Daniel Shanfield

Daniel Shanfield

4.6
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 28 years

Immigration Lawyer at San Jose, CA
Practice Areas: Immigration

2107 N. 1st St, Suite 360, San Jose, CA

About Daniel

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Fees and Rates

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 28 years

State: California

Acquired: 1997

Active

No misconduct found

Location

The Law Offices of Daniel Shanfield Immigration Defense P.C.

2107 N. 1st St, Suite 360, San Jose, CA, 95131

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Daniel Shanfield's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.6 /5.0

34 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (34) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 8 reviews | Compassion

Posted by Margarita | February 13, 2015 | Immigration

excellence cant describe Daniel and his staff

I am so happy how my case was handled. The patience they had with me because i would email or call to ask so many questions they answered all of them and they made sure i understand before hanging up. iam so pleased by Esmeralda and Daniel's work. With out them helping me and my husband we would of p...anic. The office is nice you feel comfortable and safe. they do a great excellent job and preparation. when you go to the interview they prep you well. i would be requesting their service again for sure they are excellent. iam so thankful that i found them thanks Esmeralda and Daniel i couldn't of done it with out you guys thanks and god bless.

Posted by anonymous | November 25, 2013 | Immigration

A Great Immigration Attorney

I had prior offenses for possession of a controlled substance, under the influence, and possession of paraphernalia. These were committed at the same time and though the charges were dismissed after a successful diversion, it still constitute as convictions in the context of immigration. In short I... was inadmissible and deportable. I've been in the US for over 20 years and this knowledge had inhibited me from applying for naturalization. I even once turned down an opportunity as it require international travel. I had approached several immigration attorneys but they gave me the impression that they are not interested and simply went through the motions of giving me advises that I already know. Hey, I know how to search Google too. :-) But I guess they are obligated to do so since the consultation fees are not cheap. So believe me that it is daunting to find the right attorney. Though it is easy to find bad ones. I found Daniel Shanfield's firm from one of these attorney sites. I was skeptical when I consulted with him. But what the heck, his fee was the cheapest in comparison to the previous Google mongering attorneys. Daniel was sympathetic, sincere, and honest. Honest in a sense that he was forthright to the possible consequences if I decide to go through the naturalization process. And he did not make any promises except that he will represent me. That I believe is what makes a great attorney. Just a word of caution that if an attorney tells you it is a sure win, DON'T hire him. I know right then that I found my attorney. Daniel's approach when we applied for naturalization was premised on honesty. We were upfront by disclosing EVERYTHING to USCIS and all were substantiated by certified court documents, employment history, tax returns, letters from family and friends attesting that I have reformed, drug diversion documents, etc. Basically it is to convey that I have reformed. It sounds easy but it is not as it requires a skilled attorney to packaged this all together. As Daniel would aptly say, “Fog of War”. Let's fast forward a few days ago when I took my Oath. :-) Yes, after years of being afraid, I am finally a US Citizen. And proud to be one. None of this could have happened without Daniel's help. It saddens me however that our collaboration has come to an end. Daniel, thank you!!! I am forever in your debt.

Posted by Kathryn | August 30, 2013 | Immigration

Excellent attorney with excellent results

As I had consulted with other attorneys before, I was told that my case was complicated and found it difficult to find someone who could address all my concerns (I was a minor who overstayed my visa and was now being petitioned after 20 years of residency in the U.S.). Fortunately, my husband and I f...ound Daniel and his team. Not only were they extremely knowledgeable, but they addressed all of our questions and concerns in a prompt and honest manner. They treated my case with great care and priority and were sensitive to issues surrounding our case. The entire process took approximately 6 months and could not have gone any smoother. With such an important issue, it's so imperative to work with someone knowledgeable and trustworthy and I am so glad I was able to work with such a team. Many many thanks to Daniel and his staff.

Posted by Citizen | April 30, 2011 | Immigration

Exceptionally talented /knowledgeable immigration lawyer

I am in debt of Mr. Daniel Shanfield for saving my naturalization application /citizenship.I had lost all the hopes of getting my citizenship before i met Daniel .As soon as i met him i knew he is extremely talented immigration lawyer .I was impressed the way he handled my case .Attentions to details... ,consistent follow up with the client(extremely important for piece of mind) and application of mind (heart and soul) to reasearch/investigate different options .Also he is extremely honest to his client by throwing all the possible options onto the table and different strategy to fight all odds.Bottomline he is fair with the client at the same time aggresive to fight for you ..He is more than willing to work with other criminal lawyers if needed for the case..Lastly his staff is very helpful and caring ...I finally successfully got my citizenship and i owe Daniel big time ...Thanks a lot Daniel and your staff...I wish you good luck

Posted by Tony | April 27, 2011 | Immigration

Excellent service, very knowledgeable, recommend without hesitation

We were recommended to Daniel by the Mexican Consulate in San Jose. My stepdaughter, who had a green card, was about to be deported. We found Daniel to be responsive, organized and professional. He explained the various options, what was likely to happen at each stage and how we should address the is...sues. Throughout he was meticulous and thorough. Just as important he was empathetic to our situation and understood the stress we were under, his reassuring manner was much appreciated. He also showed professionalism and preparedness in court and established a rapport with the immigration judge that I believe helped enormously in the eventual successful disposition of the case. A minor issue occurred where we felt he could have briefed us more thoroughly - we had never been to a detention center before and were unaware that common objects such as a belt or watch were forbidden, this combined with an obnoxious security guard led to a lot of stress as we tried to gain admission into the hearing. Overall we were very satisfied with his service and would recommend him unreservedly

See All Client Reviews

Daniel Shanfield's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Daniel
Seth P Chazin headshot
Seth Chazin

Immigration lawyer | Aug 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this Attorney."

