Gregory McLawsen

About Gregory McLawsen

I help low-income green card holders enforce rights under the USCIS Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. Background. In virtually all family-sponsored immigration cases - including marriage-based - the U.S. petitioner signs a binding financial support contract. If the sponsored immigrant needs to, she can sue her petitioner for financial support. This happens primarily after married couples have separated, often in scenarios involving domestic abuse.I work with clients across the country in settlement negotiations and federal litigation to enforce rights under the Affidavit of Support. Before speaking to me, my clients are often told that they have no rights under the Affidavit of Support. I\'m proud to be a lifeline to vulnerable immigrant clients in their time of financial need. My practice builds on a decade of experience delivering legal services through secure online tools. We work securely and collaboratively with clients regardless of their location and technological sophistication. If you are a colleague with questions about enforcement of the Affidavit of Support, I\'m always happy to connect - just shoot me a message.

Experience

1. Managing Attorney

   Sound Immigration

   May 2012 — Present · Seattle, WA, US

   Nation\'s leading authority on lawsuits under the Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. Representing immigrant-plaintiffs in federal lawsuits to recover financial damages from their Form I-864 sponsors. • Represent sponsored immigrants in federal lawsuits enforcing the Form I-864 Affidavit of Support.• Evaluate claims, defenses, and damages under federal immigration law• Draft complaints, motions, briefs, discovery requests, and settlement agreements• Handle litigation strategy from pre-suit analysis through resolution• Oppose dispositive motions and develop summary judgment strategy• Conduct written discovery and build evidentiary records for litigation• Negotiate settlements involving lump-sum payments and ongoing support• Advise clients on the scope and enforceability of I-864 obligations• Pursue post-judgment enforcement and collection when necessary• Manage client communication and case development with a focus on practical, efficient results

Education

• University of Washington

  B.A., Psychology, Philosophy with departmental honors

  2000 — 2004

• University of Nebraska

  J.D. with distinction, Focus on immigration law

  2006 — 2009

Skills

• Legal Assistance
• Immigration Law
• Administrative Law
• Appellate Practice
• Lexis
• Motions
• Courts
• Citizenship
• Naturalization
• Legal Issues
• Legal Advice
• Family Immigration
• Westlaw
• Immigration Issues
• Legal Research
• Visas
• Legal Writing
• Litigation
• Briefs
• Mediation
• Civil Litigation
• Lexisnexis