Jae Francis Lee

Principal Attorney

Dr. Jae Francis Lee is a leading authority in complex immigration matters and the Principal Attorney at Francis Law Center. He provides exceptional legal representation to clients nationwide, operating from offices in Chicago, Illinois; Schaumburg, Illinois; and Madison, Wisconsin. His practice is exclusively dedicated to family-based immigration, humanitarian visas, and removal defense, ensuring that vulnerable individuals and separated families receive the highest caliber of legal advocacy available.

What truly sets Dr. Lee apart in the legal field is his profound and distinctive academic foundation. Before establishing his legal practice, he enjoyed a distinguished 22-year career as a university professor teaching U.S. History at the University of Wisconsin. He holds a Ph.D. in History from New York University (2000), a J.D. from the University of Wisconsin (2012), a B.A. from Korea University (1994), and a B.S. from Iowa State University (1993). This unique dual expertise—combining a doctorate in history with a Juris Doctor—gives him an unparalleled perspective on the evolution, intent, and real-world application of U.S. immigration law. He has authored several textbook chapters and peer-reviewed journal articles, and frequently lectures on legal topics relating to U.S. Immigration History.

At Francis Law Center, Dr. Lee channels his academic rigor into meticulous legal strategy for every client. He is deeply committed to easing family separations and promoting lasting family unity. His family-based immigration practice focuses heavily on K-1 fiancé(e) visas, spousal green cards through marriage, and complex 601/601A waiver green card services. He understands that behind every application is a family waiting to build their life together in the United States, and he approaches each case with top-notch research, meticulous documentation, and courteous client consultation.

In addition to family reunification, Dr. Lee is a fierce advocate for those seeking refuge and protection. His humanitarian visa practice provides a vital lifeline to individuals fleeing persecution, carefully navigating the intricate requirements of asylum and other protective statuses. Furthermore, his removal defense work represents the critical frontline of immigration law. When clients face the terrifying prospect of deportation, Dr. Lee leverages his comprehensive knowledge of the law and his formidable courtroom presence to fight vigorously for their right to remain in the country.

Areas of Practice

Immigration 100%
- Family-Based Immigration
- Humanitarian Visas & Citizenship
- Removal Defense

Bar Admissions

Wisconsin, 2012
U.S. District Court Western District of Wisconsin, 2012
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin, 2022
U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois, 2022
U.S. District Court Central District of Illinois, 2024
U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, 2022

Education

University of Wisconsin Law School, Madison, Wisconsin
- J.D.
- Honors: Labor and Employment Certificate with Honors
New York University, New York, New York
- Ph.D. – 2000
- Honors: Graduate Teaching Fellowships 1998-2000
- Major: History
Korea University, Seoul
- B.A. – 1994
- Major: Western History
Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
- B.S. – 1993
- Major: History

Published Works

History of the United States Since 1865, Great River Learning, 2016
Nativism, Gale Cengage Publishing, 2016
The Dawes Act, Gale Cengage Publishing, 2016
“Feasibility of applying for a non-immigrant visa while family-based immigration petition is pending”, 2015
“Citizenship proof challenges for naturalized U.S. Citizens”, 2015

Classes/Seminars

U.S. History Professor at the University of Wisconsin
Transformations of the Trans-Pacific World after World War II: Cultural, Social and Economic Exchanges and Changes in the United States and People’s Republic of China, Confucius Institute, 2015 to 2015
Transnational Re-mapping of the “Yellow Peril, Association of Asian American Studies Conference, 2015 to 2015
The De-Constitutionalization of Employee Free Speech Protection: Rise and Fall of Mythical Contrasts between the Public and Private Sector Employee Free Speech Protection, National Social Sciences Association Conference, 2014 to 2014
U.S. Legal History, University of Wisconsin, 2014 to 2014
Emergency Assistance: Who may qualify and how to apply? , Dane Country Circuit Court Information Session, 2012 to 2012

Honors and Awards

Expert Network, Distinguished Lawyer in Immigration Law, 2017
Lead Counsel, Lead Counsel Rating in Immigration Law, 2017
Selected by Expertise as Top 20 Best Immigration Lawyers in Milwaukee – 2016
Top 10 Best Immigration Attorney, American Institute of Legal Counsel – 2016
Pro Bono Honor Society, Wisconsin Bar Association – 2015-2016
Labor and Employment Law Certificate with Honors, University of Wisconsin Law School – 2012
Super Lawyers, 2019-Present
Expertise, Best Abogados de Inmigración in Madison, 2022
Avvo, 10 Avvo Rating for Top Attorney, 2019-Present
Avvo, Clients’ Choice Award, 2015

