Principals

Drew Porter

James Andrew (Drew) Porter is an experienced lawyer, having practiced U.S. citizenship and immigration law since his call to the State Bar of Michigan in 1988 (P42363). He is an American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) mentor to other lawyers and has been recognized by AILA for setting precedent in achieving United States E-2 Treaty Investor Status for the benefit of a Canadian citizen physician. He has also successfully challenged adverse USCIS decisions by appealing such before the AAU, achieving precedent and non-precedent decisions. 

Having practiced Canadian citizenship and immigration law since his call to the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) in 1992, he is certified as a Specialist in Canadian Citizenship and Immigration Law. He is a member of the Canadian Bar Association – Citizenship and Immigration Law Section.

He is frequently interviewed by national media outlets and local radio programs, as well as newspaper publications as to his opinion concerning varying citizenship and immigration legal issues pertinent to both Canada and the US. As well, he has been an invited speaker upon such subject matter at OBA conferences, the University of Windsor and the Canadian Consulate in Detroit.

Drew has acted for a number of Fortune 500 companies with cross border interests, inclusive of automotive Tier 1, 2, and OEM’s, often reconciling the laws and regulations across jurisdictions in order to enable effective deployment of human resources.

He is the proud father of Jack and Jessica, grandfather to Savanna Sol, and best bud to Rusty. He has been active in his community as a past Director of the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society and Province of Ontario Ministry of Housing, Essex County Housing Authority.

Education

UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR (1984)
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) conferred

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
(DETROIT COLLEGE OF LAW)
Juris Doctorate (J.D.) (1988) conferred

UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR
Bachelor of Laws (LLB Accredited)

Professional Legal Associations

• Member of the State Bar of Michigan [P42363]

• Member of the Law Society of Ontario [32693J]

• Member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) [10025]

• Member of Ontario Bar Association – Citizenship and Immigration Law Section [172409]

• Member of Canadian Bar Association – Citizenship and Immigration Law Section [172409]

Publications

• Porter, James A. (January 24, 2006).
  Inadmissibility – When Your Past Catches up to You. Ontario Bar Association.

Jessie Porter-Avello

Jessie is our Office Manager, bringing both professional and personal insight to her role. With firsthand experience navigating immigration processes, she understands the complexities and personal considerations that often come with these life transitions. Having migrated to the United States to live in Maine where she started her family, Jessie has a deep appreciation for the support immigration law can provide.

As a proud mother and avid traveler, Jessie brings a compassionate and grounded approach to her work, helping clients feel supported and at ease.

Originally from Tecumseh, Ontario, Jessie is proud to have returned to her roots in the Windsor-Essex County region. She values being part of such a diverse and vibrant community and is dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all who walk through the firm’s doors.