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Contact
Email
jpederson@wcslaw.com
Phone
(240) 241-1231
Address
6931 Arlington Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, US
Professional
About
Recognized by The Washington Post as one of "seven leading lawyers" in Washington, D.C., Ms. Pederson has been dedicated to the practice of immigration and nationality law for over thirty years. Ms.Pederson has successfully represented thousands of clients - including renowned physicians, Fortune 500 companies, television networks, entertainers, and healthcare providers of all sizes - and is masterful at resolving complex immigration issues. Ms. Pederson is a leading advocate for the rights of J-1 Physicians in the United States and has been key to the passage of legislation to their benefit. She is also the publisher of J-1 Physician News and lectures nationally and internationally to foreign physicians. She seeks solutions for her clients beyond the immigration laws and does not hesitate to seek assistance from the White House and Congress if necessary. She has been a key advocate on the restoration of the National Interest Waivers for J-1 Physicians and in increasing the Conrad State 20 J-1 Waiver Program within the Conrad State 30 Program. Ms. Pederson served as president of the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), and as an elected director of the national Board of Governors of AILA for 18 years. She has served as a chairperson of the Physicians Task Force of AILA for many years and has also served as chairperson of the AILA Visa Office Liaison Committee and Refugee Committee. In 1997, she received the Edith Lowenstein Award for excellence in the advancement of the practice of immigration law. The national media has recognized Ms. Pederson's expertise in immigration law and called upon her to comment on important issues and legislation. Ms. Pederson has been interviewed by CNN, ABC News, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Washington Times and The Legal Times of Washington, D.C., to name a few.
About Immigration Law
Immigration attorneys help individuals and families navigate the complex immigration system. They assist with visas, green cards, citizenship, and deportation defense. Common matters include visa applications, green cards, citizenship, deportation defense.
Credentials
Education
1974 Howard University School of Law JD - Juris Doctor 1971 University of Washington BA - Bachelor of Arts
Languages
Spanish
Recognition & Involvement
Awards
2021 Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers (2007-2021) 2021 Best Lawyer, Washington Best Lawyers in America (1995-2021) 2017 Roberta Freedman Lifetime Achievement Award, International Medical Graduates Task Force 2015 AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell 2012 Lawyer of the Year, Immigration Law, Washington Best Lawyers
Publications
2008 Visa Processing Guide Strategic Lawyering at Consular Posts 2008 Visa Processing Guide Representing Clients at the American Embassy in Manila N/A AILA Monthly Mailing Refugee and Asylum Practice: Avoiding Discretionary Denials N/A Unknown Proper Utilization of the B-1 and H Working Visas N/A Unknown Adjustment of Status
Associations
2008 - Present Consular Corps of Washington, D.C. Member 1995 - Present French-American Chamber of Commerce Member 1990 - Present IMMLAW/The National Consortium of Immigration Law Firms Founding Member 1980 - Present International Bar Association Member 1978 - Present American Immigration Lawyers Association Member/Elected National Director
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Updated: Sep 07, 2026