Los Angeles Immigration Lawyer with Over 20 Years' Experience

LA immigration attorney

Elsa I. Martinez, completed her undergraduate Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the prestigious University of California, Los Angeles. She went on to graduate with honors from Whittier College School of Law with her Juris Doctor in 1997. She began serving as an INS prosecutor in 1997 for the Department of Homeland Security (formerly known as the Immigration and Naturalization Service) as an Honor Law Grad, gaining invaluable experience on the other sideof the courtroom. She served as a prosecutor for over four years, before she founded the Law Offices of Elsa Martinez, PLC in 2001.After seeing people’s cases being mishandled in court by unscrupulous attorneys and notaries, it was her passion to build a practice focused solely on immigration matters ranging from deportation defense to family immigration matters to business immigration whereby she could make a difference in people’s lives.

Ms. Martinez has been licensed to practice law for over 20 years, bringing extensive insight and experience to each case she takes on. She is focused on providing professional solutions to her clients’ immigration cases, promptly responding to inquiries and delivering excellent client representation from start to finish. Ms. Martinez is admitted to the Supreme Court among only 1% of other attorneys. She also boasts a high approval rate and has published decisions before the Board of Immigration Appeals and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

History of Success in Immigration Law

Being an immigrant herself, Ms. Martinez knew from a young age that she wanted to advocate for those that didn’t have the fortitude to do it for themselves. Immigration law was a perfect fit. As a natural litigator, who thrives under pressure, she prepares her client to succeed in making their case not just during "direct examination," but cross examination as well. To achieve this with some of the most vulnerable members of our community takes time, and commitment to excellence. The firm goes beyond the call of duty by conducting full research of the client’s facts and circumstances, and accessing government files, court dockets, and reviewing them carefully with each client if necessary. Ms. Martinez understands the plight of the client, regardless of their circumstances, and believes that she has a role to play and her job is to find the best way to achieve her clients' desired results. She is passionate about achieving the best result possible, and, remaining dedicated and faithful until a positive outcome is achieved whenever possible.

Staying Ahead of Ever-Changing Immigration Laws

As a seasoned Los Angeles immigration attorney, Ms. Martinez knows that the laws and policies related to these cases are constantly changing and adjusting. That is why she makes it a point to see things coming around the bend. She looks for trends in the laws so that she can spot weaknesses in the cases against her clients to better develop her strategy. In her close to two decades of experience, Ms. Martinez has handled many immigrant cases with criminal overlap and has achieved unexpected results whereby individuals are allowed to remain in the U.S. as legal permanent resident, and even seek citizenship. The firm has handled many consular cases were persons had returned to their home country and remain there until they are granted lawful permanent status and the ability to enter and be admitted to the U.S. lawfully. Elsa Martinez knows that the laws and policies related to these cases are constantly changing and adjusting. That is why she makes it a point to see things coming around the bend. She looks for trends in the laws so that she can spot weaknesses in the cases against her clients to better develop her strategy. In her close to two decades of experience, Ms. Martinez has handled many immigrant cases with criminal overlap as well as consular cases were persons had to travel abroad at some point in the process to achieve permanent lawful status.

Ms. Martinez provides honest representation and counsel to her clients, ensuring they understand the seriousness of their legal situation and their need for reliable legal guidance.

  • Associations

  • American Immigration Lawyers Association
  • California Bar Association
  • American Bar Association
  • Los Angeles County Bar Association
  • Beverly Hills Bar Association