Andrei Romanenko

Andrei Romanenko

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 14 years

Immigration Lawyer at San Francisco, CA
Practice Areas: Immigration, Asylum

500 Sutter Street, Suite 823, San Francisco, CA

About Andrei

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Asylum 50%

Representing applicants for asylum before USCIS and Immigration Courts in the United States, litigating appeals before USCIS, Board of Immigration Appeals, Circuit Courts.

50%
Immigration 50%

Family immigration: immigrant visa petitions, adjustment of status, consular processing, employment authorizations, change of nonimmigrant status. Business immigration: L-1 visas, E-2 visas, H-1B, O-1 extraordinary ability. Removal defense: cancellation of removal, withholding of removal, asylum in immigration court.

50%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 14 years

State: California

Acquired: 2011

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Andrei Romanenko PC

500 Sutter Street, Suite 823, San Francisco, CA, 94102

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Andrei Romanenko's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

56 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (56) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 6 - 10 of 15 reviews | Responsiveness

Posted by Ekaterina B. | November 20, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

A lawyer who was and is there for me when nobody else was

Andrei Romanenko has a sharp legal mind and gives straight to the point, no BS advice. Mr. Romanenko is a certified specialist in immigration law, but, apart from immigration, he has unmatched experience in other areas of the law. Mr. Romanenko represented me in a civil case and won! I, and 3 other p...eople, were sued by a vindictive person for what we said in court. Needless to say, being sued was horrible. I knew I needed a lawyer, and one I can trust to solve my problem and not rip me off. When I consulted Mr. Romanenko, he told me right on the spot what motion I needed to file to get the case against me thrown out. Mr. Romanenko filed the right motion from the start and the judge dismissed the lawsuit. This case ended in just 3 months. Not only Mr. Romanenko won my case, we are now going after the plaintiff for attorney fees. The judge already ordered the plaintiff to pay my legal fees. We still have a long way to go in getting the plaintiff to actually pay, but, my point is that Mr. Romanenko fought for me and won. Mr. Romanenko treated me with respect and integrity. Mr. Romanenko is not afraid to tackle anything. If you want a lawyer who knows his stuff, then hire Mr. Romanenko. He is sharp, knowledgeable, straight to the point, and he fights for what's right. He cares about his clients and does not treat them as just a paycheck. Mr. Romanenko took my calls and answered my emails after business hours and on weekends, and, didn't charge me a dime for talking to him. Mr. Romanenko cared about my cause and about restoring justice. I am a lawyer who practices family law and I know this business. There are real lawyers and there are "lawyers." I have yet to see a lawyer who is available to clients after 5 pm and on weekends. With lawyers, you get what you pay for, but, oftentimes, you don't. Hire a sole practitioner, like Mr. Romanenko, who has a wealth of experience and who doesn't nickel and dime his clients. When it comes to matters that can affect your life, go with the right professional. Go with Andrei Romanenko!

Posted by anonymous | October 31, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Definitely do not recommend

First of all, I would like to start by defining what a lawyer is. A lawyer is a person whose profession is to provide qualified legal assistance to individuals, including the protection of their rights and representation of interests. Having hired Andrei Romanenko there was a feeling that I had hir...ed a prosecutor, there was no talk of protecting the rights and interests of the client. Technically, the documents were prepared and filled out by his secretary with many errors, the work was not done in good faith. And as it turned out later, the final version of the case with amendments was not even checked by the lawyer himself, this is with regard to the documentary component. From the point of view of consultations in the course of the case, it is even worse. The lawyer responded promptly only until the moment of full payment for his services. What followed was a quest. Talking on the phone with a hired lawyer is unrealistic. The call ended in nothing, always answered by his secretary, who, for obvious reasons, is not competent in my matters. To communicate with a lawyer, there was only one option - to write letters to which he answers at best from 2 working days, and at worst, he simply does not answer. The process is not fast. Due to an unscrupulous approach to my duties, due to the lack of a timely response to specific negative factors in the process, unfortunately, my case was on the way to failure and we hired another lawyer with whom we continue our cooperation. Based on my experience, I definitely do not recommend Andrei Romanenko as a migration lawyer. In my case, there are many doubts about the qualifications of a lawyer. Tip: if you still want to work with this lawyer, first talk to him personally, and not by phone, and only then decide whether to work with him or not.

