Marie C. Puertollano

Marie C. Puertollano is the Managing Attorney at the Law Offices of Jacob Sapochnick, dedicated entirely to U.S. immigration and nationality law. As one of only 24 Certified Immigration Specialists recognized by the State Bar of California in San Diego County, Ms. Puertollano has successfully represented clients from over 40 countries in high-stakes immigration matters. Her comprehensive practice spans employment-based petitions (including H-1B, L-1, O-1, and PERM applications), family-based filings, investor visas, humanitarian relief including VAWA and asylum, and deportation defense before immigration courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Born and raised in France, Ms. Puertollano earned two advanced legal degrees: a Master's degree in Public Law from the University of Bordeaux and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Comparative Law from California Western School of Law. Prior to entering private practice, she served as a social worker advocating for immigrant rights and gained critical legal experience with both the American Bar Association Immigration Justice Project and the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program. A dedicated leader in her field, she has served as Co-Chair of the New Member Division for the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).

Having immigrated to the United States herself, Ms. Puertollano possesses firsthand insight into the stress and complexities of the immigration process, approaching every case with deep empathy and precision. She is known for thoroughly preparing clients for marriage, citizenship, and adjustment-of-status interviews and actively appearing with them before USCIS officials. Beyond her legal practice, she is a committed community advocate who regularly mentors youth, delivers motivational speeches, and volunteers to feed the homeless.