Elliot M.S. Yi headshot
Elliot Yi

Unknown lawyer | Sep 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Riccardo Lorenzo Ippolito headshot
Riccardo Ippolito

Immigration lawyer | Oct 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Mr. Shanfield has repeatedly shown his understanding of the complex area of immigration law. I know many criminal defense attorneys who routinely seek him out for his expertise on these delicate issues."

Cameron Kennard Bowman headshot
Cameron Bowman

Immigration lawyer | Mar 19

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I would endorse Mr. Shanfield without hesitation. He is an excellent lawyer and extremely knowledgeable in his field. He fights tenaciously for his clients. I have worked with him previously on cases that have involved a "dual" criminal and immigration law overlap and been impressed with his expertise."

Ritu Goswamy headshot
Ritu Goswamy

Immigration lawyer | Mar 06

Relationship: Co-worker

"I have known Daniel for over three years. We worked on a matter together and then continued to support each other as colleagues. Over the years, I have been impressed by his deep knowledge and understanding of immigration law, his compassion for his clients, and his boundless professional integrity. For these reasons, I have recently joined his firm as a Senior Associate Attorney and am honored to be working with him. I highly recommend him and endorse his work."

View All Endorsements
Riccardo Lorenzo Ippolito headshot
Riccardo Ippolito

Criminal defense lawyer

Cameron Kennard Bowman headshot
Cameron Bowman

Criminal defense lawyer

Ritu Goswamy headshot
Ritu Goswamy

Immigration lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2014

Lead Counsel Rating, Lead Counsel

2014

Top 100 Lawyers, The National Advocates

2013

Top 100 Lawyers, American Society of Legal Advocates

2013

"Preeminent" Attorney Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

Clients' Choice Award, Avvo

2012

Clients' Choice Award, Avvo

2011

Tequio Award for Pro Bono Service to Immigrant Community, Consulate General of Mexico San Jose, California

2010

Northern California Superlawyer, San Francisco Magazine

2009

Northern California Superlawyer, San Francisco Magazine

2008

Northern California Superlawyer, San Francisco Magazine

2000

Berger Memorial Fellowship, American Immigration Lawyers Association

1997

Attorney Honors Program, U.S. Department of Justice

1995

Prosser Award for Research in International Human Rights, UC Berkeley

Work Experience

2010 - Present

Attorney, Law Offices of Daniel Shanfield - Immigration Defense, PC

2004 - 2007

Managing Partner, Shanfield & Klein, LLP

2003 - 2004

Legal Services Manager, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) Overseas Refugee Processing Entity

2002 - 2002

Expert-on-Mission, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

2000 - 2001

Adjunct Professor, New York Law School Civil and Human Rights Clinic, New York, New York

1998 - 2002

Staff Attorney, Asylum Program, Human Rights First

1997 - 1998

Assistant District Counsel, U.S. Department of Justice, Immigration & Naturalization Service

1995 - 1995

Legal Researcher, United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees (Unhcr)

1994 - 1994

Judicial Extern, U.S. District Court Western District of Washington, Chambers of the Hon. Thomas S. Zilly

Associations

2009 - Present

American Immigration Lawyers Association, Santa Clara Valley Chapter

Consulate General of Mexico Liaison

2008 - Present

Stanford Law School Immigrants' Rights Clinic Legal Advisory Board

Board member

2008 - Present

Bar Association of San Francisco

Pro Bono Immigration Court Panel

2008 - Present

Legal Adisory Board -- Stanford Law School Immigrants Rights Clinic

Board Member

2004 - Present

Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights

Asylum Mentor

2008 - 2010

American Immigration Lawyers Association, Santa Clara Valley Chapter

Immigration Courts Liaison (EOIR)

2007 - 2008

American Immigration Lawyers Association, Santa Clara Valley Chapter

Chairman

2007 - 2008

American Immigration Lawyers Association, Board of Governors

Board Member

2006 - 2007

American Immigration Lawyers Association, Santa Clara Valley Chapter

Vice-Chair

2005 - 2005

Santa Clara County Bar Association, Immigration Section

Chairman

2004 - 2005

American Immigration Lawyers Association, Santa Clara Valley Chapter

Congressional Advocacy Liaison

2000 - 2000

American Immigration Lawyers Association, New York Chapter

Immigration Courts Liaison (EOIR)

Sample of Legal Cases

In re E-Z-

Obtained Green Card

In re F-O-

Successfully stopped deportation

In re: T-L-

Successfully stopped deportation

See More Legal Cases

Education

1996

University of California at Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1993

UCLA (magna cum laude)

BA - Bachelor of Arts

N/A

University of California - San Diego

Speaking Engagements

2014

American Immigration Lawyers Association (Santa Clara Valley chapter) Surviving Your Master Calendar Hearing CLE Immigration Court Removal Proceedings

2013

American Immigration Lawyers Association (California chapter) Developments in Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude and Inadmissibility

2013

American Immigration Lawyers Association Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

2011

Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights

Asylum and Immigration Law

2000

U.S. Congress, House Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights Rights of Child Refugees and Asylum Seekers

N/A

Numerous Speaking Engagements

Immigration Law

Publications

2013

American Immigration Lawyers Association (California chapters) Update on Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude and Admissibility

2004

Refugee Reports Relief for Persecuted Religious Minorities from Iran

Languages

French

Spanish

English

Activity

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