POARCH THOMPSON LAW - Key Persons
Cari is our employment-based paralegal and her masterful work demonstrates the pride she takes in a job well-done. A native of Salem, Cari graduated from Roanoke College (B.A., Business Administration) and previously worked as a human resource professional. What Cari loves about her job is her ability to help others enrich their lives and achieve their goals through employment-based immigration. Cari is a wealth of knowledge and kindness. She is the first one to stop what she is doing to answer a question or lend a listening ear. Outside of work, she enjoys attending athletic events, reading a good book, and spending time with her family.
Carly was born and raised in Yorktown, Virginia. She began her academic career at Randolph-Macon College, graduating in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a minor in criminology. She then continued her educational pursuits at Arizona State University, where she earned a Master of Science degree in forensic psychology in 2023. In 2022, Carly moved to Smith Mountain Lake with her family, and they have grown to love the area. Aside from working as a paralegal at Poarch Thompson Law, Carly enjoys going to concerts, spending time with family, watching movies, and hiking with her Australian Shepherd dog, Winnie.
Caroline recently graduated from SUNY Empire State College with a degree in sociology and political science. Carolina's mother immigrated from Colombia to the United States. Carolina was born and raised in Long Island, NY but also lived in Colombia for two years as a child. Carolina is a native Spanish speaker who works with victim visas as a paralegal. She loves to spend time with her family, travel, play tennis, and thrift shop. On her days off, she likes to watch documentaries and new shows, listen to true crime podcasts, and of course, cuddle her cat, Milo.
Christine is a frequent speaker on immigration law topics at national, state, and local conferences. She believes that changing hearts, minds, and values begin with the simplest conversations and she has them with as many people as she can, as often as she must. In 2012, she launched the Poarch Law Education Project with the goal of providing basic education about immigration to combat immigration fraud and later, to shift community perceptions about immigration.
A frequent speaker on immigration law, Christine serves on the Board of Governors of the Federal Bar Association's Immigration Law Section and has worked extensively on the section's legislative proposal for immigration court reform. Licensed in Texas (1999) and Virginia (2001) Christine is also licensed before the U.S. Supreme Court, the Fourth and Eleventh Circuit Courts of Appeals, the Southern District of Texas, and the Eastern and Western District Courts of Virginia. In 2014, Christine was named a Virginia Law Foundation Fellow, and in 2019 she became a Fellow of the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys. She founded Poarch Law Firm in 2003 and welcomed Rachel Thompson to the firm as partner in January 2020 when it became Poarch Thompson Law.
She founded Poarch Law Firm in 2003 and welcomed Rachel Thompson to the firm as partner in January 2020.
Dana has been with Poarch Thompson Law since 2005 and while she's worn many hats, she now manages our entire paralegal team while still working on our most difficult family-based matters. Dana loves what she does, and it shows. Our clients know that Dana is invested in their cases, and she is an integral part of each client's success. Whether she's juggling multiple tasks to meet client deadlines, engaging faceless government agencies, or working closely with our paralegal staff and attorneys, Dana is the consummate professional and our clients' best ally. When she's not at the office, Dana is likely attending or watching a sporting event, walking her dogs Taz and Harvey, or hanging out with a close-knit group of Clinevell kin.
Danielle brings 20 years of experience in both public and private accounting to her work as Poarch Thompson Law's Chief Financial Officer. A graduate of Mary Baldwin College (B.A., Business Administration), Danielle keeps the accounting and billing operations running smoothly. With grace, humor, and a well-executed plan, Danielle keeps the office sailing smoothly so that the attorneys can focus on clients and casework. A native of Blacksburg, she is a devoted Hokie fan. When she is not attending her son's sporting events she is either playing tennis or traveling.
Debby recently graduated in 2022 from Virginia Western Community College with a degree in Business Management and a certification of Business Communication. Debby was born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia. Before working at Poarch Thompson Law, Debby worked in the healthcare industry for two years as a patient administrator and a Spanish interpreter. Debby assists with client services and paralegal duties. In her spare time, she enjoys reading romance novels, spending time with friends and family, and dancing with City Modern Assemble dance group.
