Ashwani Kumar Bhakhri

Ashwani Kumar Bhakhri

4.9
Rating: 6.5

Licensed for 33 years

Immigration Lawyer at Burlingame, CA
Practice Areas: Immigration

1818 gilbreth road. Suite 145, Burlingame, CA

About Ashwani

Practice Areas

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 33 years

State: California

Acquired: 1993

Active

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2010

Location

Law Offices of Ashwani K.Bhakhri

1818 gilbreth road. Suite 145, Burlingame, CA, 94010

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Ashwani Kumar Bhakhri's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

108 Client Reviews

Showing 26 - 30 of 32 reviews | Professionalism

Posted by Kaur | October 30, 2013

Veteran Lawyer Who Knows What He Is Doing...When He Replies

I was deportation hearings back in 2009. I saw Ashwani at a social gathering and he said he could help me out and review my case. When we met the next week at his Burlingame office, he was sincere in offering his advice- that it was not going to be an easy case. He said, over and over, that this will... be tough based on what the INS was stating. He mentioned to me my options were to fight the case and expect a decision in 1-2 years depending on the court's schedule. If the ruling was unfavorable, there were multiple appeals available to me. The appeals would not come cheap, but they had proven to be successful with some other cases he had worked. I appreciated his honesty and I was impressed by his communication skills and experience. After thinking about it for a week, I came back to his office and I paid him the retainer and signed his paperwork. Prior to choosing Ashwani, I had checked with 2 other attorneys as well, but Ashwani was very comfortable explaining my options to me and his calm demeanor was what I was seeking. Over the next 1.5 years, Ashwani and his staff attending my court hearings (although sometimes I must say they were late) and they prepared for my final hearing and official interviews. The only downside to working with Ashwani is highlighted in other reviews - his office staff is not very courteous or responsive, and they often can be heard yelling on the phone. As an proactive client, I used to call and email for updates, but I was rarely given a meaningful response. Instead, I was promised a call back, or an email back, but never got it. I used to leave voicemails but often times I was told that no one got the voicemail. Sometimes, the secretary used to yell at me over the phone when I used to simply ask what was going on with this form, or why was this paper mailed to me. Instead of being interested in helping me over the phone, I used to get scolded for asking a simple question or asking to speak with Ashwani. I realized after a couple of months that this was just how they operated. In hindsight I was probably not treated that well as a client, but the overall result was favorable. Ashwani and his team were able to get the deportation charges waived, and we did not even have to appeal. I would tell everyone who is reading this to not expect stellar service, response or any courtesy updates. If you're focused on that, you should see another attorney. But, if you want someone with experience and someone who knows how to navigate a tough immigration case, then I would recommend Ashwani Bhakhri. He is a good thinker, attentive, and has lots of experience as he showed in my case. Thank you, Ashwani, for your help. I do recommend you to step up with the customer service area but thank you, again, for winning my case.

Posted by Manjit | October 22, 2013

SUPER JOB FOR

i was placed in removal proceedings. I applied for citizenship. During the citizendship interview, USCIS asjed me questions about my first marriage. They charged me with marriage fraud and placed me in removal proceeedings. I immediately retained the lawoffices of Ashwani Bhakhri. He represented me b...efore the immigration judge. Tioday was my hearing date. The Immigration Judge terminated the removal proceedings. I reatined my lawful status in the US. I am pleased with the extraordinary work that Mr. Bhakhri and his associates has performed on my behalf. My wife and two children are extremely happy. Mr. Bhakhri has saved my family. He is a super lawyer. His staff is very helpful. They have treated me like I am one of their family members. They took pain for me. Mr. Bhakhri is candid and sincere. I appreciate what he has done for me.

