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Samuel Patrick Ouya Maina

Immigration Attorney at Berkeley, CA

5.0   25 reviews
  • Licensed for 28 years
    State CA
    Acquired 1995
    Status
    Active Lawyer disciplined in 2019

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2019. See details

About Samuel

Learn Samuel’s areas of practice.

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Practice area

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Law Offices of S. Ouya Maina
2140 Shattuck Avenue Suite 1110
Berkeley, CA, 94704

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  25 customer reviews
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Posted by anonymous | September 15, 2018
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Best consultation experience
This review is long overdue. I was desperately looking for information about possibly getting an LPR for my son who is born outside the US. I was outside the US at the time, so I posted my questions on avvo and ither legal free forum but only few responded with real answer, most of the lawyers basically said they can’t answered now but to make appointment with them which mean money first. But Mr. Maina kindly answered most of my questions and scheduled a free conference call with me & my husband to answer more questions that we had. He was straightforward and clear on the instructions of what we had to do prior coming to the US and when we made it to the US he even gave us consultation in his office & told us the form to filed and the next step to do without paying anything. He told us his legal fees if he were to filed our applications but he said this was something we could do ourselves and so we did. We’re grateful to find him. Thanks Mr. Maina
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Posted by Hauk | June 27, 2018
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
I Recommend
First of all, praise the Lord for people like Samuel! I've been desperately looking up information because I'm trying to help his family and I've different lawyers trying to get information but nobody ever answer or call me back, came across Samuel and he gave me all the answers that I was looking for even without a dime. So if you're looking for a professional and willing to help or answer any question maybe you will have to pay but I recommend that you will call him he will help you. Shalom! God bless you Samuel!
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Posted by Kenneth | May 28, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Spectacular work
We want to express our profound gratitude to our attorney, Patrick Samuel Ouya Maina. His professional expertise coupled with his ample resources are simply the best. He was very patient with us and gave us the counsel that we believed that we deserved. His expert services led to our immigration success. We would highly recommend him as an attorney for anyone working with immigration issues.
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Posted by anonymous | July 11, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Personable & Clear
Mr. Maina is personable and clear. He taught me a lot during our initial phone call and he answered all my questions thoroughly. Mr. Maina is knowledgeable, informed, and seems to genuinely care about people. He attentively listens and clearly explains legal possibilities and approaches. His brainstorming proves he is a smart thinker. I am looking forward to working with Mr. Maina and I highly recommend him to anyone in need of immigration help.
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Posted by JJ | February 2, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Simply the best immigration attorney I ever known
Samuel is very good at what he does, he listens , he advice's you accordingly and he will never rush you at any point. I believe without a doubt , he is one of the best attorneys I have ever known. very very knowledgeable and ready to assist always. I couldn't have asked for a better lawyer to represent me on my complicated case. Very grateful for all his help and work.
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Posted by Goran Trisic | May 5, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Excellent
Mr. Marina answered all my questions and filed the form I needed. I want to thank him again for receiving me on such a short notice, less than 48 hours after I reached out to him, and I warmly recomend his office to anyone
Posted by Sylvester | August 10, 2015
best attorney ever.
Sam is the best attorney i have ever dealt with, he listens and he is really concerned with your case and he gives your case everything he got. Thanks sam i can't write enough review for what you did for me and my family. I will recommend everyone to try sam and i promise you won't regret you'll be glad to have met him. Sylvester.
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Posted by Frances and Victor | December 12, 2014
immigration
We luckily found Sam,after my last lawyer did nothing for me and my husband Besides take our money. Sam is the best he did everything for us in just 9 months. Because of Sam my husband has his green card. We can't think him enough. The first time and every time we meet with Sam he always take his time with us and always pay attention to us and really lesson to what we had to say. He never rush us. WE highly recommend him to any and everyone. In fact after coming back from Mexico we already send our friend to him.
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Posted by anonymous | December 11, 2014
THE BEST LAWYER YOU COULD EVER TALK TO AND HAVE REPRESENT YOU.
I was in a destitute immigration situation at one time and when i searched on AVVO Mr. Maina popped up on the list. After reading a few of his reviews, i decided to call him and talk to him. Never had i talked to such a candid attorney. I made a last minute trip to his office where he gave me insight on my situation. He was truthful, upfront and did not sugar coat or anything. He agreed to represent me and I am glad he is on my side. He is not only just a lawyer but a very decent person with a canny sense of humor that tends to ease a clients anxiety. I highly recommend him, totally worth your time and money.
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Posted by anonymous | September 18, 2013
Highly Recommend