Elisabeth grew up with an appreciation for Latinx culture in her hometown of Miami, Florida, and later, while living in southwest Kansas. She studied Spanish and Leadership at Hollins University and brings more than ten years of customer service to her role at Poarch Thompson Law. As the Billing Manager, she provides administrative support with legal contracts and billing, including implementing online services in an effort to go green. One of the most generous people we know, inside the office and out, she has previously organized charitable drives and events to benefit troubled girls, a local high school, and homeless adults. Elisabeth joined Poarch Thompson Law in 2013 and if there are muffins or a breakfast casserole on the counter at the office, it's usually courtesy of Elisabeth's culinary skill. Elisabeth enjoys drinking specialty coffee in her beloved moka pot (and keeps a google spreadsheet of more than 100 roasters she's tried so far) and running the coffee bar at her church.
Job Titles:
- ATTORNEY
- of Counsel
- Member of the Federal Bar Association
In 2018, Elizabeth "Betty" Stevens agreed to join Poarch Thompson Law in an of counsel capacity. Betty brings with her expertise in citizenship law, immigration agency processes, immigration detention, and litigation of immigration-related issues in the U.S. Court system. Ms. Stevens received her J.D. magna cum laude from George Mason School of Law in 2001, and a B.S. in the Arabic Languages from Georgetown University. Ms. Stevens is an active member of the Federal Bar Association, and served as Chair of the FBA's Immigration Law Section.
When Liz was fourteen years old, she and her family immigrated to the United States from Mexico City. Before working at Poarch Thompson Law, Liz juggled several full and part-time jobs while graduating summa cum laude from Kaplan University (B.A. Business Administration). As a paralegal, Liz works on asylum cases. Bright, loving, and determined, Liz inspires the office to work harder, do more, and stay positive. Outside the office, Liz is actively engaged in local immigrant advocacy, reading, watching musicals, baking, or salsa dancing.
Job Titles:
- ATTORNEY
- Member of the Federal Bar Association
Jaime is an active member of the Federal Bar Association, Immigration Law Section and Younger Lawyer's Division. Through a process that takes into account peer recognition, professional achievement in legal practice, and other factors, she was selected as a Rising Star in Immigration Law for 2019, 2020, and 2021. Jaime was also selected by Best Lawyers "Ones to Watch" in 2021 and 2022. In 2020, she was the recipient of the FBA-ILS "Younger Lawyer of the Year Award." Jaime is also a member of the Virginia State Bar, American Immigration Lawyers Association, the Salem/Roanoke County Bar Association, and the Virginia Women Attorneys Association.
For the past six years, Jaime has been an integral part of and later, managed, a significant portion of Poarch Thompson Law's asylum practice. Her career, which began at Poarch Thompson Law, involves primary and important work with asylum applicants, juveniles, and individuals who are victims of crimes. Jaime is an active member of the Federal Bar Association, Immigration Law Section and Newer Lawyer's Division. In 2020, she was the recipient of the FBA-ILS "Younger Lawyer of the Year Award." She was also selected as a Rising Star in Immigration Law for 2019, 2020 and 2021, Best Lawyers "Ones to Watch" in 2021 and 2022, and is a member of the Virginia State Bar.
She was selected as a Rising Star in Immigration Law for 2019.
Jasmine graduated from Roanoke College in August of 2021 with a bachelor's degree in Communications. She was raised in Roanoke, Virginia and loves what the area has to offer. Jasmine is one of the kindest humans you will meet. She's humble, a team player, and a hard worker. These assets make her an integral asset to our family-based team. When she's not working, Jasmine enjoys baking and cooking, spending time with her husband and two animals, and listening to True Crime podcasts.
Job Titles:
- CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
Though he is known to do a bit of everything (from consulting, to marketing, to resolving technology issues, to playing guitar at office parties), Joey's role at Poarch Thompson Law focuses on the firm's business growth. By combining his technology and business experience, Joey orchestrates the tools and processes our office needs to run at its highest and best. He is a Virginia Tech alumnus, a board member of the Salem Educational Foundation, an investor/advisor at Woobot.io, member of the band Chasing Fall, a father to three amazing daughters, and husband to our fearless founder Christine Lockhart Poarch. When he isn't at work, you'll most likely find Joey listening to music, enjoying the outdoors, traveling for fun, or spending time with family.
Habla español. Karen came to the United States as a young child. Since moving to the United States, she has always resided in Roanoke, Virginia. She graduated from William Fleming High School and obtained her Certificate of Medical Interpreting in 2018. Karen is gifted in communication and, prior to working at Poarch Thompson Law, worked in the customer service industry since she was 17. It brings her joy to interpret a conversation between two people that speak completely different languages. Karen is essential to our stellar front desk team! Outside of work, she loves to spend time reading, being with friends and family and exploring the outdoors-especially during the winter season.
