About Gus M.
Gus M. Shihab is the founder of The Law Firm of Shihab & Associates, which is located at 65 East State Street, Suite 1550, in Columbus, Ohio. Established in 1993, the firm has developed a strong reputation for specializing in immigration law. Services offered include employment-based immigration, family-based immigration, and deportation defense. With a focus on helping clients handle the requirements of immigration issues, the firm has become a trusted resource in the community. Mr. Shihab earned his Juris Doctor from Capital University Law School in 1992, after completing a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from The Ohio State University in 1983. His educational background in engineering provides him with a unique perspective when approaching legal challenges.
Before transitioning to law, he worked as a construction engineer and held the position of State Director of the Ohio Highway Safety System. This experience has contributed to his analytical skills and problem-solving abilities, which are essential in his legal practice. Since his admission to the Ohio Bar in 1993, Mr. Shihab has represented clients in various courts, including the U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Northern Districts of Ohio, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Even the U.S. Supreme Court.
His experience includes handling complex immigration cases, particularly those involving wage and hour disputes before the U.S. Department of Labor. This breadth of experience has equipped him to tackle many legal challenges that his clients may face. Active involvement in the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has marked Mr. Shihab's commitment to the field. He served as Chair of the Ohio Chapter from 2009 to 2011 and as Vice Chair from 2005 to 2008. His advocacy extends beyond the courtroom; he has testified before the Ohio Senate on matters affecting immigrants' rights in the state. This engagement highlights his dedication to not only serving his clients but also influencing policy for the betterment of the immigrant community.
In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Shihab has participated in various pro bono activities. Notably, he represented an Olympic Gold Medalist athlete in a lawsuit against the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services for the wrongful denial of an immigrant petition. His commitment to social justice is further demonstrated through his speaking engagements at organizations such as The Ohio State University and the Columbus Bar Association. Fluent in both Arabic and English, Mr. Shihab is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the Columbus Bar Association, reinforcing his dedication to the legal profession.
