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Elias Z. Shamieh

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Avvo Rating8.8
  • San Francisco, CA
  • Licensed for 31 years
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About Elias

Elias Shamieh is the founding attorney of the Law Offices of Shamieh & Ternieden. As a dedicated San Francisco immigration attorney—and an immigrant himself—Attorney Shamieh is committed to fighting for the rights of foreign nationals. At the firm, he regularly assists clients with a wide range of U.S. immigration issues, including deportation, asylum, visas, green cards, naturalization, and more. For over 30 years, he has made it his mission to provide every client with personalized, compassionate legal services aimed at securing the best possible outcome. Call the Law Offices of Shamieh & Ternieden today for an initial consultation.

Practice areas

AsylumImmigration
  1. Immigration: 70%

    At the Law Offices of Elias Z. Shamieh, we understand how complex and difficult immigration laws can be, so our concern is to ease you step-by-step through the immigration process in order to achieve your immigration goals. We handle all aspects of Immigration Law, including family based petitions, marriage petitions, fiancé visas, as well as work permits, waivers, political asylum, cancellation of removal, self petitioning applications, citizenship, and employment visas such as H1B, L1A, E2, R,

    33 years

  2. Asylum: 30%

    We handle all aspects of Immigration Law, including family based petitions, marriage petitions, fiancé visas, as well as work permits, waivers, political asylum, cancellation of removal, self petitioning applications, citizenship, and employment visas such as H1B, L1A, E2, R,

    33 years

Languages spoken

Arabic, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Cantonese

Contact

605 Market Street
address map

Law Offices of Shamieh & Ternieden

605 Market Street
Suite 600
San Francisco, CA, 94105

Firm Blog

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
INActive In Good Standing198803/12/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers3
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Top 10 Immigration Law Attorney for CaliforniaAmerican Jurist Institute2018
10 Best Attorneys - Exceptional & Outstanding Client ServiceAmerican Institute of Legal Counsel2017
Client Satisfaction AwardAmerican Institute of Legal Counsel2016
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Founding AttorneyLaw Offices of Shamieh & Ternieden1988 - Present
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
American Immigration Lawyers AssociationMember1988 - Present
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
New College of California Law SchoolJD - Juris Doctor1987
San Francisco State UniversityBA - Bachelor of Arts1977
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
American Immigration Lawyers Association (Northern California chapter) MeetingLA-8 Presentation2011
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
AsylumThe family was granted Asylum
Successful AsylumAsylum Granted
Adjustment of StatusSuccessful Adjustment of Status
AsylumAsylum Granted

Reviews

(15)
5 Star
100%
4 Star
0%
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2 Star
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1 Star
0%
Review Elias Shamieh

Mr.

Posted by

I had an excellent experience working on my asylum case with Mr. Shamieh, who proved to be by far the best immigration lawyer I came across in my search for a lawyer to handle my asylum case. His extensive experience and knowledge of immigration law came through in his insights on the immigration process, its requirements and likely outcomes, which proved to be very accurate in every step of the way. His extensive track record in immigration law was also evident in the guidance he gave me in preparation of my case filing and interview, where he knew all the immigration officers, from the building security to my interviewer.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent office

Posted by

مكتب متميز بالأشخاص العاملين فيه والأستاذ الياس افضل محامي هجرة وشكرا جزيلا لتعاونكم ومجهودكم
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Complicated case? No problem for this office!

Posted by

I went to several attorneys and even signed up with them for my wife's very complicated case. When I found Mr. Shamieh and had a consultation with him he took the case on and they got her out of removal proceedings and even got her a green card. When I say her case was complicated I mean it. Several previous lawyers weren't even willing to take the case on but Mr. Shamieh didn't hesitate. He told me the pros and cons of the different approaches, told me nothing is guaranteed but that he would work his hardest for my family. And he did just that. Thank you SO much Mr. Shamieh. My family and I are forever grateful.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Efficient, responsive and gets good results!

Posted by

Mr. Shamieh and his entire staff are an incredible team. I've been a client for years and they've helped me through many different immigration issues--all were successful thanks to them. There were never any problems in communicating with the attorneys or the staff and they were always responsive, efficient and accommodating. I refer anyone and everyone I can to this office and I highly recommend anyone reading this to utilize their services.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Immigration

Posted by

Good lawyer and well known for his 30 years experience in law specifically immigration law. He went great lengths and was very thorough in explaining the situation we are in to us as well as what options we had. We were granted our citizenship through the rout we choose thanks to Mr. Shamiehs expertise and advice as well as the knowledge and professionalism of his staff. They kept us up to date with what was going on the entire process and I appreciate that.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

He helped me so much asylum

Posted by

Mr. Shamieh helped me with my asylum case and was good all along. I appreciate him for changing my life and helping my family. I cannot thank him enough.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

I am so relieved

Posted by

Mr. Elias Shamieh was a perfect fit for my family and I. We interviewed many lawyers to take on the complex case that is our family and he handled it with professionalism and respect. His fees weren’t unreasonable and I happily paid because I respect and appreciate the attention and results my case received. Thank you!!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

AmaIng experience

Posted by

Mr. Shamieh helped me through my entire citizenship process. It was smooth quick and fair. I appreciate Mr. Shamieh and the entire staff for their work on my successful case! Fees were very fair too!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Successful adjustment

Posted by

Mr. Shamieh did a great job for me. Patient and understand and clearly very knowledgeable. He gave me great advice with a very reasonable fee.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

The best attorney

Posted by

I want to apply for asylum case I ask a lot of people which attorney I can go every one I asked him told me about Shameih office then I do my search after that I decide to go meet him the first time I see him and we talk a lot I know no one can handle my case like him he is a professional attorney I feel safe with him He know exactly what he do Cause now I have my asylum approval 4000 words it’s not enough to talk about mr Shameih And he bring my wife and my two kids to me He is the best
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
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Attorney endorsements

(6)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Ekaterina Powell, Immigration Attorney on Jun 11, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Very knowledgeable attorney.

Ann Barhoum, Family Attorney on Nov 11, 2014
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Shamieh is well versed in immigration law. He takes on tough cases and gets positive results for his many clients.

Patrick Mcmahon, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on May 24, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Elias is an experienced knowledgeable immigration attorney with whom I have consulted many times. His advice and counsel has been very helpful.

Jason Fellner, Litigation Attorney on Aug 12, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mr. Elias Shamieh is well respected in the community as an excellent communicator with adept knowledge and practical experience as an immigration attorney. If ever I have questions on immigration law, I turn to Mr. Shamieh for reasoned advice and counsel.

Karl Krooth, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 4, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I respect Mr. Shamieh for carefully determining whether his law practice is a good fit for each prospective client. Mr. Shamieh has a legal niche that he knows. When an issue is outside his niche, he will gladly refer the prospective client to another attorney who is very familiar with the issue and in whose work Mr. Shamieh has confidence.

Madanmohan Ahluwalia, Divorce and separation Attorney on Mar 22, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. I have known Elias Shamieh since 1995. I have referred several cases to him involving deportation/removal defense. He is experienced and creative in helping clients find legal solutions.