Andrei Romanenko

Replied last December 09, 2022

Dear anonymous, when your sister retained our office in May of 2019, you were not happy about the representation of your previous immigration attorney in Santa Ana, California. Our office reviewed the file and did not find any evidence of ineffective assistance in her services. We declined to file an ineffective assistance of counsel complaint against her. Your sister paid for our services in full in June 2019, shortly after our initial consultation. Our office was able to timely file the needed paperwork within days of getting retained, and we even obtained the benefits that she was not expecting to get in the U.S. At least two immigration cases that our office has handled for your sister have been approved. On May 25, 2021, you referred another family member to us. Since June of 2019, you were communicating with our office and with the attorney directly by e-mail. Our records show dozens of e-mails to and from you over the past three years. Attorney personally responded to your e-mails even after hours and on the weekends. Sometimes it took one or two business days to get back to you. Several times you did not receive our response because your icloud e-mail account went over the quota. All of your phone calls were answered by our staff every time you called. Our records show 63 answered calls and 17 missed calls that were returned promptly. We understand your dissatisfaction that attorney did not pick up the phone personally every time you called the office. We have to rely on our supporting staff in answering the phones when the attorney is in court, at a USCIS interview, or in a consultation with another client. We insisted on communicating by e-mail in this particular case for the following reasons. The actual client we represented was your sister, not you. Every time your sister called us, she said she understood what she was being told. But later you would call us back, alleging that your sister did not speak enough English. Then you would ask us to repeat the same things to you all over again. We had to document in writing the advice our office was giving. We had to advise you in writing of the consequences of every available immigration option. Both of you agreed to this condition to communicate by e-mail. In our office attorney personally reviews and signs all of the prepared documents. Not a single document leaves the office without personal review by the attorney. Legal assistants constantly come in to consult with the attorney and have the documents reviewed, corrected, and signed. When we completed our services on June 27, 2022, your sister moved forward with us in another pending immigration matter. During the phone call on October 26, 2022, your sister did not indicate that another attorney had been hired to finish her case. On November 9, 2022, she ended her e-mail with the words “Ok thank you Mr Romanenko for everything I’m so glad to have you as my lawyer always appreciate you support”. Now that you have notified us that another attorney has been hired, we will have to withdraw from representation and notify your sister in writing. We thank you for your business and hope that the third immigration attorney that you have retained will meet your high definition of a lawyer.

Posted by Roman Kuznetsov | October 23, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Высокий профессионал!

Хочу выразить огромную благодарность Андрею и посоветовать всем, независимо от местонахождения, обращаться только к нему! Моя ситуация: Я из России, моя мама (гражданка США) подала петицию на воссоединение с семьёй в конце 2012 года. В начале 2013 пришло письмо, что моё дело принято. Дальше я ждал... 6 лет и в конце 2019 года пришло письмо, что я могу собирать документы и подавать их для интервью. Моя мама по совету знакомых русских из США обратилась в местную компанию оказывающею иммиграционные услуги (штат Колорадо). К сожалению, на тот момент я ещё не прочитал статью Андрея "Как выбрать иммиграционного адвоката". В общем она заплатила им $1500 после чего они очень неспешно стали уточнять разную информацию, заполнять формы, собирать документы и т.п. А спустя несколько недель вообще от них перестала поступать какая-то информация. Через месяц - полтора она позвонила узнать как там моё дело, на что они ответили - мы всё подали, теперь нужно ждать письмо из консульства, от 2 до 6 месяце обычно занимает ожидание - сказали они. Ок, мы стали ждать, прошло порядка 5- 6 месяцев, уже началась пандемия, а письма всё не было, я стал серьёзно переживать, стал вникать детально в весь процесс по сбору документов и выяснил, что моё дело только частично подготовлено для подачи в консульство, т.е. оно всё ещё находится в начальной стадии в NVC, которое после получения всех бумажек и платежей должно передать его в консульство, которое в свою очередь уже будет назначать интервью! Мягко говоря моему негодованию не было предела. Они просто потратили больше полугода моей жизни, взяли $1500 и при этом ничего недоделали, более того в форме DS-260 было допущено порядка 50 серьёзных ошибок (неправильные, даты, номера документов и т.д.), и в NVC её запретили исправлять. В общем пришлось шерстить интернет и искать адвоката самому, с этой компанией даже разбираться не было желания, просто афера какая-то. В общем спустя несколько дней, просмотрев кучу роликов, форумов, созвонившись и списавшись с разными специалистами, я всё еще сомневался к кому можно обращаться, доверия после этого опыта не было ни к кому. Но позже я наткнулся на статью Андрея, прочитал её, проверил его лицензию, посмотрел его рейтинг на этом сайте (не только его, но и других адвокатов к которым я присматривался), почитал в разных источниках про сам сайт AVVO, можно ли ему доверять и т.п. Но больше всего у меня конечно вызвало доверие - информация на гос. ресурсах о наличии действующей лицензии и отсутствие каких-либо взысканий у адвоката. В итоге я пришел к выводу, что буду обращаться к Андрею Романенко. Результат: Созвонились в скайпе, быстро обсудили что к чему. После подписали договор и Андрей взялся за дело, быстро всё переделал (что можно было), собрал оставшиеся документы и подал в NVС, который в свою очередь проверил все документы и отправил моё дело в консульство в Москве. Дальше я опять стал ждать письмо из консульства, но на дворе был 2020 год, в мире - пандемия, а в России - сокращают штат консульских работников США. В итоге посольства и консульство США в России больше не принимают и не обрабатывает заявления на визы. Что ж пришлось искать другие варианты, рассматривались посольства США в разных странах, но Андрей настойчиво предложил консульство в Варшаве (чему я теперь несомненно рад). Он обратился в Варшаву, дело моё перевили туда, после опять несколько месяцев ожидания и наконец долгожданное письмо о назначенном интервью! Андрей проконсультировал как подготовиться к интервью, дал наставления и я пошёл на собеседование. По итогу долгожданная, иммиграционная виза у меня в паспорте! На данный момент я решаю жилищные и другие вопросы в России, которую до марта 2022 года, согласно срокам визы, я должен покинуть. Ещё раз хочу сказать огромное спасибо Андрею! Спасибо за его высокий профессионализм и компетентность! И ещё раз хочу посоветовать всем - где бы вы не находились и какая бы сложная ситуация у вас не была, обращайтесь к Андрею!

Posted by Lyuba | August 02, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Excellent

I hired attorney Andrei Romanenko to help my mother-in-law with a citizenship interview. We were worried we were not completely prepared, but attorney Romanenko made us feel comfortable and sorted things out just after a few meetings. Throughout the entire process, attorney Romanenko was extremely re...sponsive, diligent, and showed a high level of professionalism. He explained everything in details, and made the interview process a better experience for my mother-in-law. Attorney Romanenko was a pleasure to work with, and I highly recommend him for immigration-related matters. We did the outcome we hoped for.

Posted by Elena | December 16, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Благодарность Андрею Романенко

Адвокат Андрей Романенко- профессионал высочайшего уровня. Знает все тонкости американского законодательства. Очень быстро отвечает на все звонки и электронные письма. У него отличная профессиональная команда. Очень честный, принципиальный, трудолюбивый. Андрей помог мне ускорить интервью. Я получил...а положительный ответ. Успех моего дела полностью принадлежит Андрею Романенко. Хочу выразить огромную благодарность ему и его дружной команде.

See All Client Reviews

Andrei Romanenko's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Andrei
Diana Romanov headshot
Diana Romanov

Immigration lawyer | Apr 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have consulted Andrei on many immigration law matters. I feel always confident sending my family law clients to Andrei if they need immigration law consultation or representation. He is very knowledgeable, responsive and professional."

Shuting Chen headshot
Shuting Chen

Immigration lawyer | Jul 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Andrei is very knowledgeable and smart. He is experienced in immigration law and savvy in working with immigration agencies/courts. He works hard for his clients, and is passionate about the protecting the rights of immigrants. He's a great advocate and representative!"

Ekaterina L Powell headshot
Ekaterina Powell

Unknown lawyer | Jun 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Very knowledgeable attorney."

Matthew R. Morley headshot
Matthew Morley

Immigration lawyer | Feb 27

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Yauheni V Halavanau headshot
Yauheni Halavanau

Immigration lawyer | Jan 27

Relationship: Friend

"Andrei is an extremely knowledgeable attorney in the immigration law area. I have referred clients to him and received an excellent feedback about Andrei's professional work. I personally sought advice from him on numerous occasions and received top notch legal advice that was practical and straight to the point despite high complexity of the issues. I feel privileged to recommend Mr. Romanenko as an outstanding attorney always looking out for the best interests of his clients."

Svetlana Magerram Shirinova headshot
Svetlana Shirinova

Immigration lawyer | Oct 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Gunda Johanna Brost headshot
Gunda Brost

Immigration lawyer | Feb 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Romanenko gives accurate legal advice on the avvo website. His guidance is thoughtful and practical. I recommend him with pleasure."

Giacomo Jacques Behar headshot
Giacomo Behar

Immigration lawyer | Feb 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Welcome on board, young tovaritch! Your superb answers and creative solutions to even most complex immigration law scenarios show a solid understanding of how immigration law truly works! Hope to read more and more of you."

Alexander Joseph Segal headshot
Alexander Segal

Immigration lawyer | Feb 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"It is always my pleasure to welcome young attorneys into the community of lawyers who practice as complicated yet interesting area of law as U.S. Immigration Law. Andrei is knowledgeable in immigration law, well-informed and has already managed to deserve respect of his peers. I endorse him with pleasure."

Robert David Baker headshot
Robert Baker

Immigration lawyer | Dec 11

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"Andrei worked as an associate attorney in my office for one year, 2012-2013. I highly endorse the knowledge and expertise that Andrei has in immigration law."

Alexei Kuchinsky headshot
Alexei Kuchinsky

Immigration lawyer | Jul 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Andrei is very knowledgeable about immigration law. If I have any questions regarding immigration issues, I consult him with confidence. I endorse him as a zealous and hard working attorney ."

View All Endorsements
Diana Romanov headshot
Diana Romanov

Family lawyer

Shuting Chen headshot
Shuting Chen

Immigration lawyer

Samuel Gary Polozola headshot
Samuel Polozola

Immigration lawyer

Ekaterina Berman headshot
Ekaterina Berman

Unknown lawyer

Ekaterina L Powell headshot
Ekaterina Powell

Immigration lawyer

Matthew R. Morley headshot
Matthew Morley

Immigration lawyer

Yauheni V Halavanau headshot
Yauheni Halavanau

Litigation lawyer

Giacomo Jacques Behar headshot
Giacomo Behar

Immigration lawyer

Alexei Kuchinsky headshot
Alexei Kuchinsky

Employment and labor lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2018

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2017

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2017

Legal Specialist in Immigration & Nationality Law, California Board of Legal Specialization

2016

San Francisco Best Businesses Award in the Immigration Law, San Francisco Best Businesses selection group

2015

Rated Attorney, Lead Counsel

2014

2014 top contributor award, Avvo

2014

Rated Attorney, Lead Counsel

2013

Rated Attorney, Lead Counsel

2011

J.D. Business Law Certificate, Berkeley Law

2005

Dean's List, SFSU

2001

Level 3 Japanese proficiency certificate, JLPT

2000

Dean's List, Minsk State Linguistic University

1999

Polish Language Certificate, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University

1999

Dean's List, Minsk State Linguistic University

Work Experience

2014 - Present

Immigration Lawyer, Law Office of Andrei Romanenko

2013 - 2014

Immigration Attorney, Kerosky Purves & Bogue

2012 - 2013

Associate Attorney, Law Offices of Robert David Baker

2012 - 2012

Associate Attorney, Law Offices of Dominic Capeci

Associations

2015 - Present

San Francisco Immigrant Rights Commission

Commissioner

2014 - Present

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Member

2014 - Present

American Immigration Lawyers Association (Northern California chapter)

Member

2013 - Present

United States Court of Appeals For the Ninth Circuit

Attorney

2011 - Present

State Bar of California

Attorney

2014 - 2016

La Raza Centro Legal

Volunteer Attorney

2008 - 2012

Asian Law Caucus

Volunteer Attorney

Sample of Legal Cases

Matter of S-V-

reopened, adjustment of status granted

See More Legal Cases

Education

2011

UC Berkeley SOL Boalt Hall

JD - Juris Doctor

2005

San Francisco State University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

2001

Minsk State Linguistic University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

1999

Maria Curie-Sklodowska University

Certificate

Speaking Engagements

2015

Attorney of the day, San Francisco Immigration Court

Removal Defense

2014

Community Law Program

Immigration consequences of crimes

Publications

Languages

Spanish

Russian

Belarusian

Polish

Japanese

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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Avvo Rating Levels
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