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 – 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 Giles – Legal Analyst
olivia@fordmurraylaw.com
A graduate of Bowdoin College, Olivia brings substantive experience in immigration and legal affairs to FordMurray’s legal analyst team. Graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Legal Studies and Arabic, Olivia spent nearly a year as an intern at Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP). During that time, Olivia became familiar with immigrant visa processes and collecting evidence for visa petitions. Bowdoin College awarded Olivia with the Bowdoin Spirit of Service Award due to her volunteer work during her college career.
Additionally, Olivia interned at Pine Tree Legal Assistance and The Gathering Place, a nonprofit serving homeless and vulnerable populations in midcoast Maine. In 2019, Olivia was named the Bowdoin Public Service Fellowship recipient at The Center for National Interest in Washington, D.C., where she published three articles on U.S. foreign policy and international affairs in the United States and Africa.
Olivia has a strong desire to help people navigate the business and family immigration landscape. “I love the fast pace of business immigration, and the unique nature of each case,” Olivia said. “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, where she honed her conversational Arabic; she also has basic proficiency in French. To reinforce her linguistic aptitude, Olivia enjoys watching foreign period dramas. Olivia is on the Board of Directors at The Gathering Place.
Olivia’s words to live by – “Trust in God but Tie Your Camel.” – Arab Proverb
George Chaison-Lapine – 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.comA 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.”
After working briefly in customer service after college, Ellen saw an opportunity at FordMurray and knew this was the right path for her. Combining her passion for helping others with a strong political science and economics background, she brings knowledge and unique insight into her role.
Ellen enjoys learning something new every day and learning from her peers. She is extremely organized and thoughtful in her role at FordMurray and is inspired by her co-workers who have mastered a healthy work/life balance.
Throughout her high school and college years, Ellen was very active and competitive, participating in and crushing all her track and field goals. She now enjoys spin and yoga and hopes to participate in the Maine Marathon with her colleagues this fall.
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
Carter Ramquist – Legal Analyst
carter@fordmurraylaw.comCarter’s words to live by: “Be strong! It matters not how deep intrenched the wrong, how hard the battle goes, the day, how long; faint not, fight on! Tomorrow comes the song” – Maltbie D. Babcock.
Lauren Jensen – Marketing and Business Coordinator
lauren@fordmurraylaw.comLauren’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
“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are an excellent leader.” -Dolly Parton
Haley Jo Cutrone – Legal Administrative Assistant
office@fordmurraylaw.comHaley’s words to live by: “To yield and not break, that is incredible strength.” -Hannah Gadsby
