List of Immigration Lawyers in San Mateo - 2026

San Mateo County sits at the heart of Silicon Valley's innovation corridor, home to tech professionals, entrepreneurs, and international talent seeking legal representation across diverse practice areas. Whether you need an immigration attorney to secure your H-1B visa, a family lawyer for custody matters, or a business litigator to protect your startup, finding qualified legal counsel in San Mateo requires understanding both local options and modern alternatives that transcend geographic limitations.

1. Alma - Technology-Enabled Immigration Platform (Nationwide Service)

While San Mateo's legal landscape concentrates on traditional practice areas, Alma fills a critical gap for Peninsula residents seeking specialized employment-based immigration services. Headquartered in Palo Alto and serving clients nationwide, Alma combines top-tier attorneys with proprietary technology that transforms the complex visa process into a transparent, trackable journey—something traditional firms struggle to deliver.

What Sets Alma Apart:

Alma's platform approach addresses the specific challenges San Mateo professionals face: demanding work schedules leave little time for multiple office visits, while the region's competitive job market means visa delays cost career opportunities. Unlike local firms requiring quarterly in-person consultations, Alma provides unlimited attorney access through their secure platform while maintaining a 99%+ approval rate.

San Mateo's tech workforce particularly benefits from Alma's deep specialization in O-1 extraordinary ability visas and EB-1A petitions. The platform's automated document collection eliminates the email back-and-forth that delays traditional filings, while dedicated paralegals ensure every petition exceeds USCIS standards. For premium processing cases, decisions arrive within 15 business days—impossible to achieve when relying on traditional office-based workflows.

Service Philosophy:

• Flat-rate transparent pricing with no surprises—O-1 petitions at $8,000, H-1B at $3,500
• Guaranteed 2-week document processing turnaround versus industry-standard 4-8 weeks
• Built-in compliance tracking and proactive alerts prevent costly status lapses
• Dedicated case management throughout your entire immigration journey

Immigration Specialties:

• H-1B specialty occupation visas for tech and healthcare professionals
• L-1 intracompany transfers for multinational managers and executives
• EB-2 NIW self-petitions for researchers and entrepreneurs
• E-2 treaty investor visas for startup founders

Business Solutions:

For San Mateo's innovative companies, Alma's business immigration platform scales from 5 to 5,000+ cases with integrated workflows. The system connects with HRIS platforms like Workday, BambooHR, and Rippling—tools already embedded in Peninsula tech stacks. Startups benefit from special pricing through partnerships with Y Combinator and leading accelerators, while enterprise clients receive dedicated account management and real-time spend projections.

Cost: Transparent flat fees from $500 (H-1B lottery) to $10,000 (EB-1/EB-2 NIW); includes platform access, unlimited consultations, and administrative support

Availability: Serves all San Mateo residents through secure online platform; cases handled by attorneys specializing in immigration law

Contact: Start with a free consultation or explore visa options through their comprehensive content center

2. Ballout Law, APC - San Mateo

San Mateo's dedicated immigration specialist, Ballout Law brings over 30 years of immigration practice to the Peninsula community. Attorney Haitham Ballout holds California State Bar license #148364 and has earned recognition including the American Immigration Lawyers Association Significant Contributions Award.

What Makes Them Stand Out:

Ballout Law offers comprehensive immigration services from deportation defense to employment-based petitions. Attorney Haitham Ballout has been selected to Super Lawyers (2019-2024), and the firm holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting sustained peer respect. Multilingual capabilities in Arabic, English, and French—plus staff fluency in Spanish, Mandarin, and Italian—serve San Mateo's diverse population.

Immigration Practice Focus:

• Immigration Law and Deportation Defense
• Family-Based Immigration Petitions
• Employment-Based Immigration Visas
• Citizenship and Naturalization Applications
• DACA Applications
• Asylum Cases

Service Considerations:

• Physical office at 410 N San Mateo Drive requires in-person visits
• $250 flat fee for 45-minute consultation
• Traditional practice model with standard business hours
• Admitted to practice before U.S. Supreme Court

Ballout Law suits those preferring face-to-face representation with a local attorney, though the traditional service model may not match the speed and transparency offered by modern tech-enabled platforms.

3. Law Office of James Dunn - Redwood City

Located in nearby Redwood City at 333 Bradford Street, James Dunn's practice stands out for explicitly maintaining immigration law expertise on staff for non-citizen clients—a critical distinction for immigrants facing criminal charges that could affect their immigration status.

