Experience

Chioma Azi
Nigerian Lawyers Association Merit Awards 2015

 

KEY PROFESSIONAL ROLES

Law Office of Chioma Azi

Philadelphia, PA

Managing Attorney ( 2009-current)

  • Areas of focus include immigration, human resources, family law, wills and trusts and non-profit consulting
  • Immigration practice focus: family based petitions, naturalization, permanent residency, employment & study petitions and authorization (P, O, R, F-1, M, J-1), removal defense, asylum, victims of trafficking, abuse and crime

City of Philadelphia Board of Ethics 
Philadelphia, PA

Senior Staff Attorney ( 2024-current)

  • Assist with training on City and State law governing ethics, lobbying, campaign finance and financial disclosure for City of Philadelphia officers and employees
  • Provide written guidance on ethics compliance to current and prospective City employees

African Cultural Alliance of North America Inc. 
Philadelphia, PA

Chief Staff Attorney ( 2012-2020)

  • Founder of the legal department and served as chief legal counsel of ACANA, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that assists African and Caribbean immigrants in their resettlement and adjustment in the United States.
  • Represented or assisted more than 120 individuals in matters covering immigration law, criminal defense, family law and small business consultation.
  • 57% winning case record for removal (deportation) cases
  • Processed P-1 visas for international artists, dancers and musicians
  • Assisted with grant writing, drafting of project proposals and grant implementation
  • Led community advocacy and direct engagement with a variety of public, private and non-profit sector organizations

Law Office of Thomas Massucci
New York, NY

Volunteer Immigration Attorney (2009-2010)

  • Volunteered with boutique immigration firm specializing in asylum and removal defense.
  • Performed master calendar in New York and Philadelphia for immigrants seeking asylum based on family planning, religious persecution and political opinion
  • Drafted memos, researched laws governing asylum and removal, cancellation of removal and the Convention Against Torture treaty

EDUCATION & TRAINING
International Institute of Humanitarian Law (September 28- October 2, 2009)
San Remo, Italy

  • Obtained a Certificate in Migration law from the Attended the 5th Annual International Migration Law Course organized by the International Organization for Migration and the International Institute of Humanitarian Law
  • Completed course work on a range of areas within European Union and International Migration Law, including International Humanitarian Law, International Labor Law, International Maritime Law and International Refugee Law

Duquesne University School of Law

  • Juris Doctorate degree awarded June 2008
  • Awarded a full academic scholarship by Duquesne University
  • Awarded the James W. Stoudt Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Bar Association in 2007
  • Awarded the Oliver L. Johnson Scholarship, sponsored by the Homer S. Brown Law Association of Pittsburgh in 2007
  • Secretary of the Black Law Students Association, 2006-2008

University of Pittsburgh 

  • Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology, magna cum laude awarded April 2004
  • Minor in French, Certificate in Global Studies
  • Member of the Golden Key National Honor Society, Inducted November 2002
  • Studied abroad in Nantes, France, September 2002- December 2002
  • Secretary, African Students Organization, 2003-2004

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

  •  Chief Executive Officer & Founder of the Philly Nigerian Professionals-June 2011-present– a networking and professional development organization that hosts and promotes social, charitable and cultural events for African professionals in the Greater Philadelphia area.
  • Treasurer of Friends of UNIFAT Inc. (the Upper Nile Institute for Appropriate Technology)-2013-present-a Philadelphia-based 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that supports UNIFAT Primary School located in Gulu, Uganda
  • Executive Director of the Norah Anena Foundation-2015-present-a non-profit organization that promotes cultural restoration and provides access to tuition assistance, skills development for underprivileged youths in Northern Uganda
  • Member of the Pennsylvania Commission on African-American Affairs-April 2021-April 2024-Appointed by Governor Tom Wolf, re-appointed by Governor Josh Shapiro commission comprised of 20 professionals from around the state, advises the governor on policies, procedures, legislation, and regulations relevant to African-Americans in Pennsylvania. GACAAA also works to expand and enhance the civic, social, educational, cultural, and economic status of the African American Community.
  • Member of the Mayor’s Task Force on Paid Sick Leave-June 2014-December 2014-Appointed by Mayor Michael Nutter, worked alongside 2 co-chairs, 13 other task force members and 5 staff to review the economic, public health and business implications of mandating paid sick leave for individuals working in the city of Philadelphia.

SKILLS/AWARDS

  • Recipient of the 2015 Exemplary Service Award from the Nigerian Lawyers Association
  • Proficient in French (reading, written, spoken)
  • Beginners level in Acoli Luo (spoken only)

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • Pennsylvania (Attorney ID 209346)
  • New Jersey (Attorney ID 023362008, resigned)