State Bar of California · Certified Specialist

Whatever your immigration situation, we can help.

Visas, green cards, asylum, deportation defense — for over 30 years we've helped families, workers, and individuals find a way forward. Tell us your situation and we'll show you what's possible.

✓ Free case evaluation ✓ Phone & video consults ✓ Hablamos Español
Brian D. Lerner Brian D. Lerner
Brian D. Lerner
Certified Specialist · Immigration & Nationality Law
30+
Years of Experience
<200
Certified Specialists in CA
3
States Licensed (CA, TX, MI)
Nationwide
Clients Across the U.S.
8M+
YouTube Views Educating

Welcome to the Law Offices of Brian D. Lerner


With nearly 30 years of experience, we help families, professionals, and individuals navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration law. Based in Long Beach, CA, and serving clients nationwide, we provide honest advice, clear strategies, and strong legal advocacy.

What to Expect When You Work With Us

  • Clarity: A customized legal strategy tailored to your specific goals.
  • Organization: A precise document checklist and realistic timeline so you always know what comes next.
  • Accessibility: Consultations available via phone or video, accommodating clients across all time zones.

Why Choose Us


Certified Specialist in Immigration Law

Brian D. Lerner holds the Certified Specialist designation in Immigration and Nationality Law from the State Bar of California — one of fewer than 200 attorneys in the state to earn this credential out of over 200,000 licensed.

Personalized Service

Every case gets a tailored strategy, a document checklist, and a realistic timeline. You will always know where your case stands and what comes next.

Proven Track Record

Over 30 years of immigration cases handled — from family petitions and asylum to deportation defense and complex visa matters — for clients across California and nationwide. Licensed in California, Texas, and Michigan, with admission to multiple U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals.

What Our Clients Say


★★★★★

We chose Brian Lerner due to his experience. He did not disappoint. My son's visa was successful and he is now pursuing his basketball dream in the US.

Filomena LeaupepeAthlete Visa
★★★★★

If I could rate them with more stars I would. I had my hearing and thanks to attorney Brian Lerner and the team, I now have the opportunity to gain residency in this country.

Claudia RodriguezRemoval Hearing
★★★★★

Attorney Brian D. Lerner handled our Legal Permanent Residence and Waiver of Inadmissibility case with Par Excellence legal expertise, the utmost respect, and genuine compassion.

H.C.LPR & Waiver of Inadmissibility

Immigration FAQs


What documents do I need for a marriage-based green card?

Typically passport, birth certificate, I-94 if any, marriage certificate, proof of bona fide relationship, prior immigration records, and the I-864 affidavit of support with tax evidence. We tailor the list to your entry history and whether you’re adjusting in the U.S. or through a consulate.

How long does asylum take in Southern California?

Timelines vary by office and court. Affirmative cases can take many months; defensive cases depend on the court’s calendar. We file complete applications, track biometrics and interviews, and update you on local scheduling trends.

Can I adjust status after a visa overstay?

Sometimes — eligibility depends on the petitioner (e.g., a U.S. citizen spouse), manner of entry, and other factors. We review bars and waivers and advise whether consular processing or a waiver makes more sense.

What happens at a removal hearing?

You’ll have a master calendar hearing for scheduling and pleadings, then an individual hearing for testimony and evidence. We prepare filings, witnesses, and country-condition reports and explain what the judge must decide.

Do I get work authorization while my case is pending?

Many categories allow it, but the rules differ (the asylum clock, parole/TPS categories, pending adjustment of status). We identify your category and file the I-765 at the right time.

Still have questions? We’ll answer them directly.
Schedule a Consultation

Contact Form