Client Reviews

Outstanding Immigration Lawyer‎
By Harmony - Jan 17, 2010

My family was very fortunate to find Mr. Eckdish as our lawyer to handle my brother's criminal conviction and immigration removal court case. He helped us in a professional manner from beginning to end; yet, he is one aggressive lawyer (in a positive way). He used the simplest language to help us understand the case. He was up-front about the whole case and answered our questions in calmly and assuring manners. Mr. Eckdish was aware of the legal complications and found an immediate solution to win my brother’s case in immigration court. He knew he was taking on a challenge and executed his job very well. He was in contact with us until my brother safely came home and he still maintains his relationship with us to ensure everything is fine. Mr. Eckdish, really we appreciated all your hard work and patience. We were very pleased with your service and would recommend you to all my family and friends without any hesitation.

"He immediately lets you know that he is very experienced in immigration and criminal law." Stephen O. - September 2009

Anyone here on a visa knows how serious it could be getting into any kind of trouble with the law due to the fact that even the simplest offenses could have pretty serious immigration consequences. I got into some potentially serious problems out of state. I was arrested and charged with battery of a police officer and trespassing. Words cannot truly convey how panicked I was. I pretty much thought that I had no chance of staying in the US after this. After I contacted my out of state criminal attorney, I immediately contacted Stephen Eckdish, who in spite of his extremely packed schedule (a testament to how good he is) agreed to see me on the same day. The first thing that strikes you is his refreshing cool and collected approach to the situation. This is how lawyers should be!!! He takes a personal interest in every case. In my case, he immediately contacted my out of state criminal attorney and worked with him before any plea was entered, and informed him of our only options as far as a plea goes. Stephen tries to minimize or completely eliminate any negative immigration consequences if possible. Mr. Eckdish's approach immediately lets you know that he is very experienced in immigration and criminal law. His fatherly way of dealing with things is really reassuring. Needless to say, I went in to his office as a total wreck, and left there feeling much better. To make a long story short, Stephen was able to work with my criminal defense lawyer to have both charges dropped and the entire case dismissed. He also made sure I got a letter explaining the details of the arrest and the outcome. I have since been able to travel abroad and return to the US and I am also in the process of adjusting my status. Mr. Eckdish gives first class service, is very reassuring, and is very clear on if he can help your situation or not. In my case he even offered to travel out of state if required for a very reasonable fee. All in all, he had my case resolved with the best possible outcome given the circumstances for a very small fee (considering the charges I faced) and also gave me several follow up appointments for free. I am very satisfied with his service.

"Mr. Eckdish rebuilt my confidence and represented me in the criminal court." S.C. – August 2009

I made the mistake of not obtaining an opinion from an immigration and criminal defense attorney when I pled no contest in 1998 to two (2) deportable domestic violence offenses that resulted in misdemeanor convictions. Recently, I was shocked and horrified when I consulted with Immigration and Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Eckdish for naturalization when he informed me that I was deportable and that those convictions would prevent me from becoming a U.S. citizen. In his very warm, calm and confident manner, Mr. Eckdish rebuilt my confidence and represented me in the criminal court in Santa Clara County Superior Court where he successfully had the convictions vacated and dismissed (i.e. "they never happened"). I no longer have any convictions. The Judge and DA were very impressed with Mr. Eckdish and praised him for his knowledge and legal prowess.

Thereafter, Mr. Eckdish represented me through my naturalization process with CIS. He prepared and filed my N-400 application for citizenship which was approved. I am due to appear for my Oath taking ceremony very shortly. Needless to say, I am extremely pleased with Mr. Eckdish's legal services as both an immigration and criminal defense attorney and would highly recommend him to anyone - especially immigrants in a similar situation as my past.

My family and I are soooo happy, and we owe it all to Mr. Eckdish for giving us a 2nd chance in life. God Bless Mr. Eckdish and God Bless America!

"He was able to vacate the conviction and then he worked with the judge to have the court order all records of my case be physically destroyed." IK – June 2009

I am a green card holder with a conviction which prevented me from traveling outside of US and applying for citizenship due to possible deportation. Stephen Eckdish represented me in court and was more than successful. He was able to vacate the conviction and then he worked with the judge to have the court order all records of my case be physically destroyed. So right now I have no record at all anywhere and am able to apply for citizenship and travel outside of US. I am extremely pleased with Mr. Eckdish’s services and would highly recommend him for anyone who has a case that involves both immigration and criminal matters.

