Shelly A. Sanford PLLC is a Texas and National Law Firm with clients in some 38 States. The Sanford Law Firm is committed to helping people get the necessary documentation for legal status in the United States. We help individuals and families as well as employers and investors.

Immigration Lawyers

Lawyers at the Sanford Law Firm can help you with your immigration needs in areas such as Removal Proceedings and Deportations, Asylum applications, Work Visas, Student Visas, Investment Visas, Family Visas, Citizenship and Naturalization. We are also prepared to help you convert your status when Comprehensive Immigration Reform takes place so you can be first in line to say “I am legal.”

Sponsoring a Non-Citizen Who Wants to Become Legal: The I-130

If you are an American Citizen or a Permanent Legal Resident, and at least 21 years old, and have family members in your native country (or, if perhaps they are already here), you are encouraged to file an I-130 for each of them.  Having an I-130 on file is the first step towards Residency and Citizenship. Often, people wait to get  an I-130 after immigration reform passes, but then find it is too late to avail themselves of the reform.  Having an I-130 can make a person eligible for Residency immediately in some cases, and in others it could be the first step in a process taking several years or more.  Nonetheless, if you have loved ones abroad or in the United States, you owe it to them to file an I-130 on their behalf.

Becoming a Permanent Legal Resident:  The I-485

If you or a loved one are ready to become a Permanent Legal Resident, we can help.  If you have been approved for adjustment, and are either an immediate family member of a U.S. Citizen or a Visa is now available for you, the Attorneys at Sanford PLLC can use their expertise to help you quickly and accurately file your petition.   Becoming a Resident can give you the right to work in the U.S., and is the first major step toward Citizenship.

Becoming a United States Citizen:  The N-400

Have you been approved to become a U.S. Citizen?  The process can seem daunting, but the experienced attorneys at Sanford PLLC are here to help you navigate the process.   We can efficiently and expertly  file the appropriate paperwork and assist you to move from Resident to Citizen.  By exercising your right to become a Citizen, you also earn the right to sponsor other loved ones who may seek to come the United States in the future.

Dream Act: Attaining Your Conditional Residency

If you arrived in this country when you were 15 years old or younger, and have either graduated from high school or attained a G.E.D., then the Dream Act could provide you an avenue to become a Conditional Resident.  The “condition” is that you either join the uniformed services of the U.S. OR that you complete at least two years at a college, university, or other institution of higher learning.  Call us now to find out about the potential opportunities provided by Dream Act legislation.

Have You Been Arrested or Are You Facing Removal? Removal and Deportation

If you or a loved one have been arrested, or have received a Notice to Appear (NTA), you need an experienced attorney working for you. Removal and deportation cannot always be prevented, but knowing your rights and what avenues you can employ to remain in the United States are crucial.  The Immigration Courts are busy and move quickly, and often those who have opportunities to stay end up being deported anyway.  We are here in Houston, near several of the largest detention facilities and busiest Immigration Courts in the United States.  Give us a call and see how we can assist you and your loved ones.

Survivors of Domestic Violence:  Leaving a Spouse While Retaining the Right to Become a Resident or Citizen

If you are in a dangerous relationship, and stay only because you fear deportation, you need to act now.  Many people fear to call the police, and here at Sanford PLLC, our attorneys understand that fear.  BUT, by contacting our office, we can help you retain your rights to become a Resident and/or a Citizen of the United States.  We can help you help yourself without the involvement of the abusing spouse. This path, however, requires an experienced lawyer.  Do yourself, and your children, a great service by contacting us immediately.

Working Your Way to Residency and Citizenship:  The Employment Visa

Obtaining an Employment Visa is a valid method of gaining temporary residency in the United States.   In some cases, it may also lead to Permanent Residency or even Citizenship.  But the entire process begins with proper filing of an application for an Employment Visa. This is where the experienced attorneys at Sanford PLLC can assist you.   We can professionally and efficiently review your case, and if you qualify, file your application with the Federal Government.

Temporary Protected Status, Refugee Status, and Amnesty:  Permission to Reside in the United States Because Returning to Your Native Country Could Lead to Severe Bodily Harm or Death

If you come from a nation that has been deemed dangerous by the United States Government, or if for personal reasons returning to your native country would, in all likelihood, lead to bodily harm or death, you may have the right to remain in the United States. These cases require an intimate knowledge of the law, and in many cases they will need to be properly documented.  We can work with you to build a case to allow your entire family to remain in this country.  Remaining also means getting employment authorization so you can adequately provide for you family.  Call today to set up a consultation!

