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.
"Explaining to you why I think your case is strong or weak clearly, is critical. I am not satisfied our consultation is over until I truly believe you comprehend the choices that lay 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 laying 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, his Juris Doctor from Golden Gate University School of Law, including 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 San Francisco AIDS Legal referral Panel, Pittsburg School District, East Bay Law School, and The Bay Area Coalition of Concerned Legal Professionals.
Before COVID-19 struck, 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
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Grant Berg, Associate Attorney
American jurisprudence, and immigration law in particular is an ever-evolving set of rules. As our associate attorney, Grant endeavors to confirm the rules of law currently applicable to your case, will prepare and present applications on your behalf in "Immigration Court", and if the government or Judge makes a mistake in their judgment, he can correct it by appeal all the way to the Ninth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals.
As the Senior Articles Editor of the International Law in Domestic Courts Journal at GW Law, Grant oversaw the creation of numerous articles on international law for publication in the Oxford Reports on International Law. He focused on U.S. Torture Victim Protection Act and its relationship with the Convention Against Torture.
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 worked with the International Refugee Assistance Project for two years as a case manager.
"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. As our paralegal and office manager, Brenda makes sure you are collecting all the necessary documents, assists you in completing the relevant forms, and keeps you informed of your upcoming appointments and deadlines.
Brenda is dedicating 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 meeting with children from Central America who are escaping violence and are seeking asylum or special immigrant juvenile status.
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.