"Mr. Eckdish's experience and knowledge in both criminal and immigration law were very useful". AC – May 2009

I was facing deportation due to my history of deportable criminal convictions. Mr. Eckdish assisted my public criminal defense lawyer in negotiating for a conviction that would not affect my immigration pending case. I appreciated the patience Mr. Eckdish had with my ignorant and non compliant lawyer. Mr. Eckdish's experience and knowledge in both criminal and immigration law were very useful. He took my case without being completely informed of my whole history of criminal convictions which put my case in a difficult situation. Mr. Eckdish still continued on with representing me, knowing that it was going to take more work then expected. Mr. Eckdish kept me informed every step he was taking in preparing for my case. I felt like he was taking my case with personal interest, and believe me...that's hard to come around. On the day of my Cancellation of Removal hearing he asked and directed each question during my testimony in winning the Judge’s decision on my behalf. Something that seemed impossible but yet with his dedication and by the grace of God my relief was approved. Today I am at home with my wife and son in the US. Thanks to Mr. Eckdish! I may have said a lot but believe me if you knew exactly what I've been through there is definitely a lot more to say. Thank you Stephen and your assistants for all the great work!

"Mr. Eckdish's Immigration and Criminal defense is unparalleled." - Jose D. - May 2008

My father, age 75 who lives in Los Angeles was implicated in a serious federal offense. After a hung jury we reluctantly agreed he enter a guilty plea and serve 1 year in federal prison. Shortly after his release he received a Notice to Appear for a Deportation Hearing. I interviewed over a 1/2 dozen attorneys in L.A. Most if not all were willing to take on the case for this much $$$ but their cookie cutter responses and detached attitude troubled me especially their lack of experience in handling federal criminal cases.

When I contacted Mr. Eckdish by telephone he was extremely professional, respectful, patient, polite, very inquisitive and came across as a very intelligent, caring and down to earth individual. He heard the stress in my voice. He wanted to help. He posed questions no other attorney asked. I knew then and there this was the attorney I wanted representing my Father...no one else. We never spoke of money. He struggled with the case being in L.A. It was not easy to convince him to take the case but days later he did. It was not an easy case.

Mr. Eckdish was passionate about his work from the beginning. He is aggressive (he immediately filed a Motion to Dismiss and Terminate the case). He is assertive, an excellent researcher, communicator and writer, fast on his feet, thorough, clever ...brilliant. Despite many disappointments over a 2 year period, many frustrations, loss of hope, uneventful trips during removal proceeding hearings, Mr. Eckdish won the case and got a few charges included in the order.

Mr. Eckdish's Immigration and Criminal defense is unparalleled. I will always feel blessed to have found him. I will always refer my family, friends and strangers to him. I sincerely hope that if you or someone you love needs legal representation, you contact and retain Mr. Eckdish. You will be in excellent hands.

"Because of his quality of work and reputation I am here to stay" Tom C. - April 2008

There is no doubt that Stephen Eckdish is the very best defense attorney. I had a very difficult case and was destined to be deported. He said it was winnable and because of his quality of work and reputation with the courts, I am here to stay.

"I would definitely recommend Stephen Eckdish to anyone looking for a good lawyer. He represented me and I was very happy with the results." G. Roomer - January 2008

"He gave us confidence..." Abigal - January 2008

My husband and family much appreciate Stephen Eckdish's performance as our attorney with my husbands case. We had a lot of pressure with my husband's case. It was a lot of worrying throughout the year and when we met Stephen Eckdish he calmed us down and told us everything will be ok. He gave us confidence that my husband would be able to stay in the United States. Sure enough it happened when we went to the immigration court my husband was granted to stay in United States. We were happy with Stephen Eckdish!

I will highly recommend Mr. Eckdish. He came across as a very compassionate, dedicated and truthful to me. His boutique office proved just right for attention that he delivered towards my case. Whenever I had any question he was always there to answer them without delay. Defending clients in Removal Proceedings: I was advised by other attorneys that there's no available relief for me but through Mr. Eckdish' hard work, He made it possible to terminate my Deportation Proceeding.