Removal, Deportation or Detention by U.S. Government

If you have a Request for Evidence or Information from the U.S. Government or are otherwise detained or are given reasons why you may be removed or deported from the U.S., you have a better opportunity to address your situation with a lawyer. Call for a consultation.

Background

Shelly A. Sanford went to school in Texas and is licensed to practice law by the State Bar of Texas. Ms. Sanford is rated AV-Preeminent by the Martindale Hubbell registry of lawyers. Ms. Sanford has received the Clarence Darrow Award from Mass Torts Made Perfect, a national trial lawyer's association, and has been designated Top 100 Trial Lawyers for Texas by the American Trial Lawyer's Association. Ms. Sanford is on the Texas Board of Advisors for the Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America. Ms. Sanford is a leading member of the Products Liability bar nationally and has been involved as a federally-appointed Plaintiff's Steering Committee member in multiple multi-district litigations across the country. She has acted as an Executive Committee member on Federal litigation involving governmental actions and has been outside counsel to the State of Texas and the State of Oklahoma. Ms. Sanford was selected to the Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers, 2011, which is exclusive to women lawyers who have achieved the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards.

Shelly A. Sanford

Shelly A. Sanford went to school at the University of Texas and St. Mary's University School of Law. Ms. Sanford is licensed by the State Bar of Texas. Ms. Sanford is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and has an accomplished Immigration Division in her firm. Ms. Sanford is also a leading member of the Products Liability bar nationally and has been involved as a federally-appointed Plaintiff's Steering Committee member in multiple multi-district litigations across the country. Ms. Sanford has acted as an Executive Committee member on Federal litigation involving governmental actions and has been outside counsel to the State of Texas and the State of Oklahoma.

Ms. Sanford worked for years with the renowned Texas Trial Lawyer, John O'Quinn (1941-2009), before joining practices with Carlene Rhodes Lewis (1954-2006) and then forming her own firm in 2007. Ms. Sanford's clients include individuals, corporations and governmental entities. Ms. Sanford's Vioxx litigation against Merck & Co., Inc. resulted in a multi-million dollar trial verdict in Texas State Court, and litigation and appeals before the Supreme Court of the United States, the Supreme Court of the Sate of Texas, and the Supreme Court of the State of New Jersey. As a member of the Plaintiff's Steering Committee for the Vioxx litigation, Ms. Sanford assisted in the resulting $4.85 Billion Dollar settlement for personal injury claims.

Ms. Sanford has published in the national media as a journalist, has appeared on behalf of clients in the national media, and has been a frequent speaker for the legal community. Ms. Sanford has authored journal publications and is an advocate for immigrants and immigrant rights.

Leslie Stewart

Leslie Stewart graduated with honors from the University of Texas in Austin with a degree in English. She received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas, was admitted to the bar in 1994, and immediately began practicing with The Lanier Law Firm in Houston, Texas where she litigated cases exclusively on behalf of plaintiffs. Notably, she played a significant role in the case preparation and trial on behalf of 21 steelworkers with asbestos disease in Aaron v. Abex Corp., No. 94-C-2110-2, in the 23rd Judicial District of Brazoria County, Texas, resulting in a $116 million verdict against The Carborundum Company. Her wide experience includes cases involving maritime/offshore injuries and death, asbestos-related diseases and death, diseases and deaths caused by exposure to toxic chemicals such as benzene, vinyl chloride monomer, and other toxic chlorinated hydrocarbons, injuries and death caused by medical negligence and by negligence of the operators of motor vehicles including 18-wheeler trucks. Ms. Stewart also has broad experience in litigating pharmaceutical claims.

In 2001, Ms. Stewart moved her law practice to Austin, Texas and joined the law firm of Tomblin, Carnes & McCormack where she continued her work on behalf of injured persons, dedicating a large part of her practice to helping the victims of nursing home abuse. There she also served as a volunteer ombudsman for the Capital Area Agencies on Aging. Ms. Stewart returned to Houston in 2008 and joined the boutique litigation firm of Arnold & Itkin LLP. There she focused on managing hundreds of pharmaceutical injury claims in addition to providing support for numerous other injury and damages claims including maritime/offshore injuries and insurance bad faith related to Hurricane Ike. Ms. Stewart proudly joined forces with long-time friend and colleague Shelly A. Sanford in 2010 and continues her work on behalf of those in need.

Shelly A. Sanford PLLC. Principal office in Houston, Texas.
Some cases might be referred and/or other lawyers associated.