Find a Lawyer California San Mateo Immigration
Haitham Edward Ballout

PRO

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

Send Message
Haitham Edward Ballout's Website
Overview Reviews Experience Activity
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

Gallery

gallery image
gallery image

Gallery

gallery image
gallery image
gallery image
gallery image
gallery image
gallery image
gallery image
gallery image
gallery image
gallery image

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 11 - 15 of 21 reviews | Cost of Services

Posted by anonymous | April 09, 2013

My Vote for Attorney of the year!!

We applied for my visa in the 1st week of November 2012, We had our interview in the end of January 2013, We received my green card and work authorization card in the 1st week of February. For those of you whom don’t have much time to read, all we can tell you is that you will not regret workin...g with Ed! He is very reliable, responsible, and trustworthy. And he is simply a nice man that we enjoyed talking with! We highly recommend working with Haitham Edward Ballout! Here comes the long version! I am a Japanese woman and my husband is from the US. I was in the US on F1 student visa. I graduated from my grad school in Dec 2010. At this point, my husband and I were talking about getting married in about 1 year after I worked in Japan. Right after I graduated, I went on a vacation to the Caribbean’s with my friend. When I left the country, I automatically lost my F1 status and entered back into the country with ESTA. My intension was to go back to my apartment, pack up everything and move back to Japan just for 1 year. However, my husband proposed to me before I went back to Japan! So, we got married at the end of January, 2011, and I still had to go back to work, so I moved back in February, 2011. This year alone, I went back and forth to see my husband 3, 4 times. Twice, immigration officers at SFO Airport held me for about 2 hours in a separate room, went through everything in my suitcases and asked me all kinds of questions in a rude manner. At the end, I got released and let into the country as I had valid documentation and I had no issue with my status each time. The officers told me that even though I am not breaking the law by going in and out of the country often, or staying for 2, 3 months in the US each time with my ESTA, still, they did not like it, and I have to either get my proper visa and live in the US, or my husband getting his Japanese visa and move to Japan, and I cannot keep staying in the US for a long period of time even though it was within 90 days. How strange is that? Also, one officer told me that when I came back into the country after my Caribbean trip, my intention was to get married in the country which was not true, but he just assumed so and that was all it took to give me a hard time at the airport. Therefore, we finally decided to proceed with my visa application process. Originally, we were trying to apply for my visa on our own and spend as little as possible. My husband and I are very pleased with Haitham Edward Ballout’s work. All his advice was accurate and informative. (It was contrary to what most people I know and most people in the online community suggested. We are so glad that we listened to the right professional!) He was sincere and very informative. He answered all our questions in detail. Also, it was convenient for us that we could see him both in his San Francisco and Burlingame Office. As far as the consultation fee goes, it was not the cheapest, but we are still glad we worked with him. Ed was open and explained to my husband and I the cost of his services from the very beginning. His fee never changed at all. It was a one flat rate which we appreciated. He was there with us for our interview and helped us with the process. Ed working as an immigration lawyer in San Francisco for 23 + years, it seems like he has a good relationship with many of immigration interviewers which has to be helpful! We must say that Daisy, one of Ed’s staff was very helpful to us, too. She always corresponded with us via telephone or Email and made sure we had everything right. We enjoyed working with her. At the very end, she mailed us a big envelop of copy of the entire document that we put together and sent to USCIS for the record. We thank Haitham Edward Ballout for all his great work and we highly recommend working with him to anyone who is struggling in immigration issues. He is simply the best!

Posted by Diane | September 13, 2012

Great Lawyer!

Mr. Ballout gave me great advice on a complicated case. He took his time to give me the guidance I desperately needed. I saw this man not just as a very competent lawyer but also somebody who truly cares about his clients. His first concern was not the money but the good outcome of my case. God ble...ss him!

Posted by Deysi | July 02, 2012

Very dedicated Lawyer, a great listener, etc!!!

This is the best attorney I have ever hired!!! From the beginning when my case started til the end Mr. Ballout and his crew was in consistent communication with me keeping me updated on everything that has to do with my case. He is totally an expert and give me all the time I needed to make me unders...tand my position on the case. During all these months of persistent work, he has provided me all the time needed without charging me any extra. He's the best! I highly recommend him for any immigration consultation, you won't regret it for the simple reason that he is truly and very, very honest. Thank you Daisy too for not leaving me behind and be there when I needed an answer. Best wishes, Deysi

Posted by Grateful Client | September 24, 2010

N-400 Naturalization Experience with the experienced and affordable lawyer

Everyone knows that the naturalization process is the final step on the way of becoming a United States Citizen. And while it may seem that it is a simple process, often it is not. It requires good expertise, knowledge, and experience. Mr. Ballout has it all what it takes to help you with immigration... process. He is honest and straightforward, and his fees are very reasonable, comparing to other lawyers with 20+ years of experience in immigration field. I have met and spoke to several other lawyers, but wasnt sure who to work with until I met Mr. Ballout and his staff. Starting from the first meeting he gave me confidence about his knowledge/experience of immigration laws, and pointed out important things about the naturalization process. He is very respectful and friendly, and always stays on the top of everything. Mr. Ballout and his assistance Jennie are always in contact with you to keep you updated on your case, and always there when you have a question or concern. If you are in need OR you think you might need an immigration lawyer, or just need a consultation, look no further, Mr. Ballout is the man!

Posted by anonymous | November 19, 2009

"As good as cash in the bank."

I have known Haitham for over 10 years, and he has consistently delivered. Haitham is extremely professional and diligent. It is a pleasure working with him and his team. I highly recommend Haitham for immigration services. In selecting an attorney, a client typically has to ponder on two items:... 1) Are the fees reasonable, and 2) Will the attorney successfully achieve the desired outcome? In Haitham’s case, the client only has to worry about scheduling the celebration of the desired outcome.

See All Client Reviews

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
Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution
Learn More About the Avvo Rating