This month’s professional spotlight features Elinor Tesfamariam. Elinor is a Managing Member and Attorney at Plenpovo Law, PLLC. Read this month’s spotlight to learn more about Elinor, her work, and her path to becoming an Immigration Attorney
What is a typical day of work for you?
My mornings involve getting my kids ready and dropping them at school. My work day is different from day today. Some days are spent in Court, at the Asylum office, detention centers or working on cases in the office. A typical day involves meeting with clients, reviewing files, preparing for a hearing. In the evenings, I take a break to spend time with my kids and then work on cases until about 11pm.
Why did you decide to practice immigration law?
During 2nd year of law school, I started interning at different places. There were few subjects that interested me, Criminal, Family and Immigration law. I interned at the Prosecutor’s office, then at a small family law firm and realized that was not “it”. I volunteered at an Immigration and Human Rights clinic where I worked on pro-bono Asylum cases and loved every minute of it. From interviewing the applicants, to drafting affidavits and going to court, I enjoyed every moment of it. It allowed me to see my ability to make a difference in the life of others.
These are trying times for Immigrant/Refugee communities. It seems its one bad thing after another, is there hope anymore? What is some general advice you would offer someone navigating through the immigration system currently?
We are taking a beating from all direction but it’s will pass. Things are changing quickly and immigrants are the target of these harsh policies. Immigration attorneys are fighting every single hour – from challenging the multiple Executive Orders to saving children from deportation. The best advice I can give is: consult with an Immigration attorney. I can’t say this enough. We are dealing with an administration that is determined to take away your U.S. Citizenship. Things are no longer “easy”. A simple mistake has great consequences. Most people utilize the advice of their next door neighbor or a cousin who had the “same type of case” and the end result is usually a disaster. In addition, if you are a Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), please apply for your citizenship. Definitely consult with an attorney to make sure you are not subjected to any bars before you submit your application. Once you naturalize, Vote! Do not be scared!
How did you come to decide that this was the right career path for you?
I was a pre-med/bio-chemistry major, but found myself skipping chemistry lab classes in order to attend demonstrations. I started the Eritrean student Association at my community college and utilized it to bring cultural and political awareness to different issues that were arising as a result of the war with Ethiopia. I wanted to influence policies and utilize the law as a tool to help my people. I enjoyed meeting with members of congress and expressing my desired policy change. After two years of calculus and chemistry classes, I switched. My dislike for Math was also a factor J
Is there a philosophy that drives your career?
Empowerment! I want to empower my people. I want to empower refugees. Once my clients get their status, they are beginning a new journey and most of them do not know how to transition. Be it encouraging them to be more self reliant or getting them in contact with health and education providers, I do my best to help them navigate their new life.
What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
I opened my own practice at the age of 28. I have been running my own practice for 11 years (don’t’ bother adding, I am 39yrs old). I would say maintaining my practice while building a strong family unit and raising three kids would be my greatest accomplishment.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone looking to work in your field?
If you are passionate about the law, do it! Do not do it for any other reason. Family pressure and/or money shouldn’t be a factor to jump into this career. It’s exhausting and can break you down. If there is passion, then nothing will stop you. Seek a mentor.
Outside of all of your hard work and efforts toward building your brand, what do you do for fun? Hobbies?
I enjoy reading books (non-legal) and cooking. I am a Starbucks addict, so frequent visit there has become a hobby.