As far as possible, I have tried to avoid lawyers, for 2 reasons – it’s not fun to be in a legal situation and they are expensive. However I had to hire an immigration attorney and things were not as smooth sailing as I had hoped after hiring an attorney. That’s when I started looking around for a new attorney and got in touch with the law offices of Samuel Patrick Ouya Maina and below are the reasons for the 5 star review: - Called his office and was scheduled for an appointment within 24 hrs - Did not wait in his office for more than 15 mins (as he was with a client) - He was very generous with his time (the free consult scheduled for half hour ran into almost an hour and a half – it was not even a paid consult and we spent all the extra time!) - He thoroughly heard and researched the case - When I discussed his legal fees he was very candid and said that “though it wasn’t that he disliked money” he did not think it fair to charge his legal fees because he had not put in a lot of effort for the case and my case did not need any further action by him. Contrast this with some of the popularly advertised (radio/papers) attorneys - when I called their office I could not even get past the secretary (to explain my case to the attorney and check if they would handle my case and the approximate charges) without paying the consultation charges. -Quite a few of the lawyers had voicemail responses on calling the 1st time. Few of them returned calls within 1-2 days. Quite a few of the lawyers had voicemail responses on calling the 1st time. Few of them returned calls within 1-2 days. -1 attorney showed total lack of interest when he heard that my case was already with another lawyer, without even waiting to hear me out completely. You be the judge as to whether a 5 star review was warranted for Samuel Patrick Ouya Maina
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Posted by Nabeel | April 29, 2013
Best Lawyer to have on your side!
SAMUEL HELPED WITH A QUESTION THAT I HAD TO ANSWER IN ONE OF THE IMMIGRATION FORMS, HE IS REALLY HELPFUL, VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE, POLITE AND PROFESSIONAL! I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND SAMUEL FOR ALL YOUR IMMIGRATION NEEDS!
Posted by anonymous | April 24, 2013
Best lawyer to have in your corner
Maina guided me through the complex immigration system and laws and represented me in federal court for removal proceedings case. He is very knowledgeable, trustworthy, dependable, and It gave me a lot of confidence having him in my corner. My case was terminated, and my green card approved.
Posted by Bel | February 25, 2013
Great Attorney!
I was looking for an attorney through the yellow pages a few years ago. I called several of them but no one was willing to answer any questions or concerns unless I pay or signed up with them. Thankfully, I called Samuel whom guided me and answered all my questions. Since day one he was truthful and straight forward with the process of my immigration process. My transition from a Tourist Visa to LPR was fast; I had applied in August, was interviewed in March and received my LPR card in April, yes amazingly fast. Years went by, I had my first child and I needed his services again. At the time I was living out of state but Samuel was able to assist me and my family. He processed my mother’s LPR in no time. She moved here in May and received her LPR card in September of the same year. Samuel is reliable, professional, honest, patient, understanding and encouraging, I couldn't ask for a better attorney. I also appreciate the professionalism and kindness of his office staff.
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Posted by Armelle | February 13, 2013
Samuel has great ethics and knowledge
I met Samuel on Avvo as I posted a question to which he responded, among other lawyers. I decided to email him further questions related to my issue to find out if I needed to hire a lawyer to solve my issue and inquire about his fees. On over 10 lawyers I emailed, he was the only one who responded to my questions with full knowledge, not trying to sell me his services and enlightening me about how to proceed by myself without the use of an attorney. I am very appreciative on his knowledge and willingness to share it without charging me the consultation fee, the nine other lawyers were ready to charge me. I would definitely hire Samuel or recommend him, if needed. We need more attorneys like him. Thank you!
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Posted by anonymous | February 6, 2013
Free Consultation
I got to talk to him right away on the phone. I was surprise that the office could do that so quickly. WOW. I think he is very knowledgeable and I will definitely go to him if I need further assistance.
Posted by Caroline | January 20, 2013
Best Immigration Attorney Ever
I was in serious Immigration Trouble a few years back. I went to several lawyers and they all told me they couldn't help me, but they can only buy me more time in the country. Mr . Maina did not only help me get my life back, he was also very calm, confident, reassuring, and brilliant. He was very thorough in all he did, he kept in-touch frequently and he updated me frequently on where we were and what was happening on the case. If I had a question, he always responded in a timely manner and he took his time to explain things to me. He always made me feel like I mattered and at home in his office. He is truly a great lawyer and I greatly recommend him to anyone in need. You will not regret it.
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Posted by anonymous | January 7, 2013
The best
I met Samuel Maina just a little over four years ago. I had read a little about him on line before I booked an appointment to meet with him. Only after ten minutes, I felt so much confidence in our first meeting I knew I had met the attorney that would represent me. During the various court appearances Samuel proved each time that he knew the law. His quiet demeanor and poise in court, and the interaction he had with other attorneys and the judge made you trust him and have so much faith in his work you had no choice but to admire his very intelligent way of handling the case. We were victorious in the case before the immigration court and I am immensely grateful to him. Attorney Samue Maina is the best attorney in Northern California.
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Posted by Wilber | December 26, 2012
Good Lawyer
I would recommend Mr. Ouya Maina to any one that need a lawyer.
Posted by MERCY | December 24, 2012
REVIEW : SAMUEL OUYA MAINA.Yes. In actual fact I have and I would not hesitate to do it again and again.
Samuel Ouya Maina is the lawyer one should have. He is an active listener who creates an aura that makes one very confident that their matters are being handled by a professional.
Posted by Jiang | December 22, 2012
Best Immigration Lawyer
This lawyer is really knowledgeable about immigration. My case was passed on from one lawyer to the other until a classmate recommended Mr. Maina to me. He put me at ease and listened to my case from when I started with the first attorney and he recommended he take a look at my immigration file for him to better advise me on my next move and he did not even charge me for the consult or to review my file. After he reviewed my file, he gave me a call and told me what needs to be done to get my papers. I hired him and I am so glad I did. He is EXCELENT and TRUSTWORTHY! He is very honest and tells you exactly what to expect at every step including the hearings we attended. He helped me get my Green Card when everyone else told me I would end up being deported! I will recommend him to anybody looking for an immigration Lawyer anywhere in the world because I believe he can get you whatever he promises you.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 5.3 (Average)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2019.

