About Us

About CLIA

Founded in 2001 by current Executive Director Max Graves. CLIA met a demand for low-cost immigration assistance west of Omaha. CLIA successfully filed the first approved U-Visa application in the state of Nebraska.

Who We Are

Based in Lincoln, Nebraska, CLIA is a 501 (C) 3 certified nonprofit and is accredited through the Department of Justice to practice immigration law. We have an experienced staff of attorneys and DOJ accredited representatives available to help those in need all over the state of Nebraska. Additionally, we are the only nonprofit in Lincoln that provides the full array of legal immigration services.

Our Mission: To help immigrants and refugees achieve their American dream by providing quality and affordable legal services.

Affordable

Committed

Efficient

Highly Skilled

Our Impact

  • 20 Years serving Lincoln and the State of Nebraska

  • Over 10,000 Clients served since our nonprofit was founded

  • On average, we provide the same service as a private attorney for up to 80% less in cost

  • CLIA is the only nonprofit office in Lincoln/ West of Omaha to provide the full array of direct legal services

  • CLIA paved the way by being the first nonprofit in Nebraska to receive a U-Visa approval for immigrant victims of domestic violence

  • Over 400 U-Visas filed providing immigration relief for domestic violence survivors

A Few Words About

Our Team

We have a deeply passionate and qualified staff that commit themselves to provide the best legal immigration assistance possible

Max Graves

Founder - Executive Director

Mary Choate

Staff Attorney J.D. B.S.

Meghan Sonenberg

Staff Attorney J.D. B.A

Jonathan Rubio

DOJ Rep B.A

Angela Choe

DOJ Rep J.D. B.A

Alicia Ramos Gordin

DOJ Rep B.A.

Francisca Peterson

LMHP, MN

Why We Are Different

Our Approach

At CLIA, we specialize in bringing the legal immigration assistance to you. We are dedicated to understanding what results you want and need ant take the appropriate to make sure we are serving you in the best way possible. We will work with you every step of the way to make sure that you understand the choices you are making and feel empowered to make them.

A Team Dedicated to You

Every week, our legal team has a meeting to discuss cases. This means that the expertise of the whole team weighs in on your case.

Legacy of Success

CLIA has been serving the community since 2001 and has a proven track record of success. We use that experience to help you achieve your immigration goals.

Let's talk

Our Board of Directors

Jane Langan Mach, J.D., Board President, Remboldt Ludtke LLP, University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Law

Thomas Lintel, Treasurer, President of Lintel Financial Services, Inc.
Laurie Lage, J.D., Fundraising Committee Member, Legal Counsel, Nebraska State Legislature
Kathleen Maynard, Volunteer Committee Chair, Refugee Resettlement Coordinator, First-Plymouth Congregational Church
David Boeckner, Grants and Operations Committee Chair, Woods Brother Realty and Retired US Navy Commander
Matthew Mullen, PhD., Grants and Operations Committee, Founder, Article 30 Inc.
Rosanne Liesveld, CLIA Board Member

David Kaseman, Woods Bros Realty, CLIA Board Member