About Nelson Alcir Rivas
Nelson Alcir Rivas Castillo earned both his undergraduate and law degrees at St. John’s University. He received a Bachelor of Science in Finance before completing his juris doctor at St. John’s University School of Law. His academic background combined business and legal study, a foundation he later brought to his legal work.
His early career included private firm experience and a partnership. In 2007 he served as a partner at Ivener & Fullmer, LLP. By 2009 he had established his own practice as an immigration lawyer in Los Angeles under the name Abogado de Inmigración Nelson A. Castillo. He also contributed pro bono time in 2010, working with Kids in Need of Defense on immigration matters affecting children.
Over the years Castillo has been active in bar and professional organizations. He holds membership in the American Immigration Lawyers Association and has participated in the association’s Southern California chapter, where he served as a past co-chair of the Consular and Business Advocacy Liaison Committees. He is a fellow of the American Bar Foundation and maintains membership in the New York State Bar Association. He has served in national leadership for the Hispanic National Bar Association, holding the position of past national president. He has also worked with the American Bar Association’s Presidential Advisory Council on Diversity in the Profession and is listed as a lifetime member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. At the local level he helped co-found the Westlake South Neighborhood Council of the City of Los Angeles and served as its president.
Castillo is admitted to practice in New York. His career has moved between firm employment, civic involvement and private practice. He has combined organizational leadership with direct client work and periodic pro bono service. His practice has been based in Los Angeles while retaining ties to New York through bar membership. He continues to engage in professional associations and local community efforts, and he practices immigration law at Abogado de Inmigración Nelson A. Castillo en Los Ángeles, CA. His current practice focuses on immigration law.
