About

A family supported through removal defense proceedings
Welcome To

The Nemecek Firm, Ltd.

The Nemecek Firm, Ltd. offers a comprehensive range of immigration services to clients across the U.S. and abroad. Built on a passion for delivering highly effective legal representation throughout every stage of the immigration process, the firm is dedicated to treating each case with great attention and care. This dedication combined with The Nemecek Firm’s intricate knowledge of the complex immigration laws has enabled the firm to provide first-rate solutions in a time efficient manner.

THE FIRM'S CORE PRACTICE AREAS INCLUDE:

Immigration for Families & Individuals
  • Green Cards, TPS, Naturalization, Asylum, Waivers, Immigration Litigation, etc.
  • DACA, Deferred Action (DACA), Prosecutorial Discretion, Stays of Removal
Employment-based Immigration
  • Temporary Work Visas: (H-1B, TN, L-1, O-1, E, etc.)
  • Green Cards: PERM, Extraordinary Ability, National Interest Waivers, Academics, Investors, etc.
Corporate Immigration Compliance
  • I-9, E-Verify, DOL and ICE Audits/Investigations, etc.
Julie C. Nemecek, founder and managing partner of The Nemecek Firm
Founder & Managing Partner

Julie C. Nemecek

Julie Nemecek is a seasoned immigration attorney with over 20 years of exclusive experience in the field. In 2010, she founded The Nemecek Firm, Ltd. with a mission to treat every client with respect, compassion, and individualized attention. Understanding that immigration law is often complex and overwhelming, Attorney Nemecek is committed to educating her clients so they feel informed and empowered throughout their legal journey.

Attorney Nemecek is also a fierce advocate for immigrant rights on both local and national levels. She actively collaborates with advocacy groups to push for fair, just immigration policies and reform. Her compassion for vulnerable populations is most notably reflected in the legal and advocacy campaign she led to stop the deportations of Black Mauritanian refugees to one of the last countries in the world still practicing slavery. Through a powerful blend of legal strategy, communications, and public advocacy, the campaign made a meaningful impact during one of the most challenging chapters in recent U.S. immigration history.

Her leadership and legal work have been widely recognized. Attorney Nemecek was featured in Episode 6 of the Netflix documentary series Living Undocumented and has been covered by numerous media outlets including USA Today, Bloomberg Business, Bloomberg Law, NBC News, The New Yorker, Thomson Reuters, The Columbus Dispatch, and The Center for Investigative Reporting. She has also appeared on local television news channels for NBC (WCMH-TV), ABC (WSYX-TV), CBS (WBNS-TV), and FOX (WTTE-TV), and was a guest on All Sides with Ann Fisher alongside Rubén Castilla Herrera.

In 2020, Attorney Nemecek was invited to speak at the prestigious North American Refugee Health Conference. She has also delivered presentations on immigration law for organizations such as the Bureau of Workers Compensation, AIDS Resource Center Ohio, Buckeye Ranch, and various international student associations and nonprofits.

Her legal expertise spans a wide array of immigration services, including family-based immigration, employment-based immigration, removal defense, DACA, TPS, asylum, and naturalization. Known for her precision and deep understanding of immigration law’s complexities, Attorney Nemecek is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for every client. She believes that in immigration law, the devil is in the details—and it’s her commitment to those details that defines her practice.

EDUCATION

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

LANGUAGES

BAR ADMISSIONS

Andréa Charles, immigration attorney at The Nemecek Firm

Andréa Charles

Andréa spent her childhood in France in a Haitian household. She practiced the piano, harpsichord, and martial arts, such as the Viet Vo Dao, which sharpened her spirit to persevere and fight for what she believes is right. Thanks to her childhood and experiences in higher education, Andréa Charles decided to dedicate her career to assisting those in pursuit of a better life.

Andréa Charles earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Lindenwood University where she took International Relations, Economics, Philosophy, and Sociology courses to prepare her to work with clients from diverse backgrounds.

Andréa Charles earned her Juris Doctor from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law. She volunteered as an interpreter for organizations assisting asylum seekers such as the International Institute. During her third year, she became a student attorney at the WashU Immigration Law Clinic handling her first asylum cases. She was also a research assistant at the Crimes Against Humanity Initiative, participating in the drafting of a UN Treaty to fight the commission of crimes against humanity with impunity. After graduating, Andréa Charles worked at a business immigration firm assisting organizations retaining international talents.

Throughout her studies, volunteer and professional experiences, Andréa Charles develops advocacy skills and stamina to assist vulnerable clients with their goals with empathy.

EDUCATION

Lindenwood University, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, 2021
Washington University in St. Louis School of Law, Juris Doctor, 2025

LANGUAGES

English
French
Haitian Creole

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

American Immigration Lawyers Association
Ohio State Bar Association

BAR ADMISSIONS

The Supreme Court of Indiana, 2026

Anna Cotter, immigration attorney at The Nemecek Firm

Anna Cotter

Anna is a committed immigration attorney who believes everyone deserves to live in a place where they feel a sense of safety and belonging. As a teenager, Anna spent four years living in Berne, Switzerland where she experienced firsthand some of the struggles that can accompany immigrating to an unfamiliar country.

Prior to her legal career, Anna earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Science with a minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Ohio State University. There she developed a passion for working with families and became an advocate for women’s and family issues in the Columbus community.

