LOS ANGELES, Aug. 21, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Matian Firm is proud to announce the hiring of Attorney Michael Terry as an associate attorney in their immigration department. The addition of the former Asylum Officer at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Mr. Terry marks The Matian Firm's ninth immigration associate attorney and the twenty-first overall associate attorney in the growing firm. Mr. Terry’s diverse knowledge and background will serve to expand The Matian Firm’s scope of legal work and provide clients with an additional layer of legal expertise.
As a former Asylum Officer, Mr. Terry would conduct screening interviews for people placed in expedited removal proceedings who requested asylum or express a fear of returning to their country of nationality. USCIS is a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). As an USCIS Officer, Mr. Terry was placed in a unique position where, every day, he would meet new people from around the world who were fleeing from persecution. He would collect testimony from asylum-seekers, often eliciting harrowing accounts of bravery and perseverance, while at the same time reviewing each case for potential fraud to protect national security. He would interview applicants about claims of past persecution and fear of future persecution. Mr. Terry would also scrutinize applicants for credibility relating to claims of race/religion/nationality/social group/political opinion. In addition, Mr. Terry would also evaluate and adjudicate interviewed cases and prepare approval assessments for permanent residence and referrals to Immigration Court.
Shawn F. Matian is quoted as saying “Mr. Terry is an experienced and caring attorney who always stands ready to test the boundaries of the law. His experience working for USCIS as an asylum officer provides our firm with the unique perspective of how our counterparts think and what their motives are. Mr. Terry is a wonderful addition to our firm and we look forward to his contributions.”
The Matian Firm | La Liga Defensora has helped thousands of clients with their immigration and criminal cases by providing excellent legal services. This consistent track record of outstanding work has been notably recognized by the legal community as evidenced by the many awards that have been bestowed upon the firm including: Super Lawyers | Rising Stars; The National Top 100 Trial Lawyers; Lawyers of Distinction Award; Nationally Ranked Top 10 Attorney Award; 10 Best Law Firms Client Satisfaction; and Avvo’s Client Choice Award, amongst other accolades.
The Matian Firm | La Liga Defensora is staffed with experienced, aggressive, and zealous attorneys who are prepared to protect the rights of all immigrants as well as those who stand accused of committing a crime. Associate attorneys include former federal prosecutors, former special task force lawyers, former district attorneys, former public defenders, former asylum officers, former LAFLA (Legal Aid Foundation Of Los Angeles) attorneys, and many other lawyers who strive to make a difference in the fields of immigration law and criminal defense law.
The Matian Firm | La Liga Defensora provides legal services in all immigration and criminal matters including, but not limited to: deportation defense, family petitions, U-Visas, DACA, FOIA, Asylum, and VAWA. The firm also handles all criminal felony and misdemeanor matters including cases related to: Driving Under the Influence (DUI/DWI), drug offenses, domestic violence matters, theft/robbery cases, sex crimes, violent crimes, fraud, arrest warrants, and cases falling under federal jurisdiction.
The Matian Firm is located at 3701 Wilshire Blvd Suite 210, Los Angeles, California 90010. This year also welcomes a new location to serve the Bay Area / Northern California at 111 N. Market Street Suite 888 in San Jose, California 95113.
More information on the firm, its attorneys, and its casework can be found on the web: www.Defensora.com
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lou Petracci
711 Media
909-904-3708
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dd3a27bb-88bc-471f-9ece-51d282961936