At its core, immigration law is about the people. In practice, it’s also a lot – a lot – of paperwork. We are lucky to have a staff of dynamic, organized, and efficient legal analysts who help ensure the filing process goes smoothly for our clients. Our legal analysts are not just great at the paper side of visa applications, they are also caring and empathetic, bringing a focus on superior customer service in everything they do.
Abbey Nolan – Legal Analyst Manager, Healthcare
abigail@fordmurraylaw.com
A graduate of Bates College, Abigail Nolan looks forward to building on the impressive experience she gained as an undergrad, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology and Psychology.
As a Bates student, Abigail worked two semesters as a tutor for inmates at the Maine Correctional Center in Windham, Maine. She sees the experience as valuable scaffolding for her paralegal work at FordMurray. “I am passionate about advocating for those who may not have an equal voice in society, or whose voices are not valued,” she said.
Abigail comes to her position with valuable experience managing data and handling casework details. She compiled a 140-page senior thesis that involved interviewing inmates of the Maine Correctional Center and transcribing, coding, and analyzing data. She sees her position as a way to help others, and also as a launchpad for her future endeavors in law. “I am looking forward to learning the ins and outs of immigration processing in the United States and assisting clients to navigate through the complexities of immigration law,” Abigail said. “This field is incredibly important, especially in today’s sociopolitical climate.”
In her free time, Abigail enjoys being near the ocean, running, and hiking. Once a lifeguard at the Cape Cod National Seashore in Truro, MA, Abigail performed ocean rescues, first aid, and watched great white sharks swim 10 feet from the shoreline.
Abigail’s words to live by. “Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength.” – George RR Martin
Olivia Shaw – Attorney
olivia@fordmurraylaw.com
Olivia, a graduate of Bowdoin College, brings a wealth of experience in immigration and legal affairs to FordMurray’s legal analyst team. She graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Legal Studies and Arabic. During her time at Bowdoin, Olivia interned at the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP), where she gained hands-on experience with humanitarian immigration processes. She was awarded the Bowdoin Spirit of Service Award in recognition of her volunteer work throughout college.
In addition to her work at ILAP, Olivia also interned at Pine Tree Legal Assistance. Her passion for public service was further acknowledged when she was named the 2019 Bowdoin Public Service Fellowship recipient, working at The Center for National Interest in Washington, D.C., where she published articles on U.S. foreign policy and international affairs in the United States and Africa.
Currently in her last year of law school, Olivia is involved in the Maine Law Refugee and Human Rights Clinic, where she has worked on asylum cases, building upon her commitment to social justice and helping vulnerable populations navigate the legal system.
Olivia has a strong desire to help people navigate the complex landscape of business and family immigration. “I love the fast pace of business immigration, and the unique nature of each case,” she says. “I hope I can help our clients feel comfortable and informed during the filing and adjudication of their petitions.”
Olivia spent a semester at Middlebury School in Rabat, Morocco, honing her conversational Arabic, and she also has basic proficiency in French. In her free time, she enjoys reinforcing her linguistic skills by watching foreign period dramas.
Olivia’s words to live by – “Trust in God but Tie Your Camel.” – Arab Proverb
Jane Hirschman – Legal Analyst
jane@fordmurraylaw.com
Jane joined FordMurray with a strong foundation in civic engagement and a deep commitment to helping others. While studying at Bowdoin College, she served as the Bowdoin Votes Program Assistant, where she led campus-wide efforts to boost voter registration and participation. This experience sparked her interest in combining legal work with public service, a path that naturally led her to immigration law.
At FordMurray, Jane finds fulfillment in supporting clients as they navigate the complexities of the immigration system. “Working with others and helping them achieve their immigration goals has been particularly rewarding,” she says. She’s especially inspired by the real-life impact her work has on individuals and families, and she is eager to continue building her knowledge of U.S. immigration law to better serve clients with empathy and precision.
Jane graduated cum laude from Bowdoin College with a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Legal Studies (with a concentration in American politics) and Environmental Studies. She is known for her calm, focused presence under pressure and her strong sense of dedication—whether it’s working on an immigration petition, training for a run, or plunging into the icy Atlantic (every month for a year!).
Outside of work, Jane enjoys running, baking, and spending time by the ocean.
Jane’s words to live by: “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” – Louisa May Alcott.