Professional Associations and Memberships

National Immigration Project, National Lawyers Guild, Member, 2015 to Present
National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, Member, 2015 to Present
Dane County Bar Association, Member, 2012 to Present
Korean American Bar Association of Chicago, Member, 2015 to Present
Wisconsin Bar Association, Member, 2012 to Present
American Immigration Lawyers Association, Member, 2012 to Present
Good Shepherd House, President and in-House Counsel, 2016 to Present
AILA Chicago Chapter, CVLS Committee member, 2016 to Present
AILA Chicago Chapter, New Member Committee member, 2016 to Present
American Catholic Lawyers Association, Volunteer attorney, 2016 to Present
American Bar Association, 2022-Present

Past Employment Positions

Friedman & Anspach (NYC) , Law Clerk
National Labor Relations Board, Legal Intern
Sally Stix Law Office, Law Clerk
Neighborhood Law Project, University of Wisconsin Law School, Student Attorney
University of Wisconsin, Associate Professor of History

Pro Bono Activities

Volunteer Attorney, Hana Center, Prospect Heights, IL, 2026 to Present
Pro Bono Attorney, St. Mary Magdalene Congregation, Milwaukee, WI, 2015 to Present
Pro Bono Attorney, St. Francis Law Center, Madison, WI, 2012 to 2014
Volunteer Attorney, Tenant Resources Center, Madison, WI, 2012 to Present
Volunteer Attorney, Legal Action of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 2012 to Present

EXCELLENT

Based on 451 reviews

Roberto Negron

August 9, 2026

Francis Law deliver outstanding result with our case. 100% recommend!

Jeff Steenwyk

August 8, 2026

Francis Law Center took a very difficult process (i.e. getting my wife & two daughters a marriage visa/green card) and made it go so much more smoothly. For those that have have not gone through this process, it is very cumbersome and downright scary. Francis Law Center, with huge kudos to Jae and our para legals Alex and Grace, made this tiresome process go much more smoothly. Grace was particularly awesome at the very end, as many last minute items came up that she handled extremely professionally. THANK YOU FRANCIS LAW CENTER, especially Alex, Grace & Jae

Yascara Romero

July 31, 2026

My family has trusted Francis Law Center for two completely different immigration cases, and we are incredibly grateful for the results. My own case was marriage-based. I had DACA and had previously traveled with Advance Parole, so I was able to adjust my status without leaving the United States. Attorney Jae Francis guided me through every step of the process, making everything clear, organized, and surprisingly stress-free. The entire process was smooth, efficient, and I successfully received my permanent resident card. My father’s case was much more complex and included an immigration waiver. His petition was through his U.S. citizen son, and unfortunately, he had initially started the process with a notary, which created several complications. Attorney Francis took over the case midway through, carefully untangled the issues, and guided our family through a much longer and more challenging process. They conducted extensive research to make sure they fully understood every aspect of the case and developed the best strategy possible. During the waiting period, we would have appreciated a little more proactive follow-up and communication. We understand the firm was going through a restructuring process at the time, which likely contributed to some delays, so we tried to be patient. Despite that, Attorney Francis remained committed to my father’s case, and we’re happy to report that he attended his immigrant visa interview in Ciudad Juárez just last week and was approved for his green card. That is no small victory, especially under the current immigration climate. One thing I really appreciate is that they offer free consultations and are upfront about their fees. Transparency is important, especially when you’re making a significant financial investment and choosing legal representation that can truly make the difference between successfully obtaining legal status and losing the opportunity to remain with your family in the United States. Overall, Attorney Jae Francis is knowledgeable, honest, and thorough.

Gabriela Ortiz Gaspar

July 29, 2026

I consistently receive prompt, efficient service and exceptional professional results. I have renewed my DACA through this firm for years, followed their recommendation to complete the advanced parole process, and successfully obtained my marriage-based green card with their assistance. I offer my highest recommendation.

Estrella Flores

July 25, 2026

Hola buenos días quería información trabajan sobre visa juvenil? Gracias

Vitou Sor

July 9, 2026

I highly recommend Francis Law Center. Ms Miri is knowledgeable, reliable, and very responsive. She explained everything clearly from the beginning and guided us through every step of the process. Ms Miri always responded quickly to our emails, texts, and phones call, no matter the time.

Kendall Grant

July 8, 2026

Finished in person consultation with Dr Jae Francis. The staff and Dr Jae were friendly throughout the appointment. We had many questions prepared and were satisfied that they were all explained. We signed a contract and started our immigration journey with them. Very excited

Kirenia Vazquez Ulacia

June 25, 2026

Fueron muy atentos y profesionales, siempre contestaban mis correos, los recomiendo

sendy arzadon

June 21, 2026

I am incredibly grateful to Francis Law Center for helping me with my I-751 case after I received a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID). From the beginning, their team was knowledgeable, responsive, and supportive during a very stressful time. They carefully reviewed my case, helped me prepare a strong response, and guided me through every step of the process. Their attention to detail and expertise gave me confidence when I needed it most. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, my case had a positive outcome. I highly recommend Francis Law Center to anyone dealing with complex immigration matters. They truly care about their clients and go above and beyond to help families stay together. Thank you to Attorney Francis and the entire team for your outstanding service and support.