Steven J. Simerlein

Steven J. Simerlein brings over three decades of multifaceted professional experience to his immigration law practice, combining legal, military, and business insight to provide strong advocacy and personalized counsel. Known as “Abogado Esteban” to many Spanish-speaking clients, he offers compassionate guidance and representation in complex immigration, criminal, and family law matters. Since opening his Nashville-based immigration law firm in 2012, he has become a trusted legal voice across Tennessee and surrounding states.

Simerlein earned his B.A. in Political Science from Tulane University in 1983, where he was active in Navy ROTC and participated in a U.S.–Mexico naval exchange program that deepened his fluency in Spanish. He later received his J.D. from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles in 1991, where he served as Senior Note and Comment Editor for the International Law Journal.

Before entering law, Simerlein served in the U.S. Navy as a commissioned officer, earning distinction aboard the USS Dubuque and USS Aquila. His early legal career included roles in public entity law, regulatory defense, and litigation with major firms such as Weissburg & Aronson and Foley Lardner LLP, where he became partner. He later handled class actions and antitrust matters at Branstetter, Stranch & Jennings before founding his own firm.

Fluent in Spanish and culturally informed, Steven J. Simerlein advocates for immigrants in removal defense, family-based petitions, naturalization, and humanitarian relief. He serves clients across Middle Tennessee and neighboring states, earning a reputation for legal excellence and cultural empathy. His Navy discipline, legal acumen, and cross-border perspective make him a powerful ally for clients navigating the U.S. immigration system.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founder, Law Offices of Steven J. Simerlein, P.C.
• Member, Nashville Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Tennessee Bar Association
• Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association

Licensed State

• California
• Tennessee

Education

• Loyola Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Tulane University, New Orleans
  BA in Political Science

Awards & Badges