Posted by sammy | July 02, 2013

Solid Attorney; Results-oriented; Not Super "Elite" or Professional

I used Ashwani Bhakhri at the recommendation of a friend in 2007 for my immigration issues. I was facing deportation and my previous attorney had indicated that my chances of avoiding deportation were slim. I felt the need to find another attorney. My friend told me to go see Ashwani Bhakhri at his B...urlingame office. I met Ashwani for a consultation in which he quickly glanced through my deportation orders and case. I was a little uneasy of hiring him immediately for a couple of reasons: 1) His secretary kept yelling on the phone in the next room - which I found to be unprofessional; and 2) The office seemed to be "cluttered" with paperwork. However, after hearing Ashwani's opinion of my case, I decided to proceed. He cited numerous strategic options we had to either win the case, or to delay my deportation for up to 18 months. I signed a contract with Ashwani. Below is how it went. A couple of months after our meeting, my master hearing was set in San Francisco. I remember being concerned that my hearing was scheduled at 9:00AM and Ashwani did not arrive until 9:15AM. This was also a little disturbing to me, however, Ashwani did well before the judge. He asked for preparation time for the case and received about 6 months. During the next 6 months my opinion of Mr. Bhakhri went through ups and downs. Initially after the extension as granted, Ashwani mentioned that I do not have to do anything but stay out of trouble for the next several months leading up to my individual hearing. However, I received some documents from the INS and I wanted Ashwani to meet with me so that I could understand them. When I tried to make an appointment, his secretary was not very polite over the phone. My original concerns about her (as noted above) were validated. I quickly realized that the best way to get to Ashwani was to avoid his secretary. So, I called Ashwani's cell phone and he seemed concerned that he did not get my message I left with his secretary, and he asked me to come in the following morning. The next day when I arrived Ashwani was very focused on my case and findings. He said that the paper I received was a "problem" however, he would work through it. Nearing the date of my hearing I began to get nervous. It had now been about 4 months since I spoke with Ashwani or received any sort of communication. I called Ashwani's office and the same secretary picked up. I asked to speak to Ashwani and she cut me off before I could even ask my question. I hung up the phone and called Ashwani's cell again. He answered and said to not worry about anything until the week before the hearing. That is when I heard from them again. Ashwani and an assistant attorney met with me exactly 4 days before my hearing. They told me exactly what they were going to do. If their plan failed, they would appeal. If that appeal failed, they had a 3rd appeal they could file. I signed some papers and they read back my statements. We would meet at the courthouse on Friday. The day of the hearing Ashwani was again getting late, but he arrived exactly as I was walking into the courtroom. He was brilliant with the judge and argued on my behalf. The INS attorney was kept off balance and Ashwani kept pounding at the INS. The judge decided to terminate the INS case against me. Overall, the results were what counted. I dealt with the subpar customer service but I remained in the country. While I noticed that he is not as polished as other attorneys I consulted with, Ashwani took genuine interest in my case and always told me it was ok to contact him directly with questions. The unfortunate incidents with the secretary and tardiness cannot be totally excused from my review only because I know some clients value good customer service, promptness and professionalism. In the end, thank you Mr. Bhakrhi. I would recommend you. If you do get a chance to work on the customer service issues I am sure that you would become the top immigration attorney in the Bay Area.

Posted by anonymous | April 18, 2013

Good Attorney... Service is "ok"

I used Ashwani a few years ago. My situation was pretty easy. My wife and I were going for an interview for converting my 2 year green card into a permanent one. A few things to note: This is a small company, so don't expect a glamourous office atmosphere. Also, the benefit is that because it is a sm...all office you are able to feel more comfortable in a family-style atmosphere. The downside: the "staff" at the front desk was often loud on the phone and interrupted me when I used to call in. Also, Ashwani was not extremely responsive via office voicemail or email. However, he was responsive via cell phone which was appreciated. The only major issue I had was when they told me my application was mailed, when in fact they wound up mailing it a week later. Not a big deal, but did not win any "trust" points for me. Anyways, Ashwani came to our interview and was able to be a comforting presence. I would recommend him.

Posted by Satwant | March 11, 2013

NO ONE BETTER THAN MR. BHAKHRI

I came to the United States 1998. I applied for asylum in the United States. I retained the Law Offices Mr. Sekhon. The Immigration Judge denied my application for asylum. The Board of Immigration denied my application for asylum. Then I went to 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. The 9th Circuit Couert of... Appeals also denied my appeal. I then retained the Law Offices of Martin Guarado in San Francisco. He was not able to do anything for me. I paid him thousands of dollars. I was placed on Intensive Supervised Program. I had to report to the Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) every week. ICE was waiting for my travel document to come in order to execute the final order of removal. I then retained the Law offices of Ashwani K. Bhakhri. He helped me. He convinced the Department of Homeland Security to join in a Motion to Reopen. Now my case is coming back to the Immigration Judge for adjustment of status. I admitted to the department of Homeland Security that certain portion of my asylum application was fabricated. I thank Mr. Bhakhri to encourage me to tell the truth. None other than Mr. Bhakhri ever encouraged or even ask me to tell the truth. I am now hopeful to remain in the United States with my elderly mother. I admire Mr. Bhakhri's skill, knowledge and professionalism. He is not one of the best; rather he is the best. Thanksssssssssssssssssssssss.

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Experience

Rating:  6.5 (Good)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2010.

Public reproval with/duties issued in CA, 2010

updated on 10/14/2011

A censure or reprimand issued by the Supreme Court or the State Bar Court that is not a matter of public record unless imposed after the initiation of formal disciplinary proceedings. No period of suspension is imposed. The reproval may be imposed with duties or conditions.

Associations

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Member

American Trial Lawyers Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Matter of K.S.H-29 I&N Dec. 307 (BIA 2025)

BIA denied relief. Appeal against the decision is pending with the 9th circuit court of Appeals

ZIA V GARLAND NO 21-1325

The court denied petition for review

Pannu Holder

The 9th Circuit granted petition for review

SINHA HOLDER

The court of appeals granted petition for review

Maharaj v Gonzales 9th Circuit Court of Appeals

En banc 9th circuit court of appeals granted petition for review

Maharaj v Gonzales 9th Circuit Court of Appeals

Three judge penal denied petition for review which the en banc Court subsequently overturned

Singh v. ASHCROFT published opinion

Three judge penal granted petition for review

Baljit Singh v Ashcroft

Petition for review was granted

See More Legal Cases

Education

1981

Punjab University

LL.B - Bachelor of Laws

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    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2010
    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