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Haitham Edward Ballout

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Haitham Edward Ballout

also known as Ballout Law, APC

5.0
190 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 35 years

Immigration Lawyer at San Mateo, CA
Practice Areas: Immigration, General Practice

410 North San Mateo Drive, San Mateo, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

Call for a consultation (650) 720-5985

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Haitham Edward Ballout's Website
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Overview Reviews Experience Activity
Call for a consultation (650) 720-5985

About Haitham

Biography

Devoted to client satisfaction! 30-plus years of excellence in immigration & deportation/removal law

Our reputation: straight & honest legal solutions. 30 years of excellence.

Are you looking for a competent, zealous advocate? We can help. We provide superior representation.

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Immigration 90%

No case is too small or too big. We handle cases with confidence and expertise from the admnitrative level all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court - only if it best serves the client's interests.

36 years | 999 cases

90%
General Practice 10%

36 years | 300 cases

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always

Payment Methods

  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2022 2021
...
+ 10
Silver Client Champion
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Avvo Client's Choice Awards

Client's Choice

The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

Client's Choice
Client's Choice 2025
Client's Choice
Client's Choice 2022
Client's Choice
Client's Choice 2021
Client's Choice
Client's Choice 2020
Client's Choice
Client's Choice 2018
Client's Choice
Client's Choice 2017
Client's Choice
Client's Choice 2016
Client's Choice
Client's Choice 2015
Client's Choice
Client's Choice 2014
Client's Choice
Client's Choice 2013
Client's Choice
Client's Choice 2012
Client's Choice
Client's Choice 2011
Client's Choice
Client's Choice 2010

Silver Client Champion

Silver Client Champion

Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service.

This attorney has received at least 3 client reviews, and has an average score of 4.0 or higher.

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

An elite group of attorneys who have been rated highly by their peers as having Very High Ethical Standards and an A grade (4.5 or higher).

This is the highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

Licenses

Licensed in California for 35 years

State: California

Acquired: 1990

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Ballout Law, APC

410 North San Mateo Drive, San Mateo, CA, 94401

balloutlaw.com
Message Get Directions

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Haitham Edward Ballout's Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (187) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Star rating
5 stars 185 4 stars 1
3 stars 0
2 stars 0
1 star 1
Practice Areas
Immigration (151) Lawsuits & Disputes (7) Criminal Defense (4) Appeals (2) Administrative Law (1) Bankruptcy & Debt (1) Business (1) Credit Repair (1) Debt Settlement (1) Divorce & Separation (1) Domestic Violence (1) Family (1) Marriage & Prenuptials (1) Personal Injury (1) Real Estate (1)
What Clients Mention
Case Results (125) Practice Area Knowledge (80) Recommendation (68) Professionalism (64) Advocacy (46) Staff & Support (43) General Knowledge (41) Responsiveness (41) Communication Style (37) Character & Conduct (36) Trustworthiness (31) Compassion (22) Cost of Services (21) Free Consultations (3) Payment Plans (1) Punctuality (1)

Showing 96 - 100 of 125 reviews | Case Results

Posted by Javier | July 06, 2011 | Immigration

Bridge over touble waters

Hi! My name is Javier born and race in Lima, Peru. I live in the States for about 23 years since or about 1987. In October of 2005 I was detained by Immigration (ICE). Immigration costumes enforcement separate me from my family, friend and my job,( Ice) put me in a plane bound to Eloy, Arizona, I t...hought I never will see my family again. I knew then that I not just need a lawyer but someone with experience and knowledge, someone who’s first priority is to help people. I hired attorney Haitham Ballout and gave him all my trust. He traveled out of the state of California for complete days every time a have a court hearing. He worked diligent in my case and in 4 months he helped me to be freed and I could go back to my home and family and continue my case in my home town close to my family. I could not believe that I got not just a second opportunity but a life time opportunity. These are the most difficult decisions I ever have to make in my entire live, not easy to do but worthy of trying to keep the dream alive. My case was very complicated but I did not lose my hope. The negative against me were enormous but Attorney Haitham Ballout always calm, we talk about all remedies and solutions. First to get free, while detained in Eloy, we appeal a Bond judge decision with the BIA, we won and that was huge, then we applied for Change of venue, and were granted. That was my chance to bail out and return back to my hometown and be reunited with my wife and children. Haitham became part of my family and feel great gratitude for the exceptional work that he have done for me. A mayor challenge that I have to overcome was my alien relative petition that was approved thank for it I can see light at the end of the tunnel and I have to be free for all, After three times at Board of immigration and even once to the 9Th Circuit to appeal a judge decision, I keep my hopes alive. All motions were file in a timely manner. My application for waiver of grounds of inadmissibility approved and my application for cancellation of removal and adjustment of status for certain nonpermanent resident approved. Sure was better sweet the big decisions of many challenges and achievement that I have to face and overcome. Thank you Attorney Haitham Ballout, I can work legally in the United States and live the American Dream . Free at last. JG.

Posted by Mike | November 23, 2010 | Immigration

wonderful experience

The process of attaining a green card is known to be difficult and frustrating, but with Haitham's help it was a pleasure. I would recommend him highly to anyone in my position. Within about 2 months, from start to finish, my swedish wife had her green card in hand. It really pays to have someone ...who knows how to navigate the system.

