About
Tonet McDowell, Esq. serves as a Senior Associate at the Law Office of Raymond O. Griffith, where she focuses on immigration litigation and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) cases. Her practice includes consultations and representation in Immigration Court, helping children and families navigate complex legal processes and obtain protection under U.S. immigration law.
Tonet earned her Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies from St. John’s University in Queens, New York, in 2008. She later completed her Juris Doctor at New York Law School in 2013. During her legal education, she interned with several prominent organizations and legal institutions, including LIFT at Brooklyn Family Court, the Office of the Public Defender in Baltimore, and the Chambers of Chief Judge Robert M. Bell of the Maryland Court of Appeals.
Before joining Griffith Immigration Law, Tonet gained extensive experience in both immigration and family law as a Senior Associate at Gallagher & Hansen. There, she handled SIJS, U-Visas, divorce proceedings, legal name changes, and adoption matters. Her dual focus on immigration and family law allowed her to advocate effectively for vulnerable populations, particularly children and survivors of abuse or neglect.
At Griffith Immigration Law, Tonet McDowell continues to provide high-level legal services with a client-centered approach. She is recognized for her strategic litigation skills, compassionate counsel, and dedication to achieving favorable outcomes for her clients. Her work plays a vital role in supporting the firm’s mission to offer inclusive, reliable, and justice-driven immigration representation.
With a strong foundation in both courtroom advocacy and humanitarian relief, Tonet remains dedicated to helping immigrants establish safety and opportunity in the United States. Her work has empowered many to move forward with dignity and legal security.
Law Office Affiliations
- Senior Associate, Griffith Immigration Law
- Former Senior Associate, Gallagher & Hansen
- Member, Maryland State Bar Association
Licensed State
- Maryland
Education
- New York Law School
Juris Doctor (J.D.) - St. John’s University
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Awards & Badges

- Asylum
- Citizenship
- Visa and Permits