Kimberley Schaefer
Schaefer Law Firm
1629 K Street NW
Suite 300
Washington, DC 20006
Map
Phone: (202) 642-4529 | Fax: (202) 207-1180
http://www.kschaeferlaw.com
http://www.dc-immigration-blog.com
DC and Northern Virginia Immigration Attorney
Legal Topic
Immigration
Preferred New Clients
Information coming soon.
Bar Admissions
DC, Nov 2007
Bar Number: 977673
Other Court Admissions
District Court for the District of Columbia, District of Columbia Courts, and United States Tax Court.
Association Memberships
Continuing Education
I attend continuing legal education seminars on topics related to my practice.
Papers and Publications
Co-author, Article, Obstruction of Justice, 43 Am. Crim. L. Rev. 763 (2006).
Example Cases
I provided legal assistance to a couple that was seeking asylum based on political persecution. The couple was granted asylum and are now legal permanent residents.
I provided legal assistance to a person who had applied for legal permanent resident status (Green Card). His application had been stalled for several years. I was able to identify the reason for the delay in the processing of his application and was able to get him back on track to becoming a legal permanent resident.
Education
Georgetown University Law Center
Juris Doctor
Washington
DC
2007
I graduated Magna Cum Laude and was awarded the Order of the Coif (recognition for graduating in the top 10% of my class).
American Criminal Law Review - Notes Development Editor.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
District of Columbia
Firm Focus and History
I help people needing the assistance of an immigration lawyer with family-based immigration visas, citizenship and naturalization, deportation defense or asylum applications. I also assist immigrants, foreign workers and foreign students with income tax issues.
I founded the Schaefer Law Firm because I was interested in helping people who need the assistance of a lawyer to deal with immigration issues.
Previous Employment Summary
Prior to attending law school I served as a communications officer in the United States Marine Corps and worked in several government-related positions in both the public and private sectors. As part of my previous employment, I have completed intensive consular officer training offered by the Department of State at the National Foreign Affairs Training Center in Arlington, Virginia and have provided consular services in Lagos, Nigeria.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I believe that it is important for clients to understand the legal issues and to educate themselves on the issues that are relevant to their cases. To assist my clients who are interested in learning more about immigration law, I publish an immigration legal blog.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am willing to review documents prepared by clients. But, because the work that I do is often done on a fixed-price fee schedule, it is normally beneficial for clients to allow me to draft their documents for them. What is very helpful, however, is if clients have thought through what their goals are so that we can work together to achieve those goals.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Because the work that I do is typically done on a fixed-price fee schedule, it is normally cost-effective for clients to allow me to represent them. If a client prefers to represent him or herself, I discuss the issue with him or her to determine the best way for us to work together.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I wanted to have a career where I could help people.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My previous experience providing consular services in Lagos, Nigeria has proven to be very helpful to me as an immigration lawyer. Providing consular services provided me with an in-depth understanding of what my clients experience when applying for visas at a consular post. This knowledge has proven to be invaluable in helping clients with their immigration issues.
In addition, my experience as a communications officer in the United States Marine Corps taught me valuable skills such as attention to detail and perseverance -- skills which are essential to my work in immigration law. At the same time, it taught me that there are times when you need to face challenges head on and to know when not to back down from a fight. This has proven to be very helpful when it comes time to litigate legal issues in court.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
My primary areas of practice allow me to help people.
I practice immigration law because I became interested in the area when I was providing consular services at a consular post. That experience showed me the complexity of immigration law and how many people could greatly benefit from the assistance of an immigration lawyer.
What do you like best about your career?
I get to help other people on a daily basis.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner, so all of my clients work directly with me. If you hire me, you get me and not a case manager or assistant.
What are your strengths and style?
Many of my cases take months if not years to fully resolve. As a result, I feel that it is important for me to keep in contact with my clients and to keep them informed of the status of their case.
Personal Interests:
My favorite hobby is knitting. I also love reading books on my Kindle.
Fax
(202) 207-1180
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
To reach me after hours or on weekends, please call and leave a voicemail. I will return your call as soon as possible.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Additional Offices
Reston Office
1818 Library Street
Suite 500
Reston, VA 20190
(703) 662-3244
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Immigration related legal services are typically offered on a fixed-fee basis.
Hourly Rates
$300 per hour, but most cases are handled on a fixed-fee basis.
Free Initial Consultation?
I generally will first talk to a potential client on the phone to determine whether I may be able to help them with their legal issue. If it appears that I can help them, I then offer an initial consultation of up to one hour at a reduced rate of $200.
Typical Retainer
Because most cases are done on a fixed-fee basis, no retainer is required.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Watch us on YouTube
Listen to us on iTunes
