. One of Mr. Behar’s specialties is resuscitating (and winning) cases ruined and lost by other lawyers. I would highly recommend Mr. Behar to anyone needing immigration help, for anything from a seemingly simple marriage case to a complex work related visa case. Attorney Behar delivers!

Posted by Peter | July 27, 2012 | Immigration

Highly recommended

I've been a client of Mr. Behar since 2010, and I can say that I can't recommend a better lawer. He helped me with my immigration application and accompanied me to the interview, which made it super easy for me, I felt fully prepared. Mr.Behar was tremendously experienced in this field and knew all o...fficer's questions ahead of time, I could see that he's done it million times. Thank you again for your help, highly recommended!

Posted by Edouard | November 06, 2013 | Immigration

Extraordinary Ability Green Card (EB-1)

Back in May 2012, being under a O1-B visa (extraordinary abilities), my wife and I felt the time for us to apply for the permanent residency. Because we all need a lawyer in these matters, we wanted one nearby our home who had a hard office with a secretary, speaking French (our native language) and ...know by public institutions. We chose Giacomo because he met all our requirements. With his help, we applied for a self-petition EB-1 Green Card which is available for aliens with an extraordinary ability. Theses cases are super complex since it's hard to prove any extraordinary ability, knowing that this can be very subjective! Our job consisted of collecting all the evidences to meet 5 out of the 10 listed criteria to prove extraordinary ability in my field (metal shaping). We're talking about awards, prizes with their rules and regulations, photos, magazine articles, translations and tons of other papers with not the least, 15 letters of support! Giacomo over looked and reviewed every single evidence, document and letter and then put it all together with an impressive attorney letter on top. The case was HUGE!! For my wife and I, it was a tremendous amount of energy, time, work as well as money. And after 1.5 years we received our Green Cards in the mail. The extraordinary ability was proved! So, positive over all for us.

See All Client Reviews

Giacomo Jacques Behar's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Giacomo
Charles Christopher Adkins headshot
Charles Adkins

Immigration lawyer | Nov 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Giacomo Jacques Behar consistently provides insightful, accurate, and compassionate answers in Avvo’s Immigration Law Q&A forum. His responses reflect a deep knowledge of U.S. immigration law and extensive experience helping clients in San Diego and beyond navigate complex visa, asylum, and citizenship matters. He offers clear, practical advice with genuine empathy for those facing immigration challenges. I’m pleased to endorse Mr. Behar as a highly skilled and dedicated San Diego immigration attorney."

Alicia Khoo headshot
Alicia Khoo

Immigration lawyer | May 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Attorney Giacomo Jacques Behar. His extensive experience, expertise, and diligence is highly sought after. He serves the community to the best of his ability and is one of the best minds in the field of immigration law."

Syed Ali Hussain Lahooti headshot
Syed Lahooti

Immigration lawyer | Feb 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Giacomo because of his polite way and informational replies to the general public for their help with immigration questions."

Poonam Minhas headshot
Poonam Minhas

Immigration lawyer | Jul 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Attorney Behar. He has a lot of knowledge in immigration law. His responses to queries on complicated immigration matters are straightforward and detailed; he provides alternative suggestions if needed."

Alexandria Jaquay headshot
Alexandria Jaquay

Immigration lawyer | Jan 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Behar provides a much needed service on Avvo. He donates his time to individuals who are in need of immediately legal answers."

Steven Neil Perrigo headshot
Steven Perrigo

Immigration lawyer | May 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer based on his thorough and knowledgeable answers on this forum."

Shawn Malachovsky headshot
Shawn Malachovsky

Immigration lawyer | Feb 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

David E. Anderson headshot
David Anderson

Immigration lawyer | Jan 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Incredibly knowledgeable and a valued part of the Avvo community, I endorse this lawyer."

Zachary Robert Wall headshot
Zachary Wall

Unknown lawyer | Dec 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Derek Jacques headshot
Derek Jacques

Immigration lawyer | Nov 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Behar has provided invaluable resources to the Avvo community. I would not hesitate to recommend his services to any person in need."

Glen Adam Kotten headshot
Glen Kotten

Immigration lawyer | Oct 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Very experienced and exceptional lawyer. He will be able to handle any of your immigration needs."

