NELSON SMITH - Key Persons

JOHN DOONEY

Job Titles:
  • PARTNER

NICHOLAS COSTA

Job Titles:
  • PARTNER
  • Partner at NELSON
Nicholas is a partner at NELSON | SMITH, LLP. Nicholas' practice involves removal defense and those individuals needing assistance with Family-Based petitions and applications for Lawful Permanent Resident Status, Fiancée Visas, Naturalization, U visas for victims of crime, VAWA, and Employment options, including: Investors, H-1B visas, Entertainers (Television and Film), Artists and Athletes, E, O and P visas. Nicholas speaks Spanish and is the former Chair of the American Immigration Lawyer's Association (AILA) for the Oregon Chapter 2019/2020. John is a partner at NELSON | SMITH, LLP. John began practicing immigration law in 2010. Since then, John has worked with clients on family and business immigration matters including family based petitions, consular processing, adjustment of status applications, fiancée visas, Naturalizations, DACA, VAWA, U-Visas as well as business visas. John is also excited to focus on post-DOMA immigration advocacy for same sex couples. John is the current AILA Oregon Liaison for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

NICOLE NELSON

Job Titles:
  • Member of the LEGAL Team
  • PARTNER
  • Founding Partner of NELSON
Philip is a founding partner of NELSON | SMITH, LLP. Philip represents individuals from around the world in all areas of U.S. immigration law, including family and employment-based immigration, E, L, H, PERM and National Interest Waiver applications. Philip regularly assists clients with asylum, removal defense and federal court litigation. He is the former Chair of the Oregon Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). Mr. Smith is a past recipient of the Gerald H. Robinson Excellence in Immigration Advocacy Award.

PHILIP SMITH

Job Titles:
  • Member of the LEGAL Team
  • Partner
  • Founding Partner of NELSON