I began my career as an attorney handling insurance, personal injury and employment law cases, representing Plaintiffs and Defendants. I was introduced to immigration law when my husband and I adopted a child from Russia. We were two lawyers, and we needed help to navigate the complex immigration process. After our experience with the adoption, I started receiving calls from other attorneys and individuals who knew of my experience. I began practicing immigration law beyond pro bono cases in 2003, and it is now where I spend the majority of my time.
I like immigration law because it allows me to help people unite their families and live the American dream. I am often frustrated by the current state of the law when I see deserving people whose families are being torn apart without remedy or recourse.
The Nelson Family in Red Square, Moscow, Russia
Admitted to Practice:
- State Bar of Texas, 1990
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas, 1991, 2008
Education:
- Baylor University School of Law, Juris Doctorate, May1990
- TYLA State Moot Court Competition, First Place Award, 1988
- Order of Barristers, 1987-1990
- National Member Order of Barristers, 1988
- Harvey M. Richey Moot Court Society, President, 1989-1990
- Leon Jarworski Scholarship, 1989-1990
- Baylor University, Master of Arts, Educational Psychology, 1985
- Baylor University, Bachelor of Sciences, Education, 1980
Practice Areas:
- Immigration Law
- General Civil Law
Professional Memberships and Positions:
- Baylor University School of Law, September 2012-present
- Adjunct Professor, Immigration Clinic
- Director, District 8, Board of Directors, State Bar of Texas, June 2013-June 2016
- Section Representative to the Board of Directors, State Bar of Texas, 2011-2013;
- Executive Committee Ex Officio Member, 2012-2013
- Board of Director Liaison to the Immigration & Nationality Section, 2011-present
- Chair, State Bar of Texas Litigation Section Council, 2006-2007
- Council Member/Officer, 1997-2011
- President, Waco-McLennan County Bar Association, 2006-2007
- Board of Directors/Officer, 1996-2008
- Chair, Waco Regional Immigration Center, 2008
- Board of Directors, 2007-2009;
- American Immigration Lawyers Association, 2003-present
Selected Presentations/Continuing Legal Education:
- Blog: Texas Immigration Lawyer Blog (www.centeximmigration.com)
- Panelist, Baylor University, Hispanic Civil Rights Forum, September 11, 2011.
- Immigration Basics, McLennan County College Hispanic Student's Association, April 26, 2011
- Immigration Facts, Waco League of Women Voters, March 15, 2011
- Immigration Forum: Answers to Common Questions about Immigration Law, sponsored by Waco Regional Immigration Center, April 2007
- Immigration Basics and the Need for Reform, presented to the League of Women Voters, Waco Chapter, October 2007
- Immigration Consequences of Criminal Convictions and Arrests, Waco-McLennan County Defense Lawyers Association, October 2008, February 2005; Bell County Bar Association, November 2006