Francisco Symphorien-Saavedra

"Frank" Symphorien-Saavedra is a Florida Bar Board Certified Expert and Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law. As the Florida Bar’s website explains, only 6% of all lawyers in Florida have earned this high distinction, which is The Florida Bar’s highest level of evaluation for the competency and experience of attorneys. Board certification recognizes an attorney’s special knowledge, skills and proficiency in Immigration and Nationality Law.

Mr. Symphorien-Saavedra is rated a perfect 10.0—Superb, Rating from AVVO, and AV “Preeminent” by Martindale-Hubbell. These ratings further reflect that Mr. Symphorien-Saavedra has been evaluated by his peers and received the highest distinction for ethical standards and legal ability.

Outside of his practice, Mr. Symphorien-Saavedra is a strong advocate for immigrant rights. Mr. Symphorien-Saavedra currently serves as the U.S. Customs and Border (CBP) Protection Liaison Chair for the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Mr. Symphorien-Saavedra has also been actively involved in the past with the Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida (HBACF) as the Public Relations and bylaws Chair.

Mr. Symphorien-Saavedra has provided commentary on WVENTV—Univision, Unimas, and other local news media outlets. He has been a guest speaker on a myriad of immigration related topics, ranging from immigration reform, to state immigration statutes, among others.

A native of Venezuela, Mr. Symphorien-Saavedra immigrated to the United States when he was 11 years old. Believing in America's promise of opportunity for his children, his father worked 24-hour shifts as a taxi driver in New York City in order to bring his wife and children to the United States.

Mr. Symphorien-Saavedra attended West Orange High School in Winter Garden where he participated in the law magnet program and won a mock appellate brief competition. His promising young career was evident when he also presented mock oral arguments on his written brief before the Florida Supreme Court.

Mr. Symphorien-Saavedra attended The Florida State University College of Law after graduating with high honors from the University of South Florida. Mr. Symphorien-Saavedra focused his studies on Asylum and Refugee law, International Law, and served as an editor of the FSU Journal of Transnational Law and Policy. Mr. Symphorien-Saavedra also worked as a summer law clerk for the Orlando Immigration Court. In this role, Mr. Symphorien-Saavedra wrote draft decisions for the Honorable United States Immigration Judges, Rafael Ortiz-Segura, Earl B. Wilson, and Victoria Ghartey.

In his current practice, Mr. Symphorien-Saavedra fights deportation charges in Immigration Court. Mr. Symphorien-Saavedra’s employment-based immigration practice works closely with businesses to guide them in complying with immigration laws and obtaining necessary work personnel.

Mr. Symphorien-Saavedra also regularly helps clients obtain lawful permanent residence (green cards) and non-immigrant visas through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). He provides legal counsel to immigrants on the Department of State consular process at embassies around the world. Mr. Symphorien-Saavedra also processes employment visas and family petitions and represents clients during USCIS naturalization or green card interviews.

Fighting to limit delays for his clients, Mr. Symphorien-Saavedra frequently litigates cases in Federal Courts throughout Florida. Through his efforts, clients may gain a court order requiring that their case be processed at a reasonable pace. Additionally, Mr. Symphorien-Saavedra challenges legal errors by often filing appeals and petitions for review before the Board of Immigration Appeals and the United States Circuit Courts of Appeals.

Francisco Symphorien-Saavedra meets with clients regularly for personal consultations. He would be honored to assist you in achieving your immigration goals.

EDUCATION:

BAR ADMISSIONS: Florida, 160 Combined Score

COURT ADMISSIONS: Florida Supreme Court; U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida; U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit

PREVIOUS POSITIONS: Orlando Immigration Court, EOIR Summer Clerk; Florida Bar Foundation Summer Fellow

PUBLICATIONS: What's Missing from Immigration Debate?, Orlando Style Magazine 2010

Languages: English, Spanish (Fluent in speaking, reading, and writing)