James D. Eiss is a Western New York native who has been working In the field of immigration since 1972 when he began his career with the Immigration and Naturalization Service. He began his service as an Inspector at the Peace Bridge Immigration Inspections Office. He was promoted to an Examiner and Naturalization Examiner at the Buffalo office of INS. Jim's experience with INS and his experience in Inspections at the Peace Bridge gives him a unique perspective on how officers process and decide cases.

Jim has had Martindale Hubbell's highest rating of “AV” for nearly twenty years. This coveted AV rating, which denotes preeminence as an attorney in his or her field is only granted after being judged by one's peers in the legal profession.

Jim has received recognition by U.S. News and World Report as one of the “Best Law Firms” for the past few years and in 2012 was listed as one of the top 21 firms in immigration nationally. Again, the selection was made by his colleagues that practice immigration law throughout the U.S. Jim was listed as the “Attorney of the Year” in immigration for Buffalo in 2013. It is Jim's skills and reputation that leads other immigration law firms to refer to or to co-counsel with Jim on border immigration cases. Jim's knowledge and ability are key in accompanying and representing clients in person on immigration matters at the Peace Bridge in Buffalo.

Our Mission

The Law Offices Of James D. Eiss consists of Jim and a highly skilled staff of paralegals. What sets us apart from other immigration law firms? Quite simply, we care very deeply about serving our clients. This fundamental focus affects everything about the way we practice:

• It means that we work very hard to stay on top of the ever-changing landscape of immigration law. There are changes in the way that immigration law is being interpreted and applied by various government agencies literally every day. A lot of our time is spent reading about these changes and explaining them to our clients.
• It means that we take time to listen to and address your concerns. We start every new case with an in-depth conversation in which we come to understand your legal situation, your short-term and long-term objectives, and advise on the possible paths to meet your aims. Unlike many law firms, you are not limited to speaking with the paralegals. Jim takes your call when you need to talk to him.
• Jim' gift is his ability to analyze difficult cases and come up with strategies that others have not seen in their analysis of the case. It is another reason why he is brought in frequently to co-counsel on difficult cases by some of the largest and most reputable immigration law firms in the U.S.
• We view ourselves as advisors, providing clients with as many paths as possible to meet their aims. We advise of all of the risks and possible/probable outcomes involved in each course of action and let you choose which way to proceed, so long as it is within the bounds of the law. We are honest in assessing your chances of success, and while we advise cautiously, and most clients wish to proceed with caution, we are also willing to pursue more aggressive legal strategies for those clients who wish to assert such interpretations, understanding that the outcome is less than guaranteed. We also provide clients with regular updates on the status of their cases and answer any questions our clients have as their cases progress. We understand that you have a choice in which lawyer to hire and appreciate those clients who choose us. We are here to serve you.

Our History

Jim received his Bachelor of Arts degree at Houghton College and his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the State University of New York at Buffalo. His interest in the field of immigration law began when he worked as an Officer with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (“INS”) beginning in 1972. After working as an attorney and partner for ten years, in 1998, Jim formed The Law Offices of James D. Eiss, where he continues to limit his practice to immigration law.

Jim is a senior member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (“AILA”) where he has been selected to serve as mentor to other immigration attorneys. He also has served and continues to serve in numerous volunteer roles with AILA. Jim is a past Chair of the Upstate New York Chapter of AILA. Jim served as the first Co-Chair of AILA's Northern Border Issues Committee, which was set up to deal with problems unique to Canadians, and continued to serve on that committee for several years, as well as serving on AILA's INS Enforcement Liaison Committee.

Jim speaks regularly at immigration law conferences sponsored by AILA national as well as local AILA chapters around the country. Jim also speaks regularly at colleges and universities to staff and students.