Who We Are
Jonathan C. Dunten, Principal Attorney
It should go without saying that a lawyer must be honest. Nevertheless, Jonathan chooses to highlight his honesty because clients often remind him it is the reason they refer others to him.
"Clearly explaining to you why I think your case is strong or weak is critical. I am not satisfied our consultation is over until I truly believe you comprehend the choices that lie before you and the possible outcomes of each decision you might take. I will educate you on the applicable laws to your case and you will better understand the reasons for my questions and instructions. I will enjoy teaching you because fear feeds on ignorance. Nobody enjoys lying awake at night worrying and wondering about their case. Knowing what to expect, for the better or the worse, is better than the hell of uncertainty we would otherwise create for ourselves. What I love most about my job is bringing legal and emotional relief to our clients."
Jonathan is licensed to practice law before the Executive Office for Immigration Review, the Board of Immigration Appeals, all California State Courts, the Federal District Court for Northern California, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Jonathan received his undergraduate degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara with honors, and his Juris Doctor from Golden Gate University School of Law with certificates of specialization with distinction in international law and business law.
Jonathan began practicing immigration law exclusively at a boutique firm in San Francisco. Two years later, he opened his own office and grew the practice to include criminal law. In 2013, Jonathan moved the office to its permanent location in Oakland's Madison Square Professional Building.
Jonathan was a media liaison for the Bay Area chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. He was also a professor of immigration and criminal law at Oakland's East Bay Law School. He was an attorney advisor for the Consulate General of Guatemala and is an attorney-advisor for the Consulate General of Mexico in San Francisco.
For over 16 years, Jonathan has donated his time and expertise in various capacities to local and international organizations, receiving certificates of gratitude from places like the San Francisco AIDS Legal Referral Panel, Pittsburg School District, East Bay Law School, and the Bay Area Chapter of the Coalition of Concerned Legal Professionals.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Jonathan participated in many outreach activities and regularly spoke at community events. He also enjoyed accepting domestic and international invitations to discuss current events concerning immigration on radio and television. Jonathan currently chairs the executive board at The Latina Center, a local, non-profit community center.
“A good client is an educated client, so it is the lawyer's job to make sure the client gets that training early on. What better time to begin that legal training than during a consultation?” – Jonathan
Grant Berg, Associate Attorney
Immigration law is an ever-evolving set of rules. Our associate attorney Grant endeavors to use his award-winning research and writing skills to master the law applicable to your case and present winning applications on your behalf in Immigration Court. If the judge makes a mistake in your case, Grant can fight for you on appeal all the way to the Federal Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Grant received his Juris Doctor from The George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C., where he specialized in international and human rights law. While in law school, Grant volunteered with the International Refugee Assistance Project for two years as a case manager. He is also a bilingual Spanish-English speaker who has lived and worked in Europe and Asia.
Grant particularly enjoys legal writing and previously served as the Senior Articles Editor of the International Law in Domestic Courts Journal at GW Law. There, Grant oversaw the creation of numerous articles on international law for publication in the Oxford Reports on International Law, with a focus on the U.S. Torture Victim Protection Act and its relationship with the U.N. Convention Against Torture.
Grant is licensed to practice immigration law nationwide and before the Federal Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
“I am committed to turning your problems into solutions that exceed your expectations. With my strong background in cross-cultural communication, I am confident that I can help you in any setting where you require immigration relief.” – Grant
Brenda Garcia, Paralegal
The legal system is relentless in imposing evidentiary requirements and deadlines. Fortunately, our paralegal and office manager Brenda makes sure you collect all necessary documents, assists you in completing relevant forms, and keeps you informed of your upcoming appointments and deadlines.
Brenda has dedicated herself to helping low-income families fight oppression. She started her journey at the East Bay Sanctuary Covenant in Berkeley, where she worked in the UAC (Unaccompanied Minors) department and helped children from Central America who were escaping violence and seeking asylum or special immigrant juvenile status here in the United States.
As a first-generation graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science in Legal Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, Brenda is bilingual in Spanish and English.
"Every day there is something new we can learn." - Brenda
Susana Lopez, Legal Assistant
The needs of our immigrant community begin with having someone truly ready and happy listen. Our receptionist and legal assistant, Susana Lopez, makes sure every person who contacts our offices is heard. Even if we can't represent you, Susana will make you feel heard and point you in the right direction.
Susana is committed to deconstructing abuse and injustice within low income communities. She served as a domestic violence counselor with SAVE (Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments) and is certified to continue providing information and assistance to survivors.
As first generation graduate with Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from San Francisco State University, Susana is bilingual in Spanish and English. Not only is she the first in her family to graduate from college, she also graduated cum laude.
"I have the privilege of not only serving a variety of ethnic communities but primarily the Latino community which is very near and dear to my heart." - Susana
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