John C. Nelson has been in private practice in Newport Beach, California since being admitted to the Bar in 1977. The emphasis of his practice is on all aspects of immigration and naturalization law, representing major U.S. and foreign corporations, and individuals of worldwide nationality.

Mr. Nelson co-founded the Immigration Law Section of the Orange County Bar Association in 1982. He served as the first Chair, and has chaired subsequently as well as holding numerous other officer positions.

In 1993, Mr. Nelson was certified as a Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law, by the State Bar of California’s Board of Legal Specialization, and since then has served as Chair, Vice Chair, and Commissioner of the Immigration and Nationality Law Advisory Commission, Board of Legal Specialization. He is currently a member of the California State Bar, the Orange County Bar Association, and the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

John C. Nelson is often requested to speak before civic, public and legal organizations on immigration topics, and has lectured at seminars on immigration and naturalization matters. He taught Immigration law as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Chapman University School of Law, often serves as an expert witness and testifies on immigration issues, and has authored various articles on immigration.

Mr. Nelson received his bachelor’s degree from Butler University in 1973, and his juris doctorate from Northrop University School of Law in 1977. He was admitted to practice before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in 1978, the United States Supreme Court in 1982, and various District Courts.