Martin Valko

Martin Valko is a seasoned immigration lawyer known for helping individuals, families, and businesses manage US immigration matters. With decades of experience, he has handled complex cases involving family petitions, employment-based visas, and humanitarian relief. His clients include everyday people as well as athletes and global companies.

Martin holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. He later earned a Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University School of Law, followed by a Master of Laws from Southern Methodist University School of Law. He also holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the Comenius University School of Law in Bratislava.

Martin advises clients across a wide range of industries, with a strong focus on sports and entertainment immigration. He represents professional athletes, Olympians, musicians, and corporate executives in securing U.S. visas and work authorization. Martin also guides international students and skilled professionals through nonimmigrant visa options, including H-1B visas and OPT extensions. His clear, practical immigration counsel helps clients navigate complex U.S. immigration pathways with confidence and clarity.

A frequent guest speaker, Martin educates audiences at universities, legal seminars, and community organizations. He has presented on topics like employer compliance, international student visas, and federal immigration policy. He has served on national committees of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and advised both the Mexican Consulate in Dallas and the Slovak Embassy on immigration law.

In addition to his legal work, Martin co-founded Lawpilot, a case management tech platform with a unique app that alerts attorneys during client encounters with law enforcement. His advocacy also extended to representing artists in legal disputes, notably negotiating an apology and resolution with a major film studio on behalf of Slovak musicians.

Martin Valko is licensed to practice in Texas and the District of Columbia. He is fluent in Slovak and Czech and has represented clients from many cultural backgrounds. His approach combines legal skill with personal understanding, shaped by his own experience as an immigrant. Through each case, he works to provide stability and opportunity for those pursuing the American dream.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founding Partner, Chavez & Valko, LLP
• Member, State Bar of Texas
• Member, District of Columbia Bar
• Member, Dallas Bar Association
• Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association
• Member, Texas Young Lawyers Association
• Member, Dallas Young Lawyers Association

Licensed State

• Texas
• District of Columbia

Education

• Southern Methodist University School of Law
  Master of Laws (LLM)
• Oklahoma City University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Comenius University School of Law
  Bachelor of Law (BL)
• University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
  BS in Psychology

Awards & Badges