Lee & Peynado Immigration Law Group

RUN. Giving 1 star because I don’t have the option to give a 0. This law firm is extremely disorganized, severely lacks communication skills, and has a high turnover rate — all of which lead to inconsistency and a waste of money. This is going to be a VERY LENGTHY review…. 1. My spouse and I started with one attorney in 2022 —Megan Gil — who was great. Our process would cost a total of $6K, and we paid $1500 down to start. Just a few months and another $500 payment later, she left the firm — and I didn’t find out until I called the office myself. 2. We’re passed on to another attorney — Nancy Powell — who was also nice and responsive. We were still waiting on the USCIS to respond regarding approval. I was actually the one who was emailing USCIS to inquire about why our approval was going beyond the average waiting time — not ONCE did the firm help me figure out any status updates by contacting USCIS. I felt like I was paying to do the work myself. Soon after, Nancy leaves the firm. 3. Shortly after my USCIS email exchange, we got an interview. Xiomara — a paralegal — prepped us for our interview. During the interview, she was mostly professional, but I did notice during that meeting that she was looking to potentially charge us more for other steps in our process. Thankfully, I keep copies of everything and document as much possible, and I had a copy of our original contract agreement from 2022. When I told her I could provide a copy of it, she immediately moved on and said not to worry about it — and that small interaction was yet another red flag for me. It made me wonder what would’ve happened had I not kept all my documentation and if I would have been taken advantage of. We did end up paying another $1,000 — per Xiomara, this payment was required in order to have Attorney George Lee present during our interview. We are now $3K deep since the start of this process — all for ONE form filing. 4. Day prior to the interview — I find out Attorney Lee won’t be able to make it to our interview due to illness, and another attorney (Jordanne) will be with us. During our interview, the firm MISSED an exemption document that we were supposed to sign and give to the USCIS agent in order to continue with the interview. Thankfully, Jordanne had reviewed our file the day before and caught the firm’s mistake, and brought a copy of the document for us to sign right there. Can you imagine what we would have done without Jordanne? We would have been unprepared and likely dismissed from an interview we waited for over 2 YEARS because of the firm. 5. After that day, I would get all updates from Jordanne since I wasn’t getting any replies to my emails or calls from the firm. The front desk would be rude and never know anything but how to be plastered to her seat. The only nice staff member I ever spoke to in the office was Ms. Litzy. 6. Finally, I was given an update by Attorney Jordanne about the next step in our case and she was told that files were sent to a court in Texas. However, I had been growing increasingly tired of all of this nonsense, and I decided to consult with a different immigration attorney who was able to show me the court database in Texas — NOTHING had been filed by the Lee firm. I was disgusted and I was DONE. Litzy recommended I reach out to Ms. Leann Lee, the firm’s senior paralegal. I’ve had little interaction with Ms. Lee in the past, but I explained my situation as much as I could and stated I would not be paying the remaining $3K for work that had not been done. Thankfully she was understanding, and after paying a small FedEx fee, my file has now been sent to my new attorney. WHAT A MESSSSSSS! ADVICE FOR PEOPLE WHO DECIDE TO PROCEED WITH THIS FIRM: This firm has no online client portal, and no payment reminders — it is your responsibility to keep up with how much you have paid, what you paid for, when you paid, and what your balance is — and ALWAYS ask for a receipt copy. Keep your documents and contract agreement, and always EMAIL for documentation of communication.

Choosing Lee and Powell Immigration Law Group was the best decision I made in navigating my immigration journey. From the moment I walked through their doors, I was greeted with professionalism and empathy. Their team's expertise in immigration law is unparalleled, and their dedication to each case is remarkable. I was guided through the complex process with utmost clarity and patience. The lawyers at Lee and Powell Immigration Law Group took the time to understand my situation, addressing every concern and ensuring I was well-informed at every step. Their attention to detail and proactive approach gave me confidence in the process. Not only did they provide exceptional legal counsel, but they also offered unwavering support, making me feel like more than just a client. Their commitment to advocating for immigrants' rights is truly commendable, and it reflects in their personalized approach to each case. Thanks to the diligence and expertise of Lee & Powell Immigration Law Group, I achieved a successful outcome in my immigration case. I cannot recommend them highly enough. If you're seeking a knowledgeable, compassionate, and results-driven immigration law firm, Lee & Powell Immigration Law Group is the unequivocal choice.

I lost my job because of one of their paralegal’s untimely service. One of the paralegals turned in my EAD application a little more than a month before it expired, even though I sent her emails and texts wanting to know the status of my case because I had no updates and never received a receipt notice in the mail (until she finally sent it months later). She never responded until I sent an angry email and CC’d both lawyers at the firm. She told me her “email wasn’t working” and that’s why she wasn’t receiving emails like what?? how does your work email not work lol I sent about 3-4 emails and she decided to respond when I CC’d the attorneys… After that, she always told me that I would be able to work with the receipt notice while I wait for my actual work permit card and it turns out I’m not able to because I was switching from a U-Visa to green card, one of the only circumstances when you can’t use a receipt notice to work. She should’ve known that as a senior paralegal, and if I would’ve known I would’ve planned accordingly with my savings and job. And I found that out right when my EAD expired. I’ve been waiting for about 5 months for my EAD. Now I’ve lost an amazing job that I had and my driver’s license is about to expire. The attorney did try to help expedite my case twice and I’m thankful for that. Update: My work permit was finally approved after 9 months and I went to the office to pick up my EAD. I was asked to take down this review on the phone and I did think about it but not after this. The paralegal assigned to our case, Xiomara, gave us the nastiest look when we came in. The receptionist was lovely but terrible service and attitude from the paralegal. How would you feel if you lost your career and thousands of dollars because of this situation Xiomara? Because of a careless mistake done on your part? I only hope she learns to own up to her mistakes, learn to say sorry and be respectful. That’s the least she could’ve done, I wouldn’t even had uploaded this review if I had just received a sincere apology from her from the beginning.

I have been wrongfully terminated by my job after I reported violations and discriminatory mistreatment I experienced for too long. In America, retaliation is against the law and no employer can terminate an employee when they pursue the treatment to which they are legally entitled (immigrant or not) I called the office for a visa/green card question and the so called lawyer Lee asked me something that is beyond his scope and knowledge of events: "Why did you report if they sponsor your visa?" It says a lot about his philosophy and his opinions about immigrants that we just have to shut up to stay in America Shame on this person and his "law firm"

Great experience! Everyone was very helpful! I got my 10 year green card! Yay!