LL.M. Program - Immigration and Nationality Law

 

María Fernanda Olivares recently passed the July 2025 Texas Bar Exam on her first attempt. Originally from Mexico, Ms. Olivares is a licensed attorney and certified public accountant in her home country. After immigrating to the United States, she discovered her true vocation in immigration law, inspired by her desire to help others improve their lives and achieve stability in this great nation.
She earned her Master of Laws (LL.M.) in U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Law from Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University, graduating with academic distinction. Before pursuing bar admission, Ms. Olivares worked for several years as an immigration paralegal and consultant, specializing in humanitarian relief and VAWA cases.
Her background in both law and accounting provides her with a strong analytical foundation and a compassionate approach to client advocacy. Ms. Olivares is committed to continuing her career in immigration law, empowering individuals and families to build a better future in the United States.

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Jose Trevino has been sharing his time between Houston and his hometown in Monterrey, Mexico since 2008, when he arrived in Houston to pursue an MBA degree at Rice University’s Jones School of Business.

Whether rendering business consultancy services or acting as a legal advisor of Mexican law, Trevino has helped numerous clients on both sides of the Rio Grande to expand their business horizons.
Upon completion of the LLM Program in December 2024, Trevino has helped the law firm where he’s working to launch its business immigration program, using the skillset obtained at Thurgood Marshall to advice clients in an array of immigration matters ranging from family-based petitions to multi-national executive employees’ immigrant petitions.

Trevino enjoys traveling with his wife (Manuela) and their two daughters (Cayetana & Lola), rooting for the Houston Rockets and shining his boots every year to attend the Houston Rodeo.

 

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Sofia Hidalgo (Fratti) recently passed the Texas July 2024 Bar with a 293 score as a first-time taker. Upon immigrating to the United States in 2017 as a Magna Cum Laude graduated attorney licensed to practice in El Salvador, she discovered her passion for immigration law. Sofia received her LL.M. degree in Immigration and Nationality Law from Thurgood Marshall School of Law (TMSL) in May 2019 with a 4.0 GPA.

For over 5 years, Sofia worked as a Foreign Legal Consultant licensed with the State Bar of Texas in a boutique immigration law firm in Houston, where she supervised the family department. Sofia is currently an Associate Immigration Attorney at Herrera Firm, focusing on family and employment-based immigration.

 

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Nkeiruka Grace Smith is a Senior Associate Attorney with Daniel Ogbeide Law PLLC where she practices Family Law, and Immigration and Naturalization Laws. A graduate of Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University, where she received her Master of Laws degree (LL.M) in US Immigration and Naturalization Law, graduating top 2% of the class. She earned her Legum Baccalaureaus degree (LL. B), graduating magna cum laude, from Imo University, and her BL from Nig Law School. Ms. Smith has more than a decade of experience in legal practice and has excelled both as a corporate attorney with prestigious corporations and private practice, over different continents, and diverse workplaces. Ms. Smith is a member of the State Bar of Texas, she also admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. She is a proud mother of one child (Laura), and loves to travel, dine out, attend concerts, and spend quality time with loved ones.

LL.M – Master of Laws in US Immigration and Naturalization Laws – Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University (graduated top 2%)
LL.B – Legum Baccalaureaus– Imo University (graduated magna cum laude)
B.L – Nig. Law School (Barrister at Law)