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.
Jennifer Roberge – Legal Analyst Manager
jennifer@fordmurraylaw.com
With a passion for helping people and a keen eye for detail, Jennifer Roberge has been working in legal immigration services since 2011. Her empathetic disposition is an asset to our clients and team, as well as her calm demeanor under pressure.
Jennifer was drawn to the legal field in high school, after performing a job shadow in the District Attorney’s office in Alfred, Maine. While Jennifer could not envision a career in litigation, she likes working in immigration law because desired legal outcomes don’t come at the expense of someone else. “I most enjoy reuniting people with their loved ones, especially in cases that have had a long wait, or many hurdles,” Jennifer said. “When our clients get the phone call that their family just landed in the US the excitement and love is palpable. It is an incredible feeling to be a part of that.”
Jennifer graduated Summa Cum Laude from Assumption College in Worcester, MA with a degree in Political Science. When she wasn’t studying for class, Jennifer also learned how to fly airplanes. When away from FordMurray, Jennifer performs Broadway numbers in an amateur dance company, preserves perfect pickles, and knits.
Jennifer’s words to live by: “Find something good in every day.” – Unknown
Abbey Nolan – Senior Legal Analyst
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 – Senior Legal Analyst
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
George Chaison-Lapine – Senior Legal Analyst
george@fordmurraylaw.com
George comes to FordMurray with a deeply ingrained passion for immigration and social justice. A graduate of Bates College, George focused his studies as a History major and Anthropology minor with a concentration in international politics and a semester abroad studying at Tel Aviv University for five months.
Through his studies and travels, George has gained experience and cross-cultural competencies that will help him meet the diverse needs of FordMurray’s clients. “The best and brightest minds from around the world come to the United States to work and study,” George said. “I am proud I can contribute to the diversity of ideas and backgrounds that makes our nation great.”
During his time at Bates, George worked for the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center as an intern for the City of Saco. As part of his work, he drafted and advocated for a Tobacco-Free ordinance that was adopted unanimously by the Saco City Council.
In his free time, George plays the drums, guitar, and powerlifts. Raised in Maine, George enjoys all four seasons – hiking, snowboarding, and sitting around a campfire in the Maine woods.
George’s words to live by: “A problem is a chance for you to do your best.” -Duke Ellington
Ellen Shaw – Legal Analyst
ellen@fordmurraylaw.com
A graduate of Wheaton College, Ellen gained first-hand experience in immigration while studying abroad in Spain and Morocco. “The time spent studying abroad gave me a unique perspective on the immigration process.”
Combining her passion for helping others with a strong political science and economics background, Ellen Shaw brings knowledge and unique insight into her role. Her favorite part of the job is helping to bring families together, a task that she finds incredibly rewarding.
Ellen believes that always asking questions and maintaining an open, curious mind are her greatest strengths, enabling her to continuously learn from those around her. Outside of work, Ellen is dedicated to staying active, always eager to try the latest workout class and spend time with friends. She also loves to travel, and is always drawn to warm destinations, with Puerto Rico and Texas being among her favorites thus far.
Ellen’s hidden talent is party planning—whether it’s organizing a small gathering or a larger event, She loves the creativity and attention to detail that goes into making each occasion special and memorable.
Ellen’s words to live by: “Here’s to strong women: May we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.” -Author Unknown
Jorja Markella – Legal Analyst
jorja@fordmurraylaw.com
Jorja graduated from Bowdoin College in the spring of 2024, where she double-majored in Government & Legal Studies (with a concentration in Comparative Government) and Sociology, and minored in Russian. Her passion for international relations grew during her studies at Bowdoin. “Several great professors opened my eyes to viewing the modern-day politics of one country within the context of its relationships and histories with others,” she recalls. This insight, along with her focus on legal studies and sociology, shaped her interest in areas where people face challenges navigating existing systems, particularly the legal world.
