Ascent Legal is a Puget Sound-based legal practice offering a host of services to noncitizens. With over a decade of experience in the field, our goal is to provide you with trusted advocacy, zealous representation, and a grounded, realistic view of your immigration options.

Immigration Law, Real Solutions.

Mr. Cornell represents clients before all Immigration Courts, USCIS, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, the Western District of Washington, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and in matters arising under Washington and Nevada law.

About the Practice.

Benjamin Cornell began his career in Tacoma, and in those years won well over 100 immigration court cases. By 2021, he’d become a managing partner at nationally renown Seattle firm. He understands the complexities of our immigration system — where the only consistency is frequent change — and will help you navigate your future with expertise and compassion.

What we can do for you:

REMOVAL PROCEEDINGS

Removal proceedings can be a stressful event, and you deserve to have a good lawyer. My practice includes applications for humanitarian relief, cancellation of removal, adjustments of status, and various waivers of inadmissibility.

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LITIGATION

Increasingly, the road to lawful immigration status must necessarily travel through the district courts. We are well-versed in lawsuits brought under the APA, writs of habeas corups, actions through the Mandamus Act, and applications for extraordinary relief.

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DETAINEES

There are few attorneys who represent detainees, but achieving relief is attainable. We will screen your options to secure release, contest removability, or take your case to a hearing on the merits of an application. These cases will often involve immigration litigation.

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USCIS REPRESENTATION

In today’s political climate, even a seemingly strong case can invite a host of unexpected issues. I can assist with adjustments of status, naturalization, citizenship by derivation or acquisition, family and employer-based petitions, and more.

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Memberships and Affiliations

Our dedication to clients has earned us accolades in the legal industry. Mr. Cornell is a member or has volunteered with the following organizations:

Frequently Asked Questions.

  • I have been practicing immigration law exclusively since the winter of 2015, and have been a licensed attorney since October 2011. While my focus is now on immigration law only, I also have a four-year background in criminal defense.

  • Unfortunately, I can’t - a consultation is always needed first. Some matters are straightforward, while others require research just to know which pathways are possible. For cases that are billed hourly, we typically require a deposit of $5,000 to begin our services; however, simpler cases may be billed on a flat fee.

  • For matters not involving immigration detention, we change $400 for an hour-long consult. Fees must be prepaid at least 24 hours beforehand, and consults can occur in-person or via Zoom (client’s choice). Please let us know if you are providing your own interpreter, or if you need us to obtain one - there is a $100 upcharge if we provide our own.

    For detained matters, our consult fee is $500 (without an interpreter) or $600 (if we use our own).

  • The timeline for resolving an immigration case can vary quite a bit - especially in this political climate - and sheer luck can also play a role. Unless we are litigating for a determination, this is a hard question to field.

    More often than not, it will probably take longer than you’d like.

  • For cases in immigration court, it most likely will. Other options are a termination of proceedings, administrative closure, or joint dismissal through prosecutorial discretion.

    If your case goes to its final hearing, I’ll ensure that you are fully prepared for what’s to come.

  • I can’t predict the precise outcome of anyone’s case, as it can ultimately depends on factors beyond my control. What I can endorse is the approach of carefully following your attorney’s advice, taking the process seriously, and providing me from the outset with as much supporting evidence as possible.

Client Reviews

  • Dedicated Expert

    “Mr. Benjamin Cornell is an outstanding immigration lawyer who truly cares about his clients. He handled the case with professionalism, empathy, and attention to every detail. Throughout the process, he was patient, clear, and always supportive. His calm guidance and strong legal expertise made a difficult journey much easier. Because of his dedication, the case ended successfully and brought real peace of mind. I highly recommend Benjamin Cornell to anyone seeking honest and compassionate legal help.”

    — Harmanpreet Kaur

  • Top Notch Service

    “I was referred to this law firm by a local lawyer who told me he couldn't take my case since it was"complicated" When I consulted with Mr. Cornell, he quickly put me at ease and told me it was not complicated! My case was filed and finalized within 8 months! I was blown away at how fast the process went. Mr. Cornell is exceptional! The service I received was top notch. I am forever grateful to him. Definitely recommend them.”

    — Winfred Muthua

    Redmond, WA.

