Ashwani Kumar Bhakhri

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.

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.