People often express surprise when they discover an immigration lawyer practicing outside of Portland. Other reactions usually include either concern, curiosity, or frustration about an issue that is frequently in the news. Attorney Jennifer Atkinson will discuss what is like to practice immigration law and share her thoughts on the concepts, policies and trends that shape this field, both in Maine and the nation. She will also touch on the law itself, to share a sense of its complexities, surprises, and rewards.

With family roots in North Lovell, Jennifer moved to Maine after graduating from Cornell Law School in 1993. Ten years ago she shifted her practice into immigration law. Jennifer lives with her family in Damariscotta and has been a mid-coast resident for 30 years. Raised in Harvard, Massachusetts, she's also lived as an immigrant in Newfoundland, Canada and spent extended periods of time in Jordan, Kenya, the U.K., India, and Guatemala.

As an attorney at Gallagher, Villeneuve and DeGeer, PLLC, Jennifer's immigration practice concentrates on family-based and humanitarian matters as well as naturalization. She serves clients locally and across Maine.