My Why
What powers my practice
As an immigration paralegal in Milwaukee, a close friend’s U.S. asylum process inspired me to attend law school to help others in similar situations. This experience came full circle when I later successfully represented that same friend in his U.S. citizenship process. I enjoy collaborating with my clients and my team to achieve favorable outcomes in complex immigration matters, especially for members of vulnerable communities. I also take pride in mentoring and training our exceptional paralegals, whose outstanding support strengthens every case. I have always sought to help individuals secure safety and opportunity, and I am grateful to spend my career doing so.
Credentials
- Marquette University Law School, Juris Doctor (J.D.), 2009
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Political Science, 2001
- Wisconsin
- Milwaukee “Lawyer of the Year” in Immigration Law, Best Lawyers®, 2025
- Best Lawyers®, Employment Law – Management; Immigration Law, 2024–present
- Leading Immigration Lawyer, Chambers USA, 2024-present
Engagement
- Member, American Bar Association
- Member, State Bar of Wisconsin
- Michael Best’s Women’s Development Group, Milwaukee Office Lead
- Board Member, Teens Grow Greens, Milwaukee, since 2024
- Board Member, Fondy Food Center, Milwaukee, 2011-2019
- Chair, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Wisconsin Chapter, 2020-2021
- Board of Governors, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), 2020-2021
Insights

Michael Best Attorneys Earn Recognition in The Best Lawyers in America 2027 List
Michael Best is proud to announce that 150 attorneys have been selected to The Best Lawyers in America 2027 list, with representation across 52 different practice areas across the nation. In addition, the firm is also excited to share that six attorneys have been named to the 2027 edition of the “Lawyer of the Year” list, which is a prestigious designation of a single lawyer in each specific practice area and location. 33 attorneys have also been named to the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch 2027 list.Read
Aug 20, 2026

New Student Visa Rules: What Higher Education Institutions and Employers Need to Know
Join Kelly Fortier and Kelly Rourke on Tuesday, September 15 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. CT for an in-depth look at the implications of the new student…Listen | Watch
Aug 17, 2026

New DHS Rule Brings Major Changes for F-1 and J-1 Visa Holders
In line with its increased scrutiny of student visa categories, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently published a new rule impacting F-1 and J-1 visa holders. The changes include a new limitation on the period of stay for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors to the length of their academic or exchange program, not to exceed four years.Read
Aug 5, 2026
