IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY PROFILE
James M. Illston
Immigration Attorney in Hoover, Alabama
The Merrell Law Firm, LLCHoover, AL
Accepting New Clients
Originally from New Zealand, Mr. Illston obtained his master’s degree in history before attending law school at Georgia State. While in school he was a member of the moot court board and participated as both a competitor and a coach in the American Intellectual Property Law Association’s Moot Court Competition. Since he moved t…
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About the Attorney
Originally from New Zealand, Mr. Illston obtained his master’s degree in history before attending law school at Georgia State. While in school he was a member of the moot court board and participated as both a competitor and a coach in the American Intellectual Property Law Association’s Moot Court Competition. Since he moved to Birmingham, Mr. Illston has worked as a contract attorney and has volunteered extensively with the Birmingham Bar’s Volunteer Lawyers Program, assisting clients with a range of legal issues. He was recognized as the 2016 Pro Bono attorney of the year by the Birmingham Bar. While working at the Merrell Law…
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Firm Mr. Illston has assisted clients in many areas, primarily involving divorces, child custody and support, wills, and business-related contractual cases. His interests include rugby, medieval history, astronomy, and spending time with his family.
Languages
Practice Areas
Immigration Matters Handled
- Petitions for spouses, children, parents and siblings of U.S. citizens and permanent residents, including adjustment of status and consular processing.
- Analysis of how criminal charges and convictions affect immigration status.
Education / Credentials / Memberships
Education
- —, Georgia State University College of Law J.D.
- —, University of Canterbury B.A.
Credentials
- Admitted to practice in Georgia (2013)
- Admitted to practice in Alabama (2014)
Memberships
- Alabama State Bar , Member State Bar of Georgia , Member Birmingham Bar Association , Family Law Committee co-chair American Bar Association , Member
Office & Service Areas
The Merrell Law Firm, LLC
5113 Cyrus Circle, Hoover, AL 35242
Serving clients in Hoover and throughout Alabama.
Consultation & Fees Overview
Consultations are available to discuss your immigration goals, review your situation, and outline potential options. Fees and representation details are discussed during the consultation and may vary based on the type and complexity of your case.
- Consultation options are shared on request.
- Fees discussed during the consultation
- Engagement terms and scope of representation provided in writing
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Profile updated Nov 2, 2026. Source: imported listing.