Leilani M. Nelson

Senior Attorney

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Biography

Leilani M. Nelson joined Brown Immigration Law in February 2025 as a Senior Attorney handling
various aspects of immigration law. Before joining Brown Immigration Law, Leilani gained
substantial experience providing employment-based immigration solutions to various businesses and
individuals across the United States. Her work centered around H-2A/H-2B Temporary
Nonimmigrant Visas, O-1 Visas for Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement,
National Interest Waivers, TN USMCA (formerly NAFTA) Visas, R-1 Nonimmigrant Religious
Worker Visas, H-1B Specialty Occupation Visas, and Employment-Based Permanent Residence.

Throughout her career, Leilani also gained considerable experience handling immigration cases for
advanced-degree individuals, multinational managers and executives, and skilled workers.
Additionally, she represented clients in family-based applications and petitions, focusing on Form I-
130, Immediate Relative petitions, Form I-485, Adjustment of Status Applications, Consular
Processing Applications, I-601/I-601A Waivers, and N-400, Naturalization Applications. She also
has extensive experience working with victims of crimes (U Visas, victims of human trafficking (T
Visas), and VAWA applicants.

Leilani graduated from Soka University of America (B.A., 2007) and received her law degree in 2011.
After graduating from law school, she worked as a Program Associate for a Non-Governmental
Agency affiliated with the United Nations, where she focused her attention on organizing programs
on thematic issues, including women’s rights, sustainable development, nuclear non-proliferation,
and disarmament. She is admitted to practice law in New York and is an active member of the
American Immigration Lawyers Association.

Having been part of a family who immigrated to the United States, Leilani has developed a strong
interest in helping individuals navigate through complex immigration laws with compassion and
dedication.

Licenses

State Bar(s):
- New York State Supreme Court, First Appellate Division

Education History

Law school name, award(s), honors:
- Juris Doctor 2011
- Soka University of America, Aliso Viejo, CA
  - Bachelor of Arts – May 2007

Employment History

Sapon Immigration Law, Louisville, KY 2020-2025
Law Offices of Usman B. Ahmad, Long Island City, NY 2017-2019
Frink Hamlett Legal Solutions (Cognizant Technologies, Inc.), Teaneck, NJ 2016-
2017
Ozisik, PLLC, New York, NY 2013-2016

Languages

English
Japanese

Professional Associations & Memberships

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Success Stories

Our Clients
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It was like a dream when we started three years ago. We wasn’t sure it would be possible or easy cause of the frustration people encounter when handling their immigration application. We had to trust brown immigration law and from start to finish was no...

It was like a dream when we started three years ago. We wasn’t sure it would be possible or easy cause of the frustration people encounter when handling their immigration application. We had to trust brown immigration law and from start to finish was nothing short of easy. We had seamless process. Noelle and attorney Kathryn were so attentive and made it all seam so easy to Achieve and guess what! We made it today . I’ll recommend them over and over again.

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Akin F Mar 20, 2020
We had an excellent experience working with Brown. The team was professional and knowledgeable and our case progressed smoothly and without delay. I was actually quite anxious going into this process, but the responsiveness and thorough guidance of our...

We had an excellent experience working with Brown. The team was professional and knowledgeable and our case progressed smoothly and without delay. I was actually quite anxious going into this process, but the responsiveness and thorough guidance of our case worker, Julia, helped ease my concerns. I'm not surprised that this is the highest rated Immigration Law Firm on Google!

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Julan Al-Yassin Feb 11, 2024
Hired this firm to help out with my immigration processes and I had a great experience. The attorney, Kelly Sanchez, was very professional and knowledgeable and my case manager, Fatima Fernandes, was very diligent and organized. They were both very access...

Hired this firm to help out with my immigration processes and I had a great experience. The attorney, Kelly Sanchez, was very professional and knowledgeable and my case manager, Fatima Fernandes, was very diligent and organized. They were both very accessible and helpful when I had any questions. My immigration interview ended up being waived but if yours isn't, the attorney will go to the interview with you, which is great. Would definitely recommend.

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Javier Sabillon Feb 13, 2024
This was my first time working with an immigration law firm/Attorney for a personal matter, and the whole process was very smooth. I would like to express my gratitude to Attorney Maya and the Case Manager Anhelina for their extraordinary and professional...

This was my first time working with an immigration law firm/Attorney for a personal matter, and the whole process was very smooth. I would like to express my gratitude to Attorney Maya and the Case Manager Anhelina for their extraordinary and professional services. I can finally accompany my wife without worrying about leaving her alone in the States. I genuinely recommend Brown Immigration Law Firm to everyone who are seeking legal assistance for immigration matters.

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Scott M Feb 14, 2024