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Michael W. Schoenleber
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Michael W. Schoenleber
Schoenleber & Waltermire, P.C.
911 22nd Street
Sacramento, CA 95816
Phone: (916) 441-5327 | Fax: (916) 669-1046
Expert Experience in Immigration Defense since 1983
Legal Topic
Immigration
Preferred New Clients
My preference is to zealously and fairly represent individuals who wish to immigrate to the USA or protect and secure their current residency and citizenship status.
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, May 1980
Bar Number: 92051
Specialty Certifications
I am certified as a Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law by the Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of California.
Other Court Admissions
I am admitted to the California Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and the United States District Court (Eastern District, California).
Association Memberships
I am a member of the California Bar Association, American Bar Association and the Sacramento County Bar Association.
Continuing Education
I have over 60 hours of continuing education in Immigration Law over the past three years.
Example Cases
I have recent experience with several asylum cases in Fiji, Nepal, and Armenia.
Education
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
School:
Stanford University
City:
Stanford
State:
CA
Year:
1972
Focus and Accomplishments:
I focused on cultural anthropology with significant field study in Mexico relating to the post-Revolution agrarian reform program.
Degree:
J.D.
School:
UCLA School of Law
City:
Los Angeles
State:
CA
Year:
1979
Focus and Accomplishments:
I was focused on general legal education.
Number of Attorneys
6
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
Our focus is family immigration and removal/deportation defense. We also do limited employment-based immigration for religious workers, investors, professionals, and L-1 international employee transfers.
Previous Employment Summary
I was employed as a legal services attorney with the California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA) in Delano, California. I have been primarily practicing immigration law since June, 1983.
Activities and Awards
I am a regular volunteer at a local immigration and naturalization workshops, particularly those sponsored by the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
It is very important for clients to understand the applicable legal issues and the proper procedures to follow. The attorney should be open to explaining the important concepts and risks.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Yes.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
In the past I have advised clients choosing to represent themselves when the issues were not complex.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I like working with and helping clients. As one who studied cultural anthropology, I was very interested in the role of legal institutions in American society.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Before I became a lawyer, I worked in agriculture and ranching along side many persons who had immigration problems. Those experiences gave me first-hand knowledge of the importance of a secure immigration status.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I wanted to use my knowledge of Spanish to help immigrants achieve their dreams.
What do you like best about your career?
I like best our hard-working, respectful clients.
Tell us about your law firm:
Our firm is fully described at our website, www.mwslaw.com. All staff members are either immigrants or have worked closely with immigrants before we entered this legal field.
What are your strengths and style?
My honest, practical advice and my 24+ years of experience working as an immigration lawyer are my strengths. My Spanish fluency allows me to talk directly with our Spanish-speaking clients.
I treat my clients honestly and directly, and I hope to receive the same treatment from them.
Personal Interests:
When I am not in the office, I love to relax at home with my wife and our pets. Getting together with my friends and family is also important. I like to read the newspaper, play cards (bridge), ski, travel, and just walk the neighborhood. I like trees, the ocean, mellow jazz, good food, and an occasional glass of wine. At some point I would like to try writing poetry and reawakening my earlier interest in mathematics.
Office Manager/Assistant
None
Fax
(916) 669-1046
Office Hours
My hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. I have 24 hour voicemail available.
Emergency After Hours
No
Foreign Languages
Spanish
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Most of our services are billed at a fixed or "contract" price.
Hourly Rates
As of January 1, 2008, my rates are $300/hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
There is an initial $200 consultation fee which can be credited to future fees if I am retained within 30 days after the initial consultation.
Typical Retainer
This ranges from $1,000 to $3,000.
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.
