Immigration & non-immigrant visas
Deportation defense
Litigation
Since 1996, Leonor’s practice has been focused exclusively on immigration law including deportation defense, Asylum, Lawful Permanent Residents who find themselves in removal proceedings, U visas for victims of crime, NACARA, Cancellation of Removal, immigrant visas in all family sponsored categories and survivors of domestic violence.
Leonor also handles federal court litigation against the Department of Homeland Security when necessary to resolve cases decided contrary to law. She now runs a small law firm with several attorneys who all practice immigration law.
Leonor works closely with several non-profit immigration organizations to provide services to those who cannot afford an attorney. In 2009, she helped establish and coordinate the Pro Bono Initiative with the Salt Lake City Immigration Court to provide consultations to detained immigrants. She also helped Holy Cross Ministries develop a pro bono asylum program and train & mentor attorneys representing asylum seekers fleeing persecution. Leonor volunteers at the Community Legal Clinic with the U Law School and at various Know Your Rights and DACA clinics in the community.
Leonor graduated from the University of Utah College of Law in 1996 where she now teaches as an Adjunct Professor. She is an active member of the American Immigration Lawyer's Association (AILA), where she has served as the Chapter Chair and is currently the AILA Liaison to the local Immigration Court. She regularly mentors and teaches CLE courses to other immigration attorneys through AILA.
2019 Holy Cross Ministries-Philanthropic Firm of the Year
2017 Utah State Bar-Outstanding Mentor
2017 J. Reuben Clark Law Society-Pro Bono Legal Service Award
2016 UMBA Distinguished Lawyer of the Year.
Board Member/President Utah Bar Foundation 2015-19
Board Member Immigrant Legal Services 2016
Board Member ACLU of Utah 2011-12
Leonor is herself an immigrant, having come to the US from Uruguay with her family at the age of 6 and speaks fluent Spanish. She is married and has three adult children. She is a passionate follower of Utah Football, loves camping and is obsessed with CrossFit.
Education
BA degree in Anthropology
Juris Doctor degree
Professional Associations and Memberships:
American Immigration Lawyer’s Association (AILA)
Attends monthly meetings and seminars U.S. CIS (formerly INS)
Served as AILA Utah Chapter Chair and Co-chair
Chair of the AILA Liaison Committee with the Salt Lake City Immigration Court