Discipline with Actual Suspension issued in CA, 2019
updated on 07/22/2019

This sanction means the attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.

Work Experience

  • ATTORNEY
  • LAW OFFICES OF S. OUYA MAINA, PC
  • 1995 - Present

Education

  • George Washington University National Law Center
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1992
  • University of California, Berkeley
  • A.B
  • 1987

Associations

  • State Bar of California
  • Member
  • N/A
  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • American Immigration Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • United States Court of Appeals For the Ninth Circuit
  • N/A
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • Swahili
  • Tigringa
  • Spanish
  • Amharic
  • Punjabi
  • Hindi
  • Cantonese
  • Mandarin
  • English
View all languages

Speaking Engagements

  • Workshop on Current Issues Affecting the Diaspora
  • US Immigration Law and How it Impacts the Diaspora
  • 2019
  • Northwest Immigration Forum, Seattle
  • Changing Trends in US Immigration Law
  • 2015
  • Harambee Foundation and Kenyan Consulate present Jamhuri Day Celebrations
  • Current Topics in US Immigration Law
  • 2010

Attorney endorsements

Received (63)
Given (75)
Endorse Samuel
Immigration Attorney | Aug 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I highly endorse Mr. Maina. Truly exceptional and caring immigration attorney who achieves great results in representing clients! I want all people in his area to contact him for help."
Unknown Attorney | Nov 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer for his experience and knowledge of immigration law."
Immigration Attorney | Sep 28
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Immigration Attorney | Jul 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Immigration Attorney | May 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."
Immigration Attorney | Apr 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. An outstanding and well respected attorney in the legal community. I would recommend him wholeheartedly to anyone needing legal representation."
Unknown Attorney | Feb 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. It is clear by reading the answers in the AVVO community that this lawyer is a top notch attorney who is highly respected in the legal community."
Immigration Attorney | Aug 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Maina is an incredible attorney who provides sage advice to all questions asked on Avvo. He is extremely knowledgeable and even though I have been practicing for 23 years as a judge, magistrate, and prosecutor, I learn from him every day."
Immigration Attorney | Aug 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Immigration Attorney | Jul 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Attorney Maina's responses to the Avvo.com inquires are testament to his concern for clients, legal knowledge and experience. I endorse this lawyer."
Immigration Attorney | Jul 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I recommend this attorney to any potential client looking for competent and well-experienced representation in all matters relating to immigration."
Unknown Attorney | Jun 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Excellent lawyer!"
Immigration Attorney | Jun 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Immigration Attorney | May 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Samuel Maina is a talented and well respected immigration attorney. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law, truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Immigration Attorney | Apr 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Maina's clients oftentimes face profound consequences as a result of immigration concerns. Mr. Maina is dedicated to helping his clients understand and navigate the immigration process."
Immigration Attorney | Apr 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Immigration Attorney | Apr 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Maina's frequent contributions to Avvo show case is thorough knowledge in immigration law."
Immigration Attorney | Apr 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Maina has consistently provided excellent legal advice about immigration to Avvo readers."
Immigration Attorney | Apr 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
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