Born in Honduras, Karina moved to the United States in 2006 with her younger sister. Though she's been a resident of the Roanoke area most of her time in the U.S., she has also lived in New York City. Karina takes pride in her role as an Asylum paralegal as she helps clients through this elaborate process. Karina relishes the fast-paced work and manages multiple demands on her time effortlessly. When she isn't at work, Karina spends time with her family, and experiments with fashion.
Habla español. Kari's family immigrated to the United States when she was only three years old. She was born in a small town in Northern Mexico but was raised in Austin, Texas. Her family moved to Roanoke, Virginia, where she has called home for almost two decades. Kari was drawn to the healthcare industry initially and worked as a Spanish Medical Interpreter before attending Virginia Western Community College where she received her certification as a Medical Assistant. After years in healthcare, she decided to pursue a new career path as a paralegal. She joined Poarch Thompson Law in the summer of 2022 and works with special immigrant juveniles. She adds incredible value as she is a former client and has witnessed many struggles firsthand. When she's not at work, she enjoys baking with her two kids and watching documentaries with her husband.
As a receptionist, Karla is dedicated, conscientious, and one of the quietest people in the office. She moved to Roanoke nine years ago from the northwest. It was there that she and her husband met and started their family. Her life has been shaped by immigration ever since her parents moved their family from a coastal Mexican town to Washington State. When not at work, Karla and her family love hiking the Mill Mountain trails, playing pool, barbecuing, and relaxing.
Katy brings more than ten years of customer service experience with the immigrant community to her role in Client Services at Poarch Thompson Law. It's often Katy's voice that greets you when you call, and her sunny disposition, empathy, and compassion are some of the reasons she's so well-suited to lead our reception team. Katy is actively involved in a number of Christian ministries and has served congregations in several different local Spanish-speaking churches. She travels extensively with church missions, including to Mexico and Puerto Rico, and graduated from Mizpa Pentecostal University with a degree in Spanish and Theology.
Mary was born and raised in South Georgia. She is the middle of seven children. She attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural college in Tifton, Georgia and majored in Politics and Modern Cultures. After graduating with her Bachelor of Science degree, she attended Liberty University School of Law where she obtained a Juris Doctorate in 2021. Mary grew up in a small, rural area in Georgia and made friends with many immigrants in her community. Over time, she realized that they were in need of good immigration representation but, unfortunately, good local representation was hard to come by. That
encouraged her to pursue immigration law while in law school. In the summer of 2020, Mary interned with Poarch Thompson Law and that experience cemented her desire to pursue immigration law. By January 2021, during her final year at law school, she was working full time for Poarch Thompson Law. Mary spearheads Poarch Thompson Law's victim visas and also specializes in removal and deportation defense.
Mary is on the Federal Bar Association Immigration Law Section New Members Division Committee. In 2023, Mary was awarded the Younger Lawyer of the Year award by the Federal Bar Association Immigration Law Section.
Mary grew up in a small, rural area in Georgia and made friends with many immigrants in her community and that encouraged her to pursue immigration law
Melanie grew up in Northern Virginia. She moved to the Roanoke Valley after she married her husband and is now a Salem "transplant" having lived here longer than anywhere else. Melanie has been a family and criminal law paralegal for over two decades. She handles adoptions and special immigrant juvenile status cases while helping Rachel's husband with his criminal and family law practice part-time. Melanie has an Associate's Degree in Paralegal Studies from Virginia Western Community College. In her spare time, Melanie enjoys spending time with her three children and her sister. She also enjoys reading and playing video games.
A native of New Jersey, Natalie's parents immigrated to the United States from Mexico which fuels her passion to provide first-class, detailed oriented and compassionate service to our clients. Natalie is currently pursuing her degree in business administration from Roanoke College and has worked in a variety of roles at Salem favorite Mac & Bob's since 2015. A die hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, Natalie likes to stay active, try new restaurants with friends and hangout with her cat Rosie in her spare time.
Job Titles:
- ATTORNEY
- Managing Attorney
- Owner
- Partner
Rachel L. D. Thompson, partner of Poarch Thompson Law, serves on the Federal Bar Association's Immigration Law Section Advisory board. Rachel is also chair of the FBA-ILS' Law School Committee and was named the Younger Lawyer of the Year by FBA in 2018. She is President of the Salem/Roanoke County Bar Association and a board member of Depaul Community Resources, who presented her with the Alison Parker Young Woman of Achievement Award. She is also on the board of Blue Ridge Legal Services. Rachel is licensed to practice law in Virginia (2013), the Western District of Virginia, and the U.S. Supreme Court. A frequent speaker on immigration and adoption law, Rachel is routinely recognized as Legal Elite and SuperLawyer by her peers. Rachel is also an adjunct professor at Liberty University School of Law.
