Phyllis founded our firm in 1996 under its prior name, Jewell & Associates. She currently serves the firm in an of-counsel capacity and, as of 2024, she is retired from direct client case work.

Since she began her career in immigration law in 1985, Phyllis has practiced in all areas of U.S. immigration law, with a substantial focus on representing foreign nationals and their employers in employment-related U.S. immigration matters. She is a Certified Specialist in Immigration & Nationality Law (State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization).

Honors & Awards:

• Peer-review rated AV® Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell
• Included in Northern California Super Lawyers® annually 2004-2013 and 2015-present
• Included in Who’s Who Legal for Corporate Immigration 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 (WWL ranking: Thought Leader)
• Recipient of 2020 Client Choice™ (Lexology) Award, which recognizes law firms and partners around the world that stand apart for excellent client care and quality of service, based solely on nominations by corporate counsel.
• American Immigration Lawyers Association’s NorCal Chapter elected officer 1992-1996; member of Chapter Executive Committee 1991-1997; member of national committees 1992-1993
• Co-Chair, Vice Chair, and Chair, Barristers Immigration Committee for the Bar Association of San Francisco, 1989-1991
• Pro bono volunteer, ProBar (South Texas Pro Bono Asylum Representation Project)

Memberships & Admissions:

• State Bar of California
• American Immigration Lawyers Association

Education:

• B.A. Pomona College
• J.D. Tulane University Law School
• Post-graduate law studies, Université Grenoble Alpes