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
- Employment-Based Immigration
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