Rachel first moved to Southwest Virginia when she attended Liberty University School of Law (Lynchburg, Virginia), graduating in May 2012. The multiculturalism inherent in her native city (Philadelphia) and her family (Rachel's mother was born and raised in South Africa and her father was born and raised in Jamaica) instilled an early and profound love for diverse cultures, hope in the possibilities of immigration, and a fascination with other languages. From her early experience of faith and community (Rachel's childhood church, which her father still pastors, is a congregation with immigrants from myriad African and Caribbean countries) Rachel learned the value and power of moving beyond where you came from even while cherishing your roots. When Rachel watched her mother become a naturalized U.S. Citizen, it only cemented Rachel's desire to work with multi-ethnic populations to assist with their immigration needs.
Rachel and her family live in Salem, Virginia. When she's not working, she's watching sports with her family, spending time with friends or participating in a church small group study.
Rachel L. D. Thompson, an immigration and adoption attorney, is the owner and managing attorney at Poarch Thompson Law. She serves on the Federal Bar Association's Governing Board as Vice-Chair. She was the recipient of the FBA-ILS "Younger Lawyer of the Year Award" (2018) and the recipient of the "Alison Parker Young Woman of Achievement Award" (2016) given by DePaul Community Resources where she served as a board member for six years. She also served as a board member for Blue Ridge Legal Services. She has been listed in Roanoke Magazine's Class of 2020 for "40 Under 40," was named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine, and nominated by her peers as Legal Elite by Virginia Business. She was an adjunct professor at Liberty University School of Law teaching Adoption Law. She currently serves as a Board Member for Salem City Schools. Rachel first moved to Southwest Virginia after she attended Liberty University School of Law (Lynchburg, Virginia), graduating in May 2012. The multiculturalism inherent in her native city (Philadelphia) and her family (South African mother and Jamaican father) instilled an early and profound love for diverse cultures and a hope in the possibilities of immigration. She loves to travel the world and is a fluent in Spanish. She is married to her law school sweetheart and has four children and two dogs (Barkley, a golden retriever and Willow, an Irish Setter).
Tami is thrilled to be a part of the team of dedicated advocates at Poarch Thompson Law. She comes to our firm with substantial experience advocating for children and families. She previously worked for the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence and The Central Virginia Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA). She graduated from Lynchburg College and takes great pride in being a first-generation college graduate in her family. She then went on to receive her Masters in Community Counseling from Eastern Illinois University. Following a decade raising her 3 daughters, Tami went to law school with a desire to serve. After exploring prosecution and family law, she found practicing immigration law to be the perfect combination of her counseling and legal skills. Tami has completed training in Collaborative Divorce, Mediation and Interest Based Negotiation Skills, Domestic Violence Advocacy, Sexual Assault Victim Training, Trauma-Informed Care in the classroom, and Interviewing the Abused Child.
Wendy Padilla-Madden works on Poarch Thompson Law's employment immigration cases. Born and raised in Guatemala, Wendy has a personal connection to immigration as she first came to the United States in her early twenties on an employment visa. She always knew that in some way her career would somehow involve business growth and immigration and her career has been a perfect blend of both.
Wendy practiced law at large law firms for over 12 years including Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC and Balch and Bingham LLP. She has significant in-house experience, including managing the global immigration program at Tesla, Inc. While there, she was responsible for the development, management and oversight of the entire global immigration program for all Tesla companies. Her experience and education (business and law combined) uniquely position her as a trusted advisor to the companies she works with.
Wendy's business acumen, combined with her legal experience, make her a trusted advisor to the companies with whom she works. Wendy holistically approaches immigration and business solutions-with an eye not just to short-term gain but long-term need-to present employers with the best, most well-considered solutions.
Wendy provides strategic advice to Poarch Thompson Law clients regarding moving key executive, managerial and specialized talent around the world and assisting us to navigate the ever- changing global mobility challenges of their workforce.
Wendy lectures nationally about business immigration law. She is considered an expert in I-9 and E-Verify compliance. Wendy currently serves on the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)'s verification committee and is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt. When not at work, Wendy enjoys cooking, dancing, reading, and spending time with her two children.
Wendy Padilla-Madden works with Poarch Thompson Law's immigration business cases lawyer in a "of counsel" capacity. Born and raised in Guatemala, Wendy has a personal conne…