Attorney Bio
Melissa Chavin is an attorney and the sole practitioner at Chavin Immigration Law Office.
She is an active member of the state bars of New York and Connecticut. She is also a member of the Texas bar.
She is an active member of both the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and the Chicago Chapter of AILA. She chairs the Ethics and Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee in Chicago and speaks regularly on attorney ethics for immigration practitioners. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Glencoe Chamber of Commerce.
She previously practiced corporate law in New York City and San Antonio, Texas at Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP.
Prior to that she practiced corporate and real estate law at Clifford Chance, the London based international firm, in Moscow, Russia.
She graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1994 (JD).
She finished bachelor and master degrees in Russian Literature and Language (MA) and Russian Language and Civilization (BA) from the University of Pennsylvania in 1990.
She is fluent in Russian and reads French.
Owner, Web Design Company (Texas)
“I was getting married and needed help with my semi-complex Canada – US immigration process. Melissa was exceptionally helpful, knowledgeable and friendly throughout the entire process. She prepared a veritably bullet-proof claim for my wife and I which resulted in what was likely one of the smoothest final interviews in the history of US immigration. We were very pleased. I truly doubt we could have had this happen without Melissa’s detailed preparation of our application. I highly recommend her firm’s services for anyone seeking peace of mind during their immigration. Great Results, Good Value, High Integrity” February 22, 2011.
Tech Business CEO (New Jersey)
“Great service at reasonable cost: [That says] it all. I strongly recommend [Melissa Chavin] to any business that has immigration issues. She did two assignments: in one my company needed to find a way to legally bring a person to work for us, and the second was to get a visa for a person already in the country. Both times we were successful.” Spring, 2009.
Employee of Fortune 500 High Tech Company (California)
“Melissa is very professional, deeply knowledgeable in expertise, and very empathetic. Her service is excellent at an affordable and reasonable price. Personable, expert, good value.” May 8, 2009.
Private Equity Fund Manager (Illinois)
“Great immigration advice. Recommend Melissa! Knowledgeable and trustworthy, she will make time to listen to you and will come up with great solutions tailored to your particular situation. Would definitely use her again. [She] kept me informed.” Fall, 2008.
Researcher, Pharmaceutical Fortune 500 Company (Illinois)
“Melissa is an extremely knowledgeable and helpful attorney, and most importantly, a great communicator…which is very important for an attorney. I have consulted her regarding a difficult immigration issue and she very clearly outlined possible solutions, which was very helpful. Her Russian is impeccable, which really helps, as slight subtleties in translation can change the background in an immigration case. She has an extremely pleasant and friendly personality…I have never met a lawyer so friendly and helpful before – I would highly recommend Melissa if you have an immigration question or a problem.” July 22, 2008.
Business Brokerage
Melissa Chavin, Business & Investment Immigration Attorney, is recommended by the professional business brokers at Sunbelt Investment Brokers, specializing in the sale of privately held businesses of all sizes.