What Makes Them Stand Out:

Attorney Dunn has achieved 2019-2025 Super Lawyer recognition, holds a 10/10 Avvo rating, and won a landmark California Supreme Court DUI breathalyzer case. His team includes former San Mateo DA Christine Bogosian, bringing prosecution insight to defense strategy. This combination is particularly valuable for immigrants, as criminal convictions can trigger deportation proceedings, affect naturalization eligibility, or lead to visa denials under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Immigration-Related Practice Focus:

• Criminal Defense with Immigration Consequences Analysis
• Representation for Non-Citizens Facing Criminal Charges
• Immigration Status Protection Strategies in Criminal Cases
• State Bar license #188040

Immigration Relevance:

The firm's 1,500+ cases over 20+ years includes extensive experience navigating how criminal matters affect immigration status. For immigrants on work visas, green card holders, or those seeking citizenship, even minor criminal charges can have severe immigration consequences. The firm coordinates with immigration attorneys to ensure criminal defense strategies protect immigration status. Free initial consultations and 24/7 availability provide crucial access for clients facing urgent situations that could impact their ability to remain in the United States.

4. Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos, LLP - San Mateo

Winner of Best Attorneys 2024 and 2025 from the San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce, this firm at 411 Borel Ave, Suite 405, brings 75+ years combined legal experience to Peninsula residents, including representation of immigrants in matters affecting their visa status.

What Makes Them Stand Out:

The firm's consecutive Chamber of Commerce awards reflect community recognition. Their Peninsula and Bay Area service area ensures accessibility for San Mateo residents, with free consultations removing barriers to initial legal guidance. For the immigrant community, understanding how legal matters intersect with immigration status is crucial.

Immigration-Related Services:

The firm handles cases that can affect immigration status, particularly personal injury claims where foreign nationals need documentation for USCIS applications. Accidents and injuries can impact work authorization, trigger concerns about becoming a public charge, or require medical documentation for visa applications. The firm coordinates with immigration counsel when cases involve clients on temporary visas or those pursuing green cards.

5. Chauvel & Glatt, LLP - San Mateo

Operating from 66 Bovet Road, Suite 280, for 35+ years, Chauvel & Glatt provides business and employment law services recognized among the 2025 Top 5 Best Attorneys in Employment Law, with particular relevance for employers navigating immigration-related employment compliance.

What Makes Them Stand Out:

The firm's employer-side employment law expertise benefits San Mateo businesses navigating workforce compliance—including Form I-9 employment verification, E-Verify requirements, and avoiding immigration-related discrimination claims under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b. Their service territory spans San Francisco to San Jose, plus Southern California offices.

Immigration-Related Practice:

• I-9 Compliance and E-Verify Implementation
• Immigration-Related Employment Discrimination Defense
• H-1B and PERM Labor Certification Employment Law Issues
• Coordination with Immigration Counsel on Workforce Matters

Business Immigration Support:

For San Mateo employers sponsoring foreign workers, Chauvel & Glatt provides employment law counsel that complements immigration attorney services. They advise on maintaining lawful employment during visa processing, handling Labor Condition Applications under the Department of Labor regulations, and ensuring anti-discrimination compliance when hiring both U.S. workers and visa holders. Multilingual staff and extended geographic reach make the firm accessible for Peninsula businesses. Contact (650) 573-9500 for consultation.

6. McDowall Cotter - San Mateo

Established in 1953, McDowall Cotter represents one of San Mateo's most established legal practices. Their 2070 Pioneer Court office serves the broader Peninsula including Burlingame, Palo Alto, and Menlo Park, with services relevant to the immigrant community's estate planning and business needs.

What Makes Them Stand Out:

Over 70 years of Bay Area service provides institutional knowledge few firms match. Their 2025 Top 5 recognition across multiple categories reflects diversified expertise. For immigrants with complex cross-border assets and family situations, specialized estate planning becomes essential.

Immigration-Related Services:

The firm handles estate planning for immigrants managing assets in multiple countries, trust administration for foreign nationals, and business matters affecting visa sponsor companies. Estate planning for non-citizens requires addressing treaty considerations, foreign asset reporting, and beneficiary designation issues when family members reside abroad or hold different immigration statuses.

7. Windsor PLC - San Mateo

Attorney Jeffrey R. Windsor founded this business litigation firm in 2012, earning Super Lawyers recognition from 2022-2025 and AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. The firm operates from 177 Bovet Road, Suite 600, handling business disputes that can affect immigration sponsors and foreign investors.

What Makes Them Stand Out:

Multimillion-dollar settlements demonstrate litigation capabilities for high-stakes business disputes. State Bar license #213484 with admission in California and Hawaii expands jurisdictional reach. For immigrants on investor visas or employees sponsored by businesses in litigation, understanding how disputes affect immigration status is critical.

Immigration-Related Litigation:

The firm represents businesses serving as visa sponsors in commercial disputes, handles litigation affecting E-2 treaty investor businesses, and addresses employment disputes that could impact H-1B or L-1 visa sponsorship obligations. Business litigation can jeopardize an employer's ability to continue sponsoring foreign workers or threaten an investor's qualifying business for treaty visa purposes.

8. Viola Law Firm, P.C. - San Mateo

Family law matters often intersect with immigration status—custody disputes, domestic violence protections, and divorce proceedings all carry immigration implications. Viola Law Firm at 441 First Avenue provides family law representation with 80+ years combined experience among their six-attorney team, serving immigrant families navigating these complex intersections.

