Nelson Smith LLP

Practice Areas

About Nelson Smith LLP

From the firm’s website

Attorneys

• PHILIP SMITH — Founding Partner
• NICOLE NELSON — Founding Partner
• JOHN DOONEY — Partner
• NICHOLAS COSTA — Partner

Services listed

Family-Based Immigration, Employment-Based Immigration, Non-Immigrant Visas, Asylum, Deportation & Removal Proceedings, Naturalization & Citizenship, Fiance(e) Petitions, Nacara, Diversity Lottery, LIFE Act, Waivers, Adoption

Languages

English, Spanish

Founded

2006

Offices

• 1123 SW Yamhill St., Portland, OR 97205

Awards & recognition

• Gerald H. Robinson Excellence in Immigration Advocacy Award
• 2019 Gerald H. Robinson Excellence in Immigration Advocacy Award

Source: visaoregon.com · checked October 13, 2026. Lawyers Near Me hasn’t independently verified these details.

Hours of Operation

Monday

9 am–5 pm

Tuesday

9 am–5 pm

Wednesday

9 am–5 pm

Thursday

9 am–5 pm

Friday

9 am–3 pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Photos

Details & Amenities

• Giovanni Fumu· via Google

  I am glad I decided to work with Nelson Smith LLP for my green card application. Nicole was professional, kind, her guidance impeccable and the whole process went very smoothly. Based on my experience, I couldn't recommend them enough!

  7 months ago
• Matias Gonzalez· via Google

  Working with Nicole has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. She didn't just help me with paperwork—she guided me through the entire immigration process from start to finish, all the way to getting my naturalization certificate. At every step, she made things feel clear, manageable, and a lot less stressful than I expected. What really stands out about Nicole is how much she genuinely cares. I always felt like she had my back, stayed on top of everything, and made sure nothing slipped through the cracks. There was never a moment where I felt lost or unsure—she was always there to guide me. She's also helped my whole family—my dad, my mom, and me—and every single case has been successful. That says a lot. Honestly, I've never felt more supported or looked out for during such an important process. If you're looking for someone who knows what they're doing and truly cares about you, Nicole is the person you want on your side. I'm really grateful for everything she's done for me and my family.

  6 months ago
• Anastase MATENDO KAMOSI· via Google

  I would like to share my appreciation for the professionalism and organization of Nelson Smith LLP regarding my immigration case. The management and leadership team at Nelson Smith LLP demonstrated strong coordination, clear communication, and a well-structured process throughout my case. I always felt that my file was handled with care and attention. Their team showed respect, patience, and professionalism when addressing my questions and explaining each step of the immigration process. The organization of their work and the leadership guiding the team gave me confidence that my case was in good hands. I am grateful for their support and would recommend their services to anyone seeking reliable legal assistance with immigration matters. — Anastase

  7 months ago
• Salvador Plancarte· via Google

  Thanks to Nicole Nelson for helping me reach this blessed opportunity in becoming a US Citizen!!! Today I took my Oath and I'm incredibly appreciative of her helping me through this process. I absolutely recommend her and her team to anyone needing an Emigration Lawyer! They're all very friendly and always respond to voicemails or emails in a timely manner. Nicole explains the entire process and answers any uncertainties along the way!!! You will be in incredible hands with Nicole and her team!!!!

  5 months ago
• Blanca Gonzalez· via Google

  I had a very positive experience with Nelson Smith. They helped my daughter through the entire consular processing/immigrant visa, and we are very grateful for their support. From the beginning, they were professional, knowledgeable, and patient in answering all of our questions. The immigration process can be stressful and confusing, but they guided us step by step and made sure everything was completed correctly and on time. Thanks to them, my daughter's case was handled smoothly, and she obtained her green card. I highly recommend this office to anyone who needs help with immigration matters.

  6 months ago
• Jesus· via Google

  John Dooney has helped my family in an incredible way. He has helped my parents and my siblings adjust their status nearly a decade ago, and now he's helped my wife adjust her status as well. He and Johanna have helped my wife and I navigate the military parole in place process and then the green card process. My family and I are incredibly grateful for all the work the Nelson|Smith team does, and I would fully recommend the attorneys here for anybody looking for immigration help.

  6 months ago
• Daniel Bell· via Google

  I had an excellent experience working with John Dooney as my attorney throughout the whole immigration process. From the very beginning, he was professional and responsive. He took the time to clearly explain every step of the process, which made a stressful situation feel much more manageable. Beyond his expertise, John is someone who truly cares about his clients. He was approachable, patient with questions, and always made me feel like a priority. I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of a knowledgeable and trustworthy attorney.

  6 months ago
• AGA FROST· via Google

  We cannot recommend John Dooney enough! Navigating the Adjustment of Status process can be incredibly stressful, but John made everything clear, manageable, and straightforward from day one. He was always responsive to our questions and kept us informed every step of the way. If you are looking for an immigration attorney who is knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely cares about his clients, John is the absolute best.

  a month ago