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Elaine Dorothy Kimbrell, immigration lawyer in Metairie, LA

Elaine Dorothy KimbrellTop rated

3.7(3)
Immigration Lawyer at Ware Immigration
Metairie, LA Replies in ~24h English, French 21 years practicing LA Bar
AsylumBusinessCitizenshipEmploymentFamilyRemoval DefenseStudent

About Elaine

I am the Owner and Managing Attorney of Ware | Immigration. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from the George Washington University in 2000 and my J.D. from Loyola University New Orleans in 2005. During law school, I was a member of the Maritime Law Journal and participated in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. My interest in immigration law began while working as a constituent services representative for U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu.

I joined Ware | Immigration in 2006 as an associate attorney, initially focusing on family-based immigration cases. Soon after, my practice shifted to employment-based immigration, particularly nonimmigrant visas. In this role, I advise universities and private employers across industries such as healthcare, public utilities, oil and gas, and accounting on immigration options for their employees. I find great fulfillment in helping U.S. employers bring talented professionals from around the globe to meet their business needs.

In 2023, I became the sole owner and manager of Ware | Immigration, earning the firm recognition as a WBENC-Certified Women’s Business Enterprise. I am committed to upholding the firm’s tradition of exceptional client service and providing comprehensive legal solutions.

I am a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and have served as Chair of AILA’s Midsouth section. Additionally, I am actively involved with NAFSA and frequently present on various immigration topics.

Practice areas

Asylum

Affirmative and defensive asylum cases

I-589WithholdingCAT
Business

Corporate immigration and global mobility

E-1E-2TNCompliance
Citizenship

Naturalization and derivative citizenship

N-400N-600
Employment

Work visas, PERM and employment-based green cards

H-1BL-1O-1EB-2EB-3PERM
Family

Spouse, fiancé(e), parent and sibling petitions

I-130K-1I-485AOSGreen Card
Removal Defense

Deportation and immigration court defense

NTACancellationBond
Student

F-1, M-1, OPT and STEM extensions

F-1OPTSTEM-OPTM-1

Education

Loyola University New Orleans College of LawJ.D. (2005) | Juris Doctor · 2005
George Washington UniversityB.A. (2000) | International Affairs · 2000

Bar & associations

Bar license
LA Bar
Active & in good standing
Louisiana State Bar
American Immigration Lawyers Association
NAFSA Association of International Educators

Professional experience

Managing Partner · Ware Immigration2015 – 2022
Associate Attorney · Ware Immigration2006 – 2013
Projects Assistant · Office of Senator Mary Landrieu2005 – 2006
Law Clerk · Robichaux Law Firm2004 – 2005
Law Clerk · Guste, Barnett & Shushan2004 – 2004
Constituent Services Representative · Office of Senator Mary Landrieu2000 – 2003
Owner/Managing Member · Ware Immigration

Awards

Dr. and Mrs. Jack Andonie Endowed Scholarship for LawLoyola University New Orleans College of Law
Warren E. Mouledoux Professional Responsibility AwardLoyola University New Orleans College of Law

Client reviews

3.7
3 client reviews
51
40
32
20
10
NK
N. KapoorMay 22, 2025

Got my H-1B approved on the first try

My company's in-house lawyer dropped the ball, this team picked it up two weeks before deadline and we still got an approval. Lifesavers.

LP
L. ParkOct 21, 2025

Helped me become a US citizen

From N-400 prep to interview coaching. Could not be happier.

PS
P. SilvaApr 27, 2026

VAWA approval — they treated me like family

Could not have done this without them. They listened, never judged, and got it done.

Frequently asked

A 30-minute video or phone call. We review your situation, identify the best path, outline timelines and costs, and answer your questions. You'll receive a written summary afterwards.

Most cases are flat-fee. Pricing depends on category and complexity, and is shared in writing before you retain.

Only the initial consultation is paid through Immigrantio (via Stripe checkout). Once you retain, the lawyer bills you directly — retainer, milestone or hourly fees go straight to the firm's own trust account. Immigrantio is not in the chain of custody for case payments.

Conversations on Immigrantio are end-to-end encrypted. For sensitive case documents and original evidence, you'll exchange those directly with the lawyer by their preferred secure method — Immigrantio doesn't store your case files.