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Christine Stouffer
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Christine Stouffer
Law Office of Christine M. Stouffer
1900 Addison Street
Suite 250
Berkeley, CA 94704
Phone: (510) 381-3640 | Fax: (510) 849-0749
http://www.stoufferlaw.com
Knowledgeable Multilingual Attorney
Legal Topic
Immigration
Preferred New Clients
I prefer working with anyone who has an immigration issue. I especially enjoy working with clients who are willing to participate actively in their case.
Sub-Categories
Immigration
- Citizenship or Naturalization
- Removal or Deportation
- Employer Work Visas
- Permanent Resident (Green Card)
- Political Asylum & Refugees
- Undocumented Workers
- Visas
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 2005
Bar Number: 239798
Other Court Admissions
Federal District Court, Northern District of California
Association Memberships
California State Bar Association, Alameda County Bar Association
Continuing Education
I attend continuing legal education seminars on the topic of Immigration Law. In addition, I provide trainings to community-based organizations that work around immigrants' rights issues.
Papers and Publications
Edited the publication entitled "Preserving Diversity," which provides guidance for admissions officers following the Supreme Court arguments in the University of Michigan cases.
Example Cases
I regularly handle family-based applications, asylum, deportation defense cases in immigration court, and basic employment-based cases.
Education
Degree:
B.A.
School:
University of Washington
City:
Seattle
State:
WA
Year:
1998
Honors:
Graduated with Honors
Focus and Accomplishments:
Middle Eastern Studies
Degree:
J.D.
School:
Golden Gate University School of Law
City:
San Francisco
State:
CA
Year:
2005
Honors:
Honors in Public Interest Law
Focus and Accomplishments:
Honors Lawyering Program, Immigration Law Focus, Public Interest Law Foundation
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
The firm's focus is 100% immigration law and the attorney personally handles all aspects of your case. My focus is client-centered lawyering and I feel it is important to stay connected with both the immigrants' rights community and fellow immigration practitioners to share resources and knowledge.
My firm was founded in 2005 and I share an office suite with attorneys whose combined immigration experience spans over 50 years.
Previous Employment Summary
My previous immigration-related work experience was with several immigration practitioners, non-profit organizations and firms in the Bay Area.
Activities and Awards
I volunteer regularly with Bay Area Immigrants Rights Coalition, La Raza Centro Legal's free advice clinic, the Lawyers Committee for Civil Right's asylum program as a mentor attorney, and as pro bono attorney of the day in Immigration Court.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I strongly believe in clients having all the information they need to make a well-informed decision. It is important that clients know and understand their rights in terms of the law. On the other hand, immigration law is constantly changing and when it comes to filing an application, there can be many nuanced issues that are best analyzed by an immigration lawyer.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
This is appropriate for certain types of cases, though I do not believe it is for others. When I review your documents I assume responsibility for your case on some level. For this reason, if the case is more involved or complex, I prefer to fully represent you.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
My answer to this question is more or less the same as above.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I decided to be a lawyer because I had the sense that I could "translate" law so that my clients can feel they have access to their rights in order to make informed decisions. Years ago I needed the help of an attorney and was relieved to find a human being who I could relate to. She painted a clear picture of my rights in terms I could understand and made me feel like I could regain control of my situation. This attorney was a role model.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I have a variety of experiences in several different careers. Over the years, I have traveled extensively and spent time living abroad in Morocco and France. Having had the chance to interact with many different types of people is an asset to practicing law as is knowing how to manage pressure filled situations with grace.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
My mother is an immigrant in the United States and I have been an immigrant abroad. For these reasons, it means a lot to me to give back to the immigrant community.
What do you like best about your career?
I love having the chance to meet people from all over the world. It is an honor to work with my clients and get to know their histories.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner who shares an office suite with several other immigration attorneys.
What are your strengths and style?
I am quite personable without compromising professionalism.
Personal Interests:
My personal interests include meals with family and friends, traveling, music, learning languages, cinema, reading, martial arts, and yoga.
Office Manager/Assistant
None
Fax
(510) 849-0749
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Some evenings and weekend appointments available.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
French, Spanish, Arabic
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
The vast majority of my fees are at a fixed rate. I sometimes charge an hourly rate for certain court cases when it may be hard to ascertain the amount of time I will spend on your case.
Hourly Rates
Hourly rates range from $100 to $200 depending on the nature of the work, though my preference is to charge a flat fee rather than an hourly rate.
Free Initial Consultation?
I will be happy to spend some time initially talking on the phone free of charge.
Typical Retainer
It can be anywhere from $100 to $1,500.
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 applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