Posted by Kajsa | November 11, 2010 | Immigration

Green Card in 2 months

I had a student visa for about 8 years, and after I was done with my studies I wanted to become a permanent resident. I had spoken with several attorneys before I met Mr. Ballout and decided to retain him. He is knowledgeable, experienced, straightforward and very friendly. I was prepared for the pro...cess to take about 6 months, but from filing to green card in hand it only took 2 months. I was impressed with Mr. Ballout, his staff and their professionalism.

Posted by John (Walnut Creek,CA) | September 14, 2010 | Immigration

i601 waiver application approval

I live in Walnut Creek and I was referred to Mr. Ballout from a friend to help me with my wife's i601 waiver application. I made an appointment, drove to Burlingame, and hired him immediately after meeting with him for just 15 minutes. Not only was the initial consultation very relaxed and honest but... the options that he offered were better than ones I heard from other attorneys. I was correct with my intuition. His firm got the 601 approved in less than 2 months. They are straight down the line, don't make promises they can't deliver on, and don't compromise on their standards when it comes to applications. Also, Mr Ballout will tell you upfront whether or not he can do your case unlike many other attorneys. I would thoroughly recommend his law office.

Posted by Julio | June 28, 2010 | Immigration

GREAT LAWYER

My wife and I were in a situation that seem to have no way out, thank God that Mr. Haitham Ballout was able to help us. My wife received a deportation notice, honestly I was scared of losing my wife. We tried everything, Mr Haitham Ballout was able to provide everything necessary in order for us to h...ave victory. After a long, hard fought battle we received a letter from immigration that simply stated that my wife had been granted residency. As I stood there, holding that letter, words could not spew out and time had stopped all at once. "Land of opportunity" indeed. I am forever grateful to the work and expertise that Mr. Ballout displayed throughout this grueling process. I am truly in awe and can honestly say that for us being satisfied with Mr. ballout's work would be an understatement.

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Haitham Edward Ballout's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Haitham
Edward C Chung headshot
Edward Chung

Immigration lawyer | Aug 26

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Haitham Ballout is an attorney that I would turn to for sound legal advise on any legal matter. He is an honorable man a seasoned attorney and has a profound courtroom presence. Moreover, he is dedicated to the practice of law and the clientele he serves."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Personal injury lawyer | May 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Haitham. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Patricia Renee Rodriguez headshot
Patricia Rodriguez

Immigration lawyer | May 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Paul J. Molinaro headshot
Paul Molinaro

Immigration lawyer | Sep 14

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Andrew Rolf Bohan headshot
Andrew Bohan

Immigration lawyer | Apr 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"First and foremost, Mr. Ballout is very trustworthy. I've known him for 25 years and have observed his consistently high-quality work over the years, including several matters for my family."

Louis Allen Liberty headshot
Louis Liberty

Immigration lawyer | Apr 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer as a friend and colleague. Haitham is uniquely qualified as an immigration lawyer."

Nancy Kay Mcdonald headshot
Nancy Mcdonald

Immigration lawyer | Aug 23

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. I have represented several clients who are in trouble with immigration due to a pending criminal case and I always refer them to this office. They are responsive, helpful and always honest with the client as to what actually can be accomplished."

View All Endorsements
Edward C Chung headshot
Edward Chung

Litigation lawyer

Nancy Kay Mcdonald headshot
Nancy Mcdonald

Criminal defense lawyer

Stanley Dale Radtke headshot
Stanley Radtke

Immigration lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2022

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2021

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2017

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2013

Top 100 Lawyers, American Society of Legal Advocates

2013

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2012

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2011

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2010

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2010

SuperLawyer, SuperLawyer

2010

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2009

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

1998

Significant Contribution Award, American Immigration Lawyers Association

1988

Dean's List, Golden Gate University

Work Experience

1992 - Present

Principal Attorney, Ballout Law, APC

Associations

2023 - Present

10th Circuit

Admitted

2003 - Present

U.S. Supreme Court

Member

1997 - Present

San Mateo County Bar Association

Member

1995 - Present

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Member

1990 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

1990 - Present

9th Circuit

Sample of Legal Cases

En Banc 9th Circuit published case of Maldonado vs. Holder (my client against the US Attorney General)

Won this en banc case after the Court reversed a line of cases dating back to 2004.

Soenaryo vs. Michael B. Mukasey, U.S. Attorney General

Certiorari Denied

Kayyal vs. Keisler, Acting U.S. Attorney General

Certiorari Denied

Baballah vs. Aschcroft, 367 F.3d 1067

Won this precedent-setting case

In Re Air Crash Near Peggy’s Cove. Nova Scotia, on September 2, 1998

Settled during Court Mandated Conference

See More Legal Cases

Education

1989

Cambridge University

Study Abroad Program

1989

Golden Gate University, School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1989

University of Siena, Italy

Summer Program

1982

California State University, San Jose State University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2019

College of San Mateo

Current changes in immigration law

Publications

2011

Super Lawyers Voice of Calm

Languages

Spanish

French

Arabic

Italian

Vietnamese

Mandarin

Activity

4

Legal Answers

Legal Answers

Q&A

Am I eligible for a work permit and safe from being deported under President Obama's latest announcement regarding dream act?

16 Jun 2012
Q&A

Can i get my driver license with i-797c?

14 May 2012
See More Legal Answers
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