Sherry Nohara

Sherry Nohara, Founder and Managing Attorney of Noha Immigration Law, has practiced immigration law exclusively for more than 21 years. A former federal prosecutor, she provides clients with valuable insight into immigration enforcement while helping them achieve lawful status, U.S. citizenship, and compliance with immigration laws. Her practice covers family immigration, deportation defense, naturalization, and I-9 compliance for employers.

Sherry earned her Juris Doctor from the University of California College of Law, San Francisco, in 1996, after obtaining a B.A. in Economics with a minor in Spanish from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa in 1993. Graduating with highest honors and as a Presidential Scholar, she also completed international studies in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Thailand.

Sherry began her legal career as a civil litigator before joining the former Immigration and Naturalization Service (now U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement), where she built more than 18 years of immigration law experience. She has litigated thousands of cases before the Immigration Court, trained immigration attorneys and federal officers, and led complex worksite enforcement operations. Her record includes authoring briefs in published immigration decisions and successfully litigating high‑impact I‑9 compliance and employer sanctions cases. In 2016, she was honored with the Director’s Award from agency leadership under President Barack Obama, recognizing her outstanding contributions to immigration enforcement and policy.

Transitioning to private practice in 2020, Sherry Nohara has continued her commitment to guiding individuals, families, and businesses through complex immigration processes. She emphasizes client education, ensuring each person understands their rights and options to make confident, informed decisions. Her published articles on immigration law have appeared in Nolo Press and other professional publications.

An active leader in the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Sherry currently serves as Chair of the Hawaii Chapter and contributes nationally through committee work. With integrity, respect, and deep legal experience, she advocates tirelessly for those navigating the U.S. immigration system.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founder & Managing Attorney, Noha Immigration Law LLLC
  
• Former Senior Attorney, Worldwide Migration Partners
• Former Counsel, JMY Law Group LLLC
• Former Associate, Oliver, Lau, Lawhn, Ogawa & Nakamura
• Chair, AILA Hawaii Chapter
• Member, Hawaii State Bar Association
• Committee Member, AILA National Client Resources Committee

Licensed State

• Hawaii

Education

• University of California College of Law, San Francisco
  Juris Doctor (J.D.)
• University of Hawaii at Mānoa
  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics

Awards & Badges