Douglas Aaron Cowgill headshot
Douglas Cowgill

Immigration lawyer | May 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Behar provides thoughtful and accurate information to people seeking legal advice in the field of immigration law"

Rahul Aggarwal headshot
Rahul Aggarwal

Immigration lawyer | Feb 20

Relationship: Other

"From one attorney to another, I endorse this lawyer. He has answered a large quantity of immigration questions posed by potential clients for their benefit at no charge. He is competent and sincere with all communications."

Zebulon Kelly Chandler headshot
Zebulon Chandler

Immigration lawyer | Jan 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top Lawyer in the Immigration Field. Easily in the top 10 lawyers in the field globally."

Johnathon Hardaway III headshot
Johnathon Hardaway

Business lawyer | Dec 02

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Gevork Arutunian headshot
Gevork Arutunian

Immigration lawyer | Sep 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Behar. He provides an exceptional service to the immigration community. His solutions to legal inquiries on this forum are well reasoned, clear and sincere."

George Anthony Munoz headshot
George Munoz

Immigration lawyer | Aug 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in 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. - Anthony Munoz, Esq."

Christine A Thurston headshot
Christine Thurston

Immigration lawyer | Aug 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Stephen Arnold Black headshot
Stephen Black

Immigration lawyer | Aug 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"The Einstein of Immigration Law. Giacomo is an immigration law genius and this opinion is coming from a fellow immigration lawyer."

Colette Katz headshot
Colette Katz

Immigration lawyer | Jun 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Behar gets right to the point in his answers, and his reviews show him to be a pillar of the community."

View All Endorsements
Ghazal Nicole Mehrani headshot
Ghazal Mehrani

Immigration lawyer

Sarah Condor-Fisher headshot
Sarah Condor-Fisher

Business lawyer

Kevin Scott Neiman headshot
Kevin Neiman

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Peter Matthew Depew headshot
Peter Depew

Criminal defense lawyer

Somair Syed Alam headshot
Somair Alam

Immigration lawyer

Namita Agarwal headshot
Namita Agarwal

Immigration lawyer

Gary Anthony Anderson headshot
Gary Anderson

Mesothelioma and asbestos lawyer

Corey Michael Kane headshot
Corey Kane

Personal injury lawyer

Colette Katz headshot
Colette Katz

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer

Stephen Arnold Black headshot
Stephen Black

Immigration lawyer

Gail Barsky headshot
Gail Barsky

Personal injury lawyer

Joseph Steve Franco headshot
Joseph Franco

Personal injury lawyer

Abby W. Bekele headshot
Abby Bekele

Criminal defense lawyer

Valerie Lee Murphy headshot
Valerie Murphy

Divorce and separation lawyer

Chi-Hung David Nguyen headshot
Chi-Hung Nguyen

Personal injury lawyer

Julie Fowler headshot
Julie Fowler

Corporate and incorporation lawyer

Andrew R. Alex headshot
Andrew Alex

Car accident lawyer

Joshua Paul Bannister headshot
Joshua Bannister

Criminal defense lawyer

David L Le Roy headshot
David Le Roy

Criminal defense lawyer

Alec E Cannon headshot
Alec Cannon

Immigration lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2014

Listed, Who's Who Legal

2014

Certified Specialist, Immigration & Nationality Law, The State Bar of California, Board Of Legal Specialization

2013

Listed, Who's Who Legal

2012

Semi- Finalist - Top Attorneys in Immigration Practice, San Diego Daily Transcript

2009

Valuable Speaker/Contributor, Jewish Community Center Paris

2009

Guest Columnist Award, Salom Quarterly Newsletter

2009

Registry Of Outstanding Professionals, 2009 - present, America's Registry Of Outstanding Professionals, 2009- present

1983

Top Contestant - Business Law Project, United States International University

1980

Top Volunteer Award, Swiss Confederation - Federal Office for Migration & Refugee Absorption

1979

Top writer - German Literature Essay Contest, Interpreters School, Zurich, Switzerland

Work Experience

1999 - Present

Lead Attorney, Behar International Counsel, PLC

1993 - 1999

Associate Attorney, McEntyre and Mitchell

Associations

2015 - Present

The State Bar of California, Board Of Legal Specialization

Certified Specialist, Immigration & Nationality Law

2010 - Present

The U.S. Court Of Appeals For The Ninth Circuit

2001 - Present

National Lawyers Guild, National Immigration Project

Participating Lawyer

1993 - Present

American Immigration Lawyers Association (San Diego chapter)