After graduating from Capital University Law School in 2023, Anna spent two years as a municipal prosecutor here in Columbus, where she continued to develop her advocacy skills, particularly regarding individuals who had been victims of violence. Today, Anna focuses her practice on asylum law. She is driven by a desire to advocate for those who have experienced violence or oppression and to provide compassionate representation for all of her clients

EDUCATION

Ohio State University, Bachelor of Science, Human Development and Family Science


Capital University Law School, Juris Doctor

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

Ohio State Bar Association

BAR ADMISSIONS

Supreme Court of Ohio, 2023

Eugénie Motais, immigration attorney at The Nemecek Firm

Eugénie Motais

Born and raised in France, Eugénie developed a strong interest in law, international affairs, and human rights through her studies. She earned two bachelor’s degrees in France, one in Law and another in Political Science, before pursuing a Master’s degree in International Law, where she developed a particular focus on International Human Rights Law.

In 2024, Eugénie moved to the United States to continue her studies and later navigated the process of obtaining lawful permanent residence. Her own experience with the U.S. immigration system gave her a personal understanding of the challenges immigrants face and strengthened her commitment to helping others through the process.

Before becoming an immigration attorney, Eugénie volunteered with organizations serving immigrant communities, assisting individuals seeking to obtain or regularize their immigration status. These experiences deepened her passion for immigration law and reinforced her belief in the importance of compassionate and accessible legal representation.

Eugénie passed the New York Bar Examination in 2025. Today, at The Nemecek Firm, she focuses her practice on asylum law and immigration appeals, representing individuals seeking protection and advocating for their rights throughout the immigration process.

Driven by her passion for human rights and her own understanding of the immigrant experience, Eugénie is committed to serving her clients with humanity, dignity, and compassion. She strives to ensure that every client feels heard, respected, and effectively represented throughout their legal journey.

EDUCATION

Jean Moulin Universite Lyon III, Bachelor of Law and Political Science, 2022
Pazmany Peter University, Masters International Organizations Law, 2023
Jean Moulin Universite Lyon III, Masters International Organizations Law, 2024
LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, LL.M Comparative Law, 2025

LANGUAGES

English
French

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

Ohio State Bar Association

BAR ADMISSIONS

The New York State Bar

Heba Fathala, immigration attorney at The Nemecek Firm

Heba Fathala

Raised in Saudi Arabia by Egyptian parents, Heba Fathala brings a unique global perspective and a deep commitment to serving others. Growing up in a multicultural environment shaped her appreciation for diverse experiences and instilled in her a strong belief in the importance of community, service, and meaningful advocacy.

Heba earned her undergraduate degree from Capital University, where she studied Criminology, Sociology, and Psychology. Her academic background provided valuable insight into human behavior, social systems, and the challenges individuals often face. She later attended The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, where she developed the legal knowledge and advocacy skills that continue to guide her practice today.

As the daughter of immigrants, Heba understands the resilience, determination, and sacrifices that often shape family journeys. Her personal experiences, combined with her legal training, allow her to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds and provide thoughtful, compassionate representation.

At The Nemecek Firm, Heba is dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate complex legal matters with confidence and clarity. She is committed to ensuring that every client feels heard, respected, and supported throughout the legal process.

Driven by a lifelong passion for service, Heba is deeply involved in her community and believes that meaningful advocacy extends beyond the courtroom. She is proud to combine her education, lived experiences, and commitment to helping others to make a positive impact and serve her clients with compassion, integrity, and dedication.

EDUCATION

Capital University, Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, Sociology, Psychology, 2022
The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, Juris Doctor, 2025

LANGUAGES

English
Arabic

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

Ohio State Bar Association

BAR ADMISSIONS

The Supreme Court of Ohio, 2026

Lilia Khordj, senior immigration attorney at The Nemecek Firm
Senior Attorney

Lilia Khordj


Born in France to Algerian immigrant parents, Lilia brings a personal and profound understanding of the immigrant experience. As an immigrant herself, she is deeply committed to guiding others through the complex U.S. immigration system with empathy and expertise.

Lilia earned her law degree in France, where she specialized in International Law and Human Rights Law. Her academic background laid a strong foundation for her lifelong dedication to humanitarian advocacy and justice.

In July 2024, Lilia reached a significant milestone in her legal journey by passing the New York Bar. Today, at The Nemecek Firm, she focuses her practice on asylum law—providing compassionate, skilled representation to individuals seeking protection and a fresh start.

Driven by a strong belief in justice, fairness, and the dignity of all people, Lilia is proud to combine her legal training with her lived experience to support those most in need. Her mission is to help as many asylum seekers as possible find safety, stability, and hope for a better future.

EDUCATION

Jean Moulin Universite Lyon III, American Law, 2019

Jean Moulin Universite Lyon III, LLB, 2020

Universite Toulouse Capitole, Masters of International Economic Law, 2022

Universite Toulouse Capitole, II Masters of International Economic Law, 2023

Stetson University, LLM International Law, 2023

LANGUAGES

English

French

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

Ohio State Bar Association

BAR ADMISSIONS

The New York State Bar

Marie Kaplan, immigration attorney at The Nemecek Firm

Marie Kaplan

Growing up in an immigrant household, Marie Kaplan knew she wanted to dedicate her career to serving one of society’s most vulnerable populations.

Marie earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science. During her undergraduate years, she led her local food pantry and volunteered with international humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Committee of the Red Cross. She also served as a tutor for international exchange students.

Marie earned her Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law. As a law student, she represented immigrants through her school’s immigration clinic, with a focus on naturalization and humanitarian cases.

Marie is a dedicated advocate for immigrants. She brings both rigorous professional training and deep personal understanding to her work, treating each case with the care she would extend to her own family. Her lived experience and cultural background uniquely equip her to serve immigrant communities with both empathy and strength.

EDUCATION


Kent State University, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, 2020
The Ohio State University, Juris Doctor, 2025

LANGUAGES

English
Russian

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

American Immigration Lawyers Association
Ohio State Bar Association

BAR ADMISSIONS

The Supreme Court of Ohio, 2025