At FordMurray, Jorja is honored to help individuals navigate the complexities of the U.S. immigration system. “I’m passionate about helping others through my work, which makes it easy to do my job,” she shares. She also credits the welcoming environment at FordMurray for making it a place where she can dive into her work and give her best.
Known for her compassion and empathy, Jorja naturally becomes invested in whatever she’s working on. These qualities drive her to approach every task with dedication and a strong desire to make a difference.
Outside of work, Jorja enjoys spending time with her cat, Percy, reading Russian classics—Nabokov and Dostoevsky being particular favorites—and listening to music, with Chappell Roan frequently on repeat. She enjoys relaxing at the beach and is a passionate rugby player, having competed in high school and college. She is now a member of Portland Women’s Rugby. Jorja also speaks Russian at an intermediate level, a skill that reflects her enduring interest in Russian language and culture.
Jorja’s words to live by: “I don’t care what you do, but whatever you choose to do, you better put your all into it.” – Jorja’s Dad
Ryan Britt – Legal Analyst
ryan@fordmurraylaw.comCaroline Maker – Legal Analyst
caroline@fordmurraylaw.comHaley Jo Cutrone – Legal Administrative Assistant
office@fordmurraylaw.com
Haley graduated with Honors from Grinnell College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in History and an interdisciplinary minor in European Studies. During her studies, she spent a semester abroad at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland, where she focused on tolerance and cross-cultural exchange. Her background and passion for international education, combined with her own study abroad experiences, has shaped her belief in the importance of experiencing other cultures to create a more compassionate and understanding world.
When it came time to shift her focus, Haley sought a career path that would allow her to continue contributing to a more compassionate world. This search led her to FordMurray, where she finds fulfillment in following cases to their successful conclusions. She finds it deeply satisfying to know that each outcome has the potential to help individuals and families build new and fulfilling lives.
One of Haley’s favorite aspects of her job is working alongside a kind and intelligent team, where they collectively strive to make people’s dreams a reality. Every day, she has the opportunity to learn something new about immigration laws and policies, which keeps her work both challenging and rewarding.
Haley prides herself on her efficiency, thoroughness, reliability, and friendliness. She is always willing to jump in and assist in getting things done, ensuring that clients receive the best possible support.
Outside of work, Haley enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, exploring the outdoors, traveling, and visiting national parks. She also loves snuggling with her cats during her downtime. With an excellent memory and wide-ranging knowledge, Haley excels at trivia and trivia-based games. Additionally, she speaks conversational German and has a talent for assembling things and handling various household tasks.
Haley’s words to live by: “To yield and not break, that is incredible strength.” -Hannah Gadsby
Lauren Jensen – Marketing and Business Coordinator
lauren@fordmurraylaw.com
A graduate of Southern New Hampshire University, Lauren joined FordMurray as the Marketing Coordinator with a passion for spreading the word about the incredible work the firm is doing. Her role quickly expanded into both marketing and business coordination, allowing her to dive deeper into two aspects she truly enjoys.
What Lauren loves most about her job is working alongside her amazing colleagues, whose strong work ethic continually motivates her to be her best. She values FordMurray’s emphasis on work-life balance, which aligns with her own priorities. Lauren thrives on creating bid proposals to attract new clients and finds joy in the customer service side of her role, interacting with people from diverse backgrounds.
Lauren’s greatest strengths include her kindness, compassion, and ability to remain calm under pressure, especially in the high-stress, high-stakes environment of immigration law. She takes pride in helping to alleviate some of the stress for clients, making their journey a little smoother.
Outside of work, Lauren is very much a homebody, often found spending time with her two rescue pups, Samson and Baylee, or indulging in her love of crocheting and decorating. When she’s not at home, she’s likely cheering on her niece at soccer games, and spending time with friends and family. She has a hidden talent for all things Microsoft Excel, where she truly excels, and can also play “Jingle Bells” on the piano with both hands—while working on mastering even more.
Lauren’s words to live by: “It is not enough to take steps which may someday lead to a goal; each step must be itself a goal and a step likewise.” -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