Chair

1993 - Present

State Bar of California

Active Member

1993 - Present

The Supreme Court of California

Active Member

2010 - 2012

Westwood Ambassador Home Owners Association

Board of Directors

2004 - 2005

American Immigration Lawyers Association (San Diego chapter)

Chair-CSC Liaison Committee

2003 - 2004

American Immigration Lawyers Association (San Diego chapter)

Chair - Consular Affairs Liaison Committee

Sample of Legal Cases

Extremely Complex Diversity Visa Case

Diversity Visas Ultimately Granted by USCIS over DOS objections

National Interest Waiver (NIW) Approval for Research Scientist

Approval

Treaty Investor (E-2) Visa Approval

Approval - 5 year visas granted

E-1 Treaty Trader Application Case

E-1 visa for 5 years granted

Complex Employment-Based Green Card - Labor Certif. w/Substitution of Alien

Permanent Residence Granted

See More Legal Cases

Education

1993

California Western School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1984

United States International University

MBA - Master of Business Administration

1983

United States International University

Bachelor's of Science - Business Administration

1980

Interpreters School, Zurich, Switzerland

Foreign Languages Translator; Conference Interpreter

Speaking Engagements

2016

Istanbul Investment Expo/Summit EB-5 and E-2 Investment Visas

2014

KUSI News Channel Television Newscast

Asylum or Refugee Status: Two Options For Immigrants

2013

Upcoming Immigration Reform

Immigration Law

2013

Upcoming Immigration Reform

Immigration Law

2013

Radio Newscast

EB-5 Investment Program in U.S.

2013

Radio Newscast

U.S. Immigration Reform Update

2012

Special Immigration Law Meeting

Immigration Law

2012

Radio Newscast

U.S. Citizenship Laws

2012

Radio Newscast

Political Asylum In The U.S.

2012

Radio Newscast

VAWA Eligibility For Adjustment Of Status

2012

Radio Newscast

Obtaining A Green Card In the U.S.

2012

Radio Newscast

Types Of U.S. Nonimmigrant Visas

2012

Radio Newscast

Deportation Defense In Immigration Court

2012

Radio Newscast

Responding to Immigrant community questions re. Deferred Action (DACA)

2012

Radio Newscast

Difficult Aspects Of Immigrating To USA

2012

Radio Newscast

DACA: Pitfalls in Processing

2012

Opportunities for Settling in the U.S.Through Work or Investment

Obtaining a Green Card Through Investment in the U.S.

2012

Monthly Meeting

Immigration Law

2010

Settling and working abroad

U.S. Immigration & Visa Laws

2010

Business opportunities in the U.S.

U.S. Visa Laws

2009

Monthly Meeting

Immigration Law

2009

E-2 Treaty Investor Visas & L-1 Multinational Executives

U.S. Immigration and Visa Laws

2008

Special Immigration Law Meeting

Immigration Law

2008

Settling and Working Abroad

U.S. Immigration & Visa Laws

2008

Business Opportunities in the U.S.

U.S. Visa Laws

2005

U.S. Business Law Seminar

U.S. Business Law Seminar

2005

Investment and Work Opportunities in America and U.S. Visa Laws

U.S. Immigration and Visa Laws

2004

Monthly Chapter Meeting

American Contracts Law vs. European Jurisprudence

2003

U.S. Business Law Seminar

Business & Contracts Law

2003

Monthly Chapter Meeting

American Contracts Law vs. European Jurisprudence

2002

Monthly meeting

American Contracts Law vs. European Jurisprudence

1995

U.S. Business Law Seminar

Business & Contracts Law

N/A

Radio Newscast

Fiancee Visa K-1

Publications

2007

Salom Quarterly Newsletter U.S. Non-immigrant Visa Categories Leading to Green Cards

1999

Union des francais a l'etranger Newsletter E-2 Investor Visas: How "Substantial" must the investment be?

1998

Uniion des francais a l'etranger newsletter Diversity visa/ green card lottery application process

1997

Union des francais a l'etranger newsletter No longer worth to overstay visa - the 3 & 10 year bars to readmission

Languages

French

Italian

Turkish

Hebrew

German

Spanish

English

Activity

Top Contributor

Giacomo earned significant contribution points in 2026.

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution