Bernardo Merino

My husband and I met Bernardo for the first time toward the end of 2011 and hired him in early 2012 to represent us in adjusting my husband's status to permanent resident. Prior to meeting Bernardo we interviewed a handful of attorneys, each of whom made us feel judged and as if our case was hopeless.... Bernardo was honest and realistic about our situation yet did not treat us with scorn regarding the circumstances that brought us to this point in our lives. Our case required a waiver of grounds of inadmissability for my husband which unfortunately was denied. We then filed an appeal and received notice in August of 2014 that our appeal was sustained. In December of 2014 we were notified that our case was approved and my husband recieved his green card in the mail before month's end. Throughout the near 3 years of working with Bernardo on our case he guided us thoroughly and competently through the process of collecting extensive documentation, responded to all requests in a timely manner, and provided us with the information and resources we needed along the way. He also dealt with what was at times a very emotional and frustrating process for us with respect, patience, and professionalism. Since this was such a lengthy process with much time spent waiting to hear from the USCIS on next steps, we occasionally became anxious and reached out to Bernardo to inquire about the status of our case. Though he was always prompt in responding to our inquiries and thoroughly answered all of our questions, some of our anxiety and resulting inquiries may have been prevented by Bernardo prompting a check in with us after long periods of silence even if just to reassure us that our case is still in process, what he expects general next steps and estimated timelines to be, and any action he will take if those timelines elapse (i.e. making a status inquiry with the USCIS). However, this suggestion for how Bernardo can further improve his already outstanding service is small in the scheme of things. He is truly an expert in his field and a great attorney. We would recommend him to anyone seeking councel for immigration matters regardless how complicated their situation.

We hired Bernardo to facilitate a change of status with immigration services. Great experience working with Bernardo and his staff. He was very responsive and knowledgable of the immigration process. He did an excellent job of preparing us for the interview, and ensuring we brought the numerous requ...ired documents and how to deal with the questions they ask was particularly helpful. His representation expedited the entire process from end to end. Unfortunately, dealing with immigration can be a cumbersome and difficult process but Bernardo helped make it as simple and streamlined as possible. Price was fair considering the hours required.

When my husband and I met with Bernardo, we were in a very difficult situation and constantly on an emotional rollercoaster. We had been dealing with the Immigration Court system for 5 1/2 years and my husband had already signed a voluntary deportation, because that had been the only choice our curre...nt lawyer had given us. Bernardo was very thorough with his interview and in digging into my husbands past, was able to give us a fighting chance. A chance no other attorney had given us. After an appeal, two separate court dates, and many research hours, on Bernardo and his assistants part , my husband was able to obtain his permanent residency. We had great confidence in his representation and were always thoroughly informed of all the possible outcomes. We wish Bernardo had been our first choice, then we might have avoided all those lost years of living in uncertainty and constant fear that our loved could be ripped from our side.

My husband and I sought immigration attorney, Bernardo Merino's assistance in filing a family based (U.S. citizen petitioning for a spouse living within the United States) petition to adjust my husband's status. We walked into our consultation knowing that current immigration law is extremely com...plicated and limited in terms of finding solutions. In short, my husband and I felt fearful of not finding a solution to our immigration hurdle. We were wrong. Mr. Merino was extremely knowledgeable and helped us understand our situation, the options available to us, and most importantly the process and necessary steps to successfully move forward. Throughout the case, he kept us informed and was quick to answer any of our questions. He prepared and accompanied us to our interview with immigration in San Francisco which was extremely scary and daunting. However, with his help we walked out knowing that our case was approved. We couldn't have asked for a better experience! We have recommended him to our family and friends and will continue to seek his legal advice should any other immigration issue arise. Thank you, Mr. Merino!!