Attorney Sofia Avilova graduated from University of Illinois at Chicago with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science minoring in philosophy.  After she completed her undergraduate studies, Ms. Avilova worked at a non-profit organization as a Community Care Program supervisor working with the Illinois Department on Aging. ​In 2008, Ms. Avilova graduated from Michigan State University School of Law (“MSU Law”).  While at MSU Law, she was a Note and Comment Editor for the MSU Law’s Journal of International Law.​ Ms. Avilova’ s passion for immigration law stems from her own experience in navigating the U.S. immigration system. 

 

Since 2008, Ms. Avilova has successfully represented clients before the United States Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice and Department of State. 

 

Ms. Avilova has extensive experience in working on a variety of immigration matters including, but not limited to: affirmative and defensive asylum, removal defense, family-based immigration, employment-based immigration, and naturalization.  She has extensive experience with Waivers of Inadmissibility. ​Over the years of her practice she has successfully handled complicated cases involving allegations of immigration fraud. She has worked passionately to stand for the rights of her clients. 

 

Ms. Avilova is also an Immigration Counsel for Agents of Hope, a Chicago based grassroots non-profit organization, which helps refugees to access high quality educational training programs that promote and support self-development, employment and business success. Ms. Avilova is working tirelessly to establish an immigration clinic at the organization.  

 

In addition, Ms. Avilova is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).  She is also a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.  In addition to her immigration practice, she helps families with their estate planning needs, in drafting Wills and Trusts.

 

​Ms. Avilova is fluent in Russian and Assyrian languages.