Managing Attorney & CEO Founder 

Johanna Kelley, Esq

Johanna Kelley, founder of J Kelley Law Group, obtained her law degree in Colombia in 2001, where she practiced Labor, Constitutional, Administrative, Human Rights, International Law and International Business Law.

She advised private companies, local and international human rights organizations, governmental agencies, the Colombian Army and grassroots community organizations, with a broad portfolio that included innovative initiatives and the improvement of Colombia’s image abroad. She prepared and accompanied cases of Colombian citizens before the Organization of American States (OAS).

After immigrating to the United States, she found that the policy and Immigration Law of this country were a perfect fit for her professional development project and after graduating with Master’s degrees in Law (Duke University) and International Development Policy (Sanford School of Public Policy), she founded in 2013 a non-profit organization aimed at protecting and promoting immigrant rights and social justice.

In July 2015, she left the nonprofit sector to serve in government. She began working for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as a supervisor, a wonderful experience professionally and personally, which allowed her to participate in ensuring the integrity of the US immigration system, provide immigration benefits and support the country’s Homeland Security.

In November 2017, Johanna Kelley said goodbye to USCIS to kick off the biggest of her work projects: building her own law firm.

The founder of our firm believes in legal development and empowerment, therefore, she has been involved in public discussions at mass events and through the media. She hosted the television program ‘Batalla Política’ for the international news channel NTN24 and is a frequent analyst on radio stations and Hispanic channels such as Telemundo, Caracol Televisión, Univisión and RCN News.

Mrs. Kelley leads a team committed to the cases of clients and investors, and we are grateful every day for the opportunity to serve our community with professionalism, ethics, and positive results generated through teamwork.

Particular areas of expertise

  • U.S. Immigration Law
  • International law
  • Latin American politics and security issues
  • International development in conflict zones
  • Non-Profit Operations, and
    Project Management

Education

  • Duke University
  • Master of Laws, LL.M., 2013, Duke Law School
  • LL.M. in International Development Policy, MIDP, 2012, Sanford School of Public Policy
  • University of Santo Tomas
    Juris Doctor, 2001

Activities & Affiliation

  • New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), Member
  • American Bar Association (ABA), Member
  • American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Member

Bar Admissions

  • New York State, USA
  • Maryland State, USA
  • Colombia, South America

Blog

Do I Need an Attorney for Pedestrian Accidents?

Pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries and complex legal challenges. Unlike drivers, pedestrians have no physical protection, which often leads to more severe consequences after a crash. Many people ask themselves, do I need an attorney for pedestrian...

What Is Alimony? A Complete Guide to Spousal Support

What is alimony? Alimony, also known as spousal support, is a financial payment that one spouse may be required to provide to the other after a separation or divorce. The purpose of alimony is to help ensure that both individuals can maintain a reasonable standard of...

Do I Need an Attorney for Motorcycle Accidents? What You Need to Know

Motorcycle accidents can lead to severe injuries and complicated legal situations. Unlike car accidents, riders are more exposed, which often results in more serious consequences. as highlighted in national motorcycle safety data. After a crash, many people wonder...

How to Become a US Citizen: Complete 2026 Guide

Becoming a United States citizen is a major milestone that offers stability, new opportunities, and full participation in American society. If you are wondering how to become a US citizen, understanding the requirements, process, and timeline is essential. This...

Truck Accidents Law: Causes, Liability, and What You Need to Know

Truck accidents are among the most serious types of motor vehicle collisions. Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, these crashes often result in severe injuries, significant property damage, and complex legal issues, as shown in national road safety data....

How Long Does Divorce Take in Maryland? Timeline & What to Expect

How long does divorce take in Maryland? This is one of the most common questions people ask when considering ending a marriage. Understanding how long does divorce take in Maryland can help you set realistic expectations and prepare for the legal process ahead....

When to Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident In Maryland: A Complete Guide

After a crash, many people are unsure when to get a lawyer for a car accident and whether legal help is necessary. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), thousands of crashes occur every year, many leading to injuries and legal...

How to Request Asylum in the US: Step-by-Step Guide

If you are fleeing danger or persecution in your home country, you may be wondering how to request asylum in the US. The United States offers protection through its immigration legal services to individuals who fear returning to their country due to serious threats,...

Slip and Fall Attorneys in Maryland: What You Need to Know

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere—grocery stores, parking lots, sidewalks, or even private property. These cases fall under Maryland personal injury law, which governs how victims can seek compensation after an accident. While some falls result in minor...

How Do I File for Divorce in Maryland? Step-by-Step Guide

How do I file for divorce in Maryland? Divorce can be one of the most challenging legal processes a person experiences. If you are considering ending your marriage, understanding how to file for divorce in Maryland can help you prepare for the legal steps ahead....

Wrongful Death Claims in Maryland: What Families Should Know

Losing a loved one because of another person’s negligence is one of the most devastating situations a family can face. Maryland law allows certain family members to pursue compensation through wrongful death claims in Maryland when a death results from negligence,...