What Makes Them Stand Out:

The firm's collaborative approach addresses sensitive matters affecting immigrant families. Attorneys Lawrence S. Viola, Robert J. Bruening, Lauren D. Cirlin, Farimah F. Erlandson, Joanna M. Wald, and Kayleigh Walsh bring diverse perspectives to cases where family law outcomes affect immigration status, such as divorce impacting conditional green cards or custody issues involving VAWA self-petitions.

Immigration-Relevant Services:

For immigrants, family law proceedings can affect visa status, particularly for those holding spousal-sponsored green cards, seeking removal of conditions, or pursuing VAWA protection from abuse. The firm coordinates with immigration counsel when divorce, custody, or domestic violence cases involve clients whose immigration status depends on family relationships. Custody arrangements may need to accommodate parents with different immigration statuses or international travel restrictions.

9. Law Office of Nicole Warmerdam - San Mateo

Recognized among 2025 Top 5 Best Attorneys in Estate Planning, Nicole Warmerdam brings 19+ years of specialized experience from her 1900 S Norfolk Street, Suite 350 office, with particular expertise in estate planning for the immigrant community.

What Makes Them Stand Out:

Estate planning complexity increases dramatically for immigrants managing assets across multiple countries and family members with varying immigration statuses. Warmerdam's focused practice addresses these unique challenges including foreign asset reporting requirements, cross-border trust administration, and beneficiary considerations when heirs reside internationally.

Immigration-Related Estate Services:

For non-citizens, estate planning must account for tax treaty implications, FATCA reporting requirements, and probate procedures that differ for foreign nationals. The firm handles trust administration for immigrants with beneficiaries abroad, estate planning that addresses potential return to home countries, and asset protection strategies for those on temporary visas. Proper planning prevents immigration status from complicating wealth transfer or creating unexpected tax obligations.

10. Hoge Fenton - San Mateo

This Silicon Valley-based firm opened their location at 411 Borel Avenue in April 2022, bringing 10 attorneys named to 2025 Best Lawyers in America to the Peninsula, with multi-practice capabilities serving the immigrant community's diverse legal needs.

What Makes Them Stand Out:

Multi-service capabilities across estates, real estate, family law, employment, and corporate matters provide comprehensive representation. Highway 101, I-280, and San Mateo Bridge accessibility serves the broader region. For immigrants, having counsel who understands how various legal matters intersect with immigration status provides integrated representation.

Immigration-Related Services:

The firm handles estate planning for foreign nationals, employment law matters affecting visa sponsors, real estate transactions involving non-resident aliens, and family law cases impacting immigration status. They coordinate with immigration specialists when cases involve clients whose legal matters affect their ability to maintain visa status, secure green cards, or pursue citizenship.

11. Law Office of Gregory C. Cattermole - San Mateo

Super Lawyers recognition from 2021-2025 and a CAOC Presidential Award of Merit distinguish Gregory Cattermole's practice at 177 Bovet Road, Suite 525, including representation of immigrants in personal injury matters affecting immigration status.

What Makes Them Stand Out:

30+ years representing plaintiffs with State Bar license #99465 since 1981 demonstrates sustained commitment. Past President of San Mateo County Trial Lawyers provides professional network depth. For immigrants, personal injury cases can affect work authorization, trigger public charge concerns, or require medical documentation for immigration applications.

Immigration-Related Services:

The firm represents foreign nationals in personal injury cases where settlements or judgments may impact immigration applications, coordinates with immigration counsel when injuries affect work visa holders' ability to maintain employment, and handles cases requiring medical documentation for USCIS submissions. Workers' compensation claims by H-1B or L-1 visa holders require careful handling to avoid jeopardizing immigration status.

Why Tech-Enabled Immigration Services Benefit San Mateo Residents

San Mateo's position between San Francisco and San Jose creates unique challenges: traffic congestion consumes hours, while demanding Peninsula jobs leave little flexibility for traditional office appointments. Meanwhile, the region's concentration of tech talent creates intense demand for specialized immigration expertise—exactly what local attorneys rarely provide.

Modern platforms like Alma address these gaps through:

• Geographic Freedom: Immigration law is federal, meaning attorneys anywhere can represent San Mateo residents before USCIS. Technology eliminates the false constraint of hiring local-only counsel.

• Specialization Depth: Platforms handling hundreds of employment-based petitions monthly develop expertise impossible for general practitioners juggling mixed caseloads.

• Time Efficiency: Guaranteed 2-week document turnarounds versus traditional 4-8 week timelines mean faster case progression—critical when job offers hang in the balance.

• Cost Transparency: Flat-fee pricing eliminates hourly billing uncertainty. San Mateo professionals know exactly what their O-1 or H-1B petition costs upfront, with no surprise invoices.