Shirley Sadjadi

Shirley Sadjadi has spent more than 27 years practicing exclusively in immigration law, known for her deep legal insight and unwavering dedication to fairness. Her background includes serving as an attorney advisor for the U.S. Department of Justice, Executive Office for Immigration Review. Over the years, she has also shared her knowledge as a frequent lecturer on immigration law at both local and national events.

Shirley earned her Bachelor’s Degree, cum laude, in Spanish and Political Science from the University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign. She then completed her Juris Doctor and Master of Arts in International Development at American University in Washington, D.C. Having lived and worked in Spain, Mexico, and South America, and being fluent in English, Spanish, and Farsi, she brings a valuable global and linguistic perspective to her legal advocacy.

Shirley is actively involved in numerous legal and civic organizations, including the Chicago Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, where she contributes as an Associate Editor for The Waivers Book: Advanced Issues in Immigration Practice. She also participates in the National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild and the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. As cofounder of Speak Out Against Prejudice in Elgin, she helped challenge bias and promote understanding within the community, an effort that earned her the Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award in 2009.

Shirley Sadjadi continues to lead efforts for compassionate and equitable immigration reform, striving to uphold family unity, dignity, and justice in every case she handles. Her exceptional service has been recognized through multiple awards, including the 2016 Partnership Award from Centro De Informacion, the 2013 Joseph Minsky Beacon of Light Award from the American Immigration Lawyers Association, and the 2011 Volunteer Attorney Partnership Award from DePaul University’s Asylum & Immigration Law Clinic. Earlier honors include the 2008 William Castillo Humanitarian Award, the 2006 Les Lemke Memorial Award for Community Service, and the 2005 Doug Hoeft Award, celebrating her lifelong dedication to advocacy and community service.

Law Office Affiliations

• Principal Attorney, The Law Offices of Shirley Sadjadi, P.C.
• Member, Chicago Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association
• Member, National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild

Licensed State

• Illinois

Education

• American University
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• American University
  Master of Arts (MA)

Awards & Badges