Immigrant Stories To America
Whitaker Legal Company

Our Story and Mission.

At Whitaker Legal, our dedication is to serve and empower the immigrant community. With a focus on resolving complex immigration issues, we aim to be a beacon of hope for individuals facing legal challenges.

Our mission is clear: “To empower immigrants to build a future without barriers, reflecting Biblical principles in all we do, by striving for excellence, serving humbly & inspiring hope.”

This mission drives us to equip immigrants with the tools and expertise needed to overcome obstacles. “Building a future without barriers” highlights our commitment to breaking down systemic challenges. By adhering to Biblical principles, we uphold integrity, compassion, and service in all we do.

Striving for excellence ensures we deliver top-notch representation, while serving humbly reminds us to approach each case with empathy and respect. Inspiring hope is our cornerstone—restoring faith and optimism to those navigating immigration complexities.

We understand the unique struggles of our clients and thrive on finding solutions others may overlook. At Whitaker Legal, we believe in transformation—in the legal realm and in the lives of those we serve. Together, we’ll navigate the path to a brighter future, guided by our mission to empower, inspire, and build lives without barriers.

Nicole Whitaker, Champion for Immigration Justice.

It all started with a flyer that inspired me to move to Spain to teach English as a Second Language in the Madrid public school system. I always planned to go to law school, but I didn’t know exactly what type of law I wanted to practice. I was the first person in my family to go to college and unlike many of my classmates in law school, there were no lawyers in my family.

After returning to the United States and starting my first semester at the University of Baltimore School of Law, I started teaching English as a Second Language for the Community College of Baltimore County. I had students from many different countries and continents. Since my students knew I was in law school, they shared their bad experiences with lawyers in this country.

I was shocked at the stories I heard. Some were swindled by notarios, con-artists pretending to be cheap immigration lawyers who collect retainers and never deliver services – or worse, file fraudulent applications. Others were cheated by criminals who set up shop, collect retainer deposits from as many hopeful clients as possible, and move on to the next town leaving their clients out to dry.

I realized that I had the opportunity to serve the underrepresented immigrant community. I opened my own firm to provide zealous advocacy and honest representation to those who need it the most. After traveling to several different countries, I believe that we are blessed to live in the greatest country in the world. I understand why so many risk their lives to come to this country in search of the American dream.

It’s clear to me that I didn’t just fall into immigration law. If I hadn’t seen that flyer, I never would have taught English in Spain. If I hadn’t taught English in Spain, I never would have started teaching ESOL here in the United States. If I hadn’t taught my first ESOL classes, I never would have realized my passion for serving the immigrant community. Some might call it a series of coincidences. But I call it God’s divine plan. It is no coincidence that I became an immigration law practitioner. I consider it a privilege to be able to make a difference in people’s lives and change families’ histories forever.

Nicole Whitaker

Attorney Whitaker is an adjunct professor at the University of Baltimore School of Law where she teaches Lawyering in Spanish and Legal Analysis, Research and Writing.
Ms. Whitaker is licensed to practice law in Maryland.

Empowering Dreams Nationwide.

Our mission is to empower immigrants to build a future without barriers, reflecting Biblical principles in all we do, by striving for excellence, serving humbly & inspiring hope.

Across All 50 States

We can represent you, no matter where you live in the United States!

Bilingual Support

We Speak Spanish! Our team is fluent in both English and Spanish, ensuring a streamlined immigration process for all our clients.

Immigrant Roots

Many members of the Whitaker Legal team have a personal connection to the work we do for immigrants.

Accessible Expertise

We provide accessible expertise, ensuring that top-tier immigration legal guidance is within reach for all.

Meet the Team.

Aythnis

Aythnis Merced Rivera

Attorney

Attorney Aythnis Merced Rivera specializes in representing clients in deportation proceedings and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status cases for children under 21 who live in the United States. Prior to joining Whitaker Legal, she worked in the private sector and for non-profit organizations. Aythnis earned her Bachelor’s in Forensic Psychology and her Juris Doctor in Puerto Rico before moving to Washington, DC where she obtained an LL.M. in International Law.

Adriana

Adriana Jimenez

Attorney

Attorney Adriana Jimenez focuses on marriage and family-based cases as well as humanitarian immigration cases like VAWA, U visas, and T visas. Her experience also includes work with waivers, military parole in place, and citizenship applications. As a native of San Antonio, Texas and the oldest daughter of Mexican immigrants, she is fully bilingual in Spanish and English. She has zealously represented her clients before United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).

Alexia Astori

Law Clerk

Alexia Astori is a Law Clerk at Whitaker Legal, dedicated to helping clients secure work permits or green cards without leaving the country. She graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law in December 2024, gaining hands-on experience assisting clients with T visa petitions through the Immigrant Justice Clinic. Alexia holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology and is fluent in Italian, English, and Spanish, enabling her to support diverse clients with compassionate, well-researched legal representation.

Ready to Begin Your Immigration Journey?

Contact Us Today for Expert Guidance!