"He is undoubtedly the best." Angelica N. - January 2008

When I was charged with four (4) moral turpitude cases and removable pursuant to INA section 212(a)(2)(D)(i), my life turned upside down. I met with lots of lawyers but they failed to win my confidence to be my rep. Cancellation of Removal or Family hardship were the only arguments they recommended but I need someone who could think “outside-the-box”. Luck and good fortune drew me to Mr. Stephen Eckdish’s website: www.sfatty.com. His extensive experience in criminal and immigration background was a good fit to handle my case. I was very impressed not only from his education, past cases he represented and knowledge on how SF immigration court handles this kind of case, but also from his down-to-earth attitude, kind heart, simplicity without arrogance, and sensitivity. I felt comfortable to give him my life, future, and trust that he would win my case. In January 2008, the immigration judge granted our motion to terminate my case and my U.S. Green Card was returned to me. I thank you Mr. Eckdish from the bottom of my heart. He is undoubtedly the best. My case was very difficult and I new we had won the minute the hearing started

"He's knowledgeable and definitely someone you can count on!" Christine M.

When my husband was placed in deportation proceeding for simple possession of illegal drugs, our life was turned upside down. We spoke to many different lawyers, all of which were popular and had reputable names. We paid the high consultation fees in hopes of getting any solid advice on how to approach the case. I thought the case was simple enough since its a mere simple possession of illegal drugs. But all the other lawyers said it was difficult case because the crime was committed within 1 year upon his arrival as an immigrant. That means they said he didn't qualify for a cancellation of removal. All of the reputable lawyers we spoke with had no idea what relief or motions to file for him. Then, we came across Attorney Eckdish. He gave us hope that no others were able to provide. Most importantly, he won the case. He's knowledgeable and definitely someone you can count on!

"Thank you so much for your kindness and professionalism..." Van and Kim - October 2007

We would like to express our appreciation and gratitude for the excellent outcome of this case. A year and 6 months ago my wife was not LPR in the state. We met Mr. Eckdish at his office. You explained how everything would work and gave us assistance in preparing all the proper documents to Immigration Department, setting up the necessary appointments and appearing with us at each interview made it possible for my wife to become a Legal Permanent Resident here in the United States. It was a lot of work on your part, but it has become a dream come true for us as a couple. Now my wife is a Legal Permanent Resident in the United States.

Thank you so much for your kindness and professionalism in the way you presented our case. We were very pleased with the service we received and will definitely recommend your legal services to all our family and friends. Again thank you so much Mr. Eckdish.

"We will forever be grateful to Mr. Eckdish. My husband is now a permanent U.S. resident!!!!" The Castillo Family - June 2007

My husband has been in the U.S. illegally since 1989 from Mexico. Approx 2 years ago my husband was arrested & as a result the immigration deptartment was deporting him. I immediately posted bond for him and we quickly looked for an attorney, the first attorney we hired went to court with us & as soon as she saw the charges he was facing, she told us there was nothing she could do and that he should leave the country on his own forever. By a stroke of luck I found Mr. Stephen Eckdish's website on the internet. We met with him, Mr. Eckdish first reviewed our case and he called me with great news that he would help us! Since the beginning Mr. Eckdish has been very professional and honest. Mr. Eckdish had to fight and prove to the judge that my husband was not a drug trafficker and he did successfully! Mr. Eckdish also had to prove that if my husband was deported that our daughter and I would suffer extreme and unusual hardship which is VERY difficult to do (almost impossible). and again he did successfully..as of our trial, my husband is now a permanent U.S. resident!!!! After fighting for two years throughout the case, Mr. Eckdish fought very hard and never gave up. He believed in our case and I know there could not have been any other attorney who could of done what he has did for our family. We are so happy this ordeal is finally over and that everything worked out the way it did. We knew from the beginning this case was extremely difficult and that our chances of winning were very slim to none. Mr. Eckdish is the real definition of a defense attorney and he is truly the best.... Thanks again Mr. Eckdish.

"Steve Eckdish helped me with a tricky immigration problem." Arjan B. June 2006

I have been in the USA for 25 years and received my green card in 1991. Since then I traveled extensively out of the country and had never had any problems until I returned from England late December 2005. Steve Eckdish helped me with a tricky immigration problem. I was stopped at the border and I was not allowed entry because of a change in the immigration law. ( I had a arrest and conviction in 1983). I was let in the country but I was to report to a immigration judge immediately. I retained Steve Eckdish and he expertly worked with the District Attorney and the Immigration Court in a professional manner and the result was that the Immigration Judge stopped the removal proceedings and I was allowed to stay in the USA. To make sure that this was not going to happen again, especially with the heightened terrorism fears, I asked Steve Eckdish to help me with my naturalization and once again Steve came through and I am to be sworn in as a U.S. citizen in a month from now.