Federal Court Blocks Proposed 10-Day Immigration Appeal Deadline: What Immigrants Need to Know

The immigration appeal deadline remains an important protection for individuals involved in immigration court proceedings. A recent federal court decision has brought important news that could affect your rights, after a proposal that would have drastically reduced...

Standby Guardianship in Maryland: Protecting Your Children if Parents Are Detained

Planning for Your Children’s Safety in Uncertain Times Standby guardianship in Maryland can be an important legal tool for parents who want to protect their children if unexpected circumstances prevent them from providing care. Families want to protect their children...

Damages and Compensation in Maryland Personal Injury Cases

Damages in Maryland personal injury cases determine the financial compensation an injured person may recover after an accident. While many people initially focus on medical bills, damages in Maryland personal injury cases can include both economic and non-economic...

Attorney Johanna Kelley and Her Team Continue Fighting for You.

Written by Juliana Uribe Gómez.  An immigration attorney who fights for you understands that today’s immigration uncertainty affects real families in deeply personal ways. The uncertainty surrounding immigration policy today is something many immigrant families are...

What Does It Mean to Be in Removal Proceedings in 2026?

Being placed in removal proceedings means the U.S. government has started a formal legal process to determine whether a person should be deported from the United States. Removal proceedings are a critical part of U.S. Immigration Law and are handled by the Immigration...

Medical Records in Maryland Personal Injury Cases

Medical records in Maryland personal injury cases play a critical role. After understanding what to do after a car accident in Maryland, many injured individuals next encounter the importance of medical records and documentation as their recovery and claims process...

Understanding Insurance Claims After an Accident in Maryland

First and foremost, what you do immediately after an accident may have an impact on the insurance process, so review these steps first. After an accident, insurance companies often become the primary point of contact for injured individuals. While insurance is meant...

What to Do After a Car Accident in Maryland (Step-by-Step)

Car accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury claims in Maryland. What you do after a car accident in Maryland — in the minutes, hours, and days after a crash — can significantly affect both your health and your legal rights. Because Maryland...

U Visa Processing Times in 2026: What to Expect From USCIS, Bona Fide Determinations, and Work Permit Delays

As we move further into 2026, many immigrants are asking the same question: what are U visa processing times in 2026, and are cases getting harder? This question comes up repeatedly during consultations, on social media, and in community outreach—especially among...

The Maryland Contributory Negligence Rule: Why Fault Matters in Personal Injury Cases

Maryland personal injury law includes a unique and often misunderstood doctrine known as the Maryland contributory negligence rule. This rule plays a decisive role in determining whether an injured person can recover compensation after an accident. Because even minor...

Maryland Personal Injury Law: A Complete 2026 Overview

Personal injury law exists to protect people who are harmed because of someone else’s negligence. In Maryland, personal injury claims follow strict legal rules that can significantly affect whether an injured person can recover compensation. Understanding these rules...

The New U.S. Gold Card Visa in 2025: What It Is, How It Works, and What to Watch

A new immigration option is making headlines in 2025: the U.S. Gold Card Visa program. Marketed as a faster-track path to lawful permanent residence (a “green card–like” status), the Gold Card is built around a large financial “gift” to the United States and an...

Understanding Immigration Detention and Bonds in 2025

Immigration-related detention has become more common due to recent government policies. These harsh and often inhumane enforcement practices, aimed at rapidly removing immigrants from the United States, have caused deep fear, pain, and uncertainty in our...

What the Sims v. Sims Case Means for Your Divorce in Maryland: Property, Alimony, and Child Support Explained

When a couple chooses to divorce in Maryland, the court must decide several important financial issues — including how to divide property, whether alimony is appropriate, how much child support should be paid, and whether one spouse should contribute to the other’s...

Ending Automatic Extension of Employment Authorization Documents: What You Need to Know

On October 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published an interim final rule (IFR) that ends the practice of automatic extension of employment authorization documents (EADs) for certain categories of non-citizens who timely file for renewal....

Are the New Immigration Laws Confusing You? How to Choose the Best Immigration Lawyer

Written by Lyda Fernanda Solano. Immigration law in the United States is constantly changing, and seeking Immigration Lawyer Guidance can help individuals understand their options and avoid costly mistakes. Since the beginning of 2025, new policies, regulations, and...

The New Pretermission Order: Now More Than Ever, Your Asylum Case Needs an Attorney in 2025

Written By Juliana Uribe Gómez. In April 2025, the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) issued Policy Memorandum PM 25-28, titled “Pretermission of Legally Insufficient Applications for Asylum.” This policy allows immigration judges to reject an asylum...

Is it really important to hire an immigration lawyer?

Emigrating to a new country, we all know, is a momentous and in almost all cases, very difficult step in our lives. Consequently, dealing with immigration issues is a real challenge, particularly when our destination is the United States of America. Understanding how...

Some tips for the first legal consultation

I am Luisa Osorio and as an administrative and client service assistant at J Kelley Law Group I have noticed that sometimes our clients may face difficulties in expressing clearly what they want in their immigration process and what they expect from their attorney and...

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