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Bryan McGowan
About Bryan
Biography
Today I practice exclusively as a U.S. immigration lawyer, but my background includes several years of criminal defense work, as well. My law office focuses on securing professional employment-related visas for foreign nationals and assisting individuals of all backgrounds with the process of obtaining a green card, whether eligibility is based on specific employment or a family sponsorship, such as marriage to a U.S. citizen. With my experience as a lawyer in criminal courts, I am also deeply committed to providing compassionate and effective defense to immigrants facing deportation charges in Immigration Court or in cases on appeal before the U.S. Court of Appeals.
Prior to entering the legal profession, I was a teacher and the executive director of two nonprofit community organizations that specialized in adult education, youth and family services, and resettlement assistance for immigrants and refugees from around the world. Between 1987-1991, I worked for a number of international development agencies in Thailand, Cambodia and throughout Central America.
Apart from my work, I enjoy an active outdoor life with my wife Maya and our three children. My personal interests include kayaking, biking, photography, reading history, and a life-long love affair with Jazz.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Immigration
100%
26 years
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 23 years
State: California
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
Location
The Immigration Law Office of Bryan McGowan, PC
620 SW Fifth Avenue, Suite 902, Portland, OR, 97204
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Bryan McGowan's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
51 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 21 - 25 of 30 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Elle | April 30, 2015 | Immigration
I wouldn't go to anybody else
Bryan was referred to me by a friend. I needed his help for my green card application. He is patient, knowledgeable, informative, clear and caring. He's also very personable and fair. I trust him and I'm very thankful I worked with him.
Posted by Pascale | July 07, 2014 | Immigration
Efficient, patient and refreshingly caring
I was referred to Bryan when I had just been denied a labor certification and was undergoing an audit for my H1B visa. At this point, I had been told by 2 other lawyers that I only had a 5% chance to get out of the audit and high upcoming challenges to ever get my green card. In my first 30 min dis...
Posted by Joan | June 08, 2014 | Immigration
Lucky Find
I contacted Bryan by email to see if he could help my son and his French girlfriend with their options for staying together. Bryan replied to my email the next day and answered some general questions that I had. My son and his girlfriend did make an appointment with Bryan, and found him easy to tal...
Posted by Ghanraj & Laura | November 02, 2010 | Immigration
Appreciations
Dear Mr Bryan,just wanted to send our sincere appreciations and thanks for the outstanding performance you have delivered to both me and my wife Laura.You have definitely left a lasting impression in both our lives and will always be greatful for that.We will definitely recommend you for anybody in ...
Posted by Alex | January 22, 2010 | Immigration
Highly Recommended
We worked with Bryan McGowan over a period of nine years. During this time Bryan advised and guided us through many challenging immigration issues for several key staff. Bryan was instrumental in providing both the information and analysis that we needed to make many difficult decisions and ensure th...
Bryan McGowan's Lawyer Endorsements
"I know Bryan from his previous practice in California and we have maintained contact as colleagues in the (federal) immigration bar. I am pleased to endorse him without reservation. He is enthused and practical and notoriously energetic in his research and thinking through his cases. He is a zealous advocate for his clients while dedicated to the highest standards of ethical practice."
"Bryan is a very experienced attorney and an outstanding person. He is both knowledgeable and conscientious--exactly the kind of person I would trust to help make life's important decisions."
"I endorse this lawyer. One of the best immigration attorneys in Oregon."
"I endorse this lawyer. I worked with Bryan on a matter and can attest to his extensive knowledge of immigration law and the superb quality of his work. I would not hesitate to recommend Bryan as an attorney."
"I know attorney Bryan McGowan as a fellow lawyer in the community and have consulted with him on immigration cases. I would describe him as extremely competent and knowledgeable in his field of practice, a consummate professional, personable and witty, and a true gentleman."
"I represent people accused of crimes. Bryan and I have worked together when criminal charges cause immigration consequences for clients. He is very knowlegable on immigration issues and a pleasure to work with."
"I have known Bryan for many years and can state with complete confidence that he is a superb lawyer-- intelligent, compassionate, and dedicated to serving the needs of his clients. I would not hesitate in recommending him to anyone who needs representation."
"I have had the pleasure of working with Bryan when we were both staff attorneys at Jewish Family and Children's Services in San Francisco. Bryan is very thorough in his work and researches all issues well. He enjoys working with people and has worked with people from all over the world. Bryan is genuine and is a strong advocate for his clients. He has an amazing sense of intuition and this helps him not only with his clients but in dealing with government officers. Bryan has a background in criminal law which is helpful because he can easier understand the immigration consequences of criminal convictions than attorneys without that background. I would go to Bryan without hesitation if I were looking for an immigration attorney."
"I have known Bryan for over 12 years, and have referred several clients to him, both corporate and individual. Bryan has handled these matters incredibly deftly and his clients have been very pleased with the quality and cost of service. Bryan is a great lawyer and endearing person, and I recommend him highly."
Judith Morrow
Immigration lawyer
Barry Engle
Criminal defense lawyer
Elhaam Hashemi
Immigration lawyer
Geri Kahn
Immigration lawyer
Experience
Honors
2000
Public Service Scholar, Boston College Law School
2000
Lewis S. Gurwitz Award for Achievement in Clinical Practice, Boston College Law School
Work Experience
2009 - Present
Managing Attorney, The Immigration Law Office of Bryan McGowan, PC
2005 - 2009
Senior Immigration Attorney, Law Offices of James M. Byrne
2004 - 2005
Immigration Staff Attorney, Jewish Family & Children's Services
2001 - 2003
Tribal Attorney, Rosebud Sioux Tribe
Associations
2011 - Present
Portland Literacy CouncilMember, Board of Directors
2010 - Present
American Immigration Lawyers Association (Oregon Chapter)Chair, Committee for Pro Bono Legal Services
2009 - Present
Multnomah Bar AssociationMember
2007 - Present
National Immigration ProjectMember
2006 - Present
Admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
2005 - Present
Admitted to practice before the United States District Courts - Northern and Central Districts of California
2004 - Present
American Immigration Lawyer's AssociationMember
2002 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
2009 - 2011
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Refugee & Immigrant Ministries Advisory BoardMember
2004 - 2006
International Institute of the East BayBoard Member
2004 - 2006
Deportation Defense Committee of IIEBMember
Education
2000
Boston College Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1985
Reed College
Bachelors Degree
Speaking Engagements
2014
Northwest Immigration Law Conference
B-1 Business Visas, B-2 Tourist Visas and Admissions to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program
2013
Refugee Adjustment Day
Adjustment of Status for Refugees in the United States
2011
Immigrant Services - Multnomah County Library
U.S. Citizenship: Eligibility and Procedures
2010
Russian Oregon Social Services Roundtable
Immigration Law: Traps and Myths
2010
Ancient Order of Hibernians Membership Meeting
Acquiring Irish Citizenship Through Descent
Languages
Russian