  • Support, and Commitment

    “On behalf of my family, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Ben Cornell for his exceptional handling of our case. Initially, we were uncertain if he would take us on, especially with our court date approaching so quickly, but he stepped up and took on the challenge. Thanks to his expertise and dedication, we emerged victorious! This outcome has truly transformed our lives for the better, and we will be forever grateful for his support and guidance throughout the process. Thank you once again, Ben, for your outstanding work and commitment to our case. We couldn’t have asked for a better advocate!”

    -L.A. Cleofe

  • Helpful Throughout Process

    “It’s really great working with Ben Cornell. Good experience and since our LPR to Citizenship throughout our process he helped us a lot .

    -Venkat Kanumuri

  • Listens Collaboratively

    I’m not usually one to write reviews, but I want to take a moment to thank Ben for his outstanding work. He took on my case just a week before I was at risk of denial. Despite being on vacation, he thoroughly reviewed my situation and worked hard to ensure everything was submitted on time before the deadline. I deeply appreciate his dedication and effort. Ben did an excellent job, and I admire how open he was to listening and working collaboratively. His fees are reasonable, and if you’re serious about your case or have concerns, I highly recommend scheduling an in-person appointment with him.

    -Songpol Thepw

  • Fast and Knowledgable

    “I am thankful to Ben Cornell for his brilliant work on my case. He did magic representing me in my asylum case. I was granted asylum in approximately 4 months after I started working with Benjamin. With limited time at hand before meeting the judge, Ben’s exceptional knowledge and ability to easily explain things helped the most.”

    -Ali Abass

  • Professionalism

    “I am writing to extend my heartfelt gratitude for the outstanding legal services provided by Benjamin Cornell. Your expertise, dedication, and professionalism were evident throughout the process, and I am extremely grateful for the successful resolution of my case. Your thoughtful advice and unwavering support made a significant difference during a challenging time. I appreciate the time you took to explain each step of the process and for your patience in addressing all my questions and concerns. Your ability to navigate the complexities of my case with such skill and care was truly impressive. I am grateful for your hard work and the positive outcome you achieved on my behalf. It is reassuring to know that there are attorneys like you who are committed to providing exceptional service and advocating for their clients' best interests. Thank you once again for your exceptional service and for going above and beyond to ensure a favorable outcome. I will not hesitate to recommend your services to others in need of legal assistance.”

    - Prince Arora

  • Positive Outcome

    “I would like to extend my sincere gratitude and thanks to Ben Cornell on his outstanding legal services provided throughout case. You have changed my life and my family’s. Overall, I am appreciative of the hardwork Ben Cornell put into my case and for the positive outcome achieved on my case. I recommend this firm to anyone who needs immigration assistance. ❤️❤️ I will forever be grateful for Ben for his hard work.”

    -Sahra Guled

  • Beacon of Hope

    I’m here with all of my heart to appreciate Benjamin for his above and beyond representation in the Court and I being lucky enough to be his support thirsty client. Mr Benjamin Cornell was a beacon of hope to me at a time when my options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed nigh and impossible. His great professional, expertise, and amazing work has been outstanding . He was on point and obtained a favorable resolution in a quite short period. I recommend each and every person in need of Immigration Services without any doubt. They will bear witness to whatever I wrote here about them.

    -Mahad Daud

  • High Quality

    My name is Mohamed. I am satisfied with my lawyer Mr. Cornell Benjamin for the way he fought for my case and if anyone would like to win there case you need to have a high quality person like Mr Cornell Benjamin you deserve 7 stars.

    -Mohamed Abdulahi Mohamed

  • Great Service

    Just great, everything- the service, the appointments, how Mr. Ben approaches your case, just amazing.

    -Yazid Hussein

Useful Links

The following organizations may provide immigration information, legal assistance, referrals, advocacy, or other support. Services and eligibility requirements vary, so please contact each organization directly for current information.

  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Contact Center
    Provides general information about immigration applications, petitions, and case status. Live assistance may be available through the USCIS Contact Center. USCIS does not provide independent legal advice or representation.

  • ACLU of Washington
    Protects and advocates for civil rights and civil liberties in Washington. The organization may provide legal information or assistance in selected cases involving significant civil-rights issues.

  • Catholic Immigration Legal Services
    Provides immigration legal assistance to qualifying low-income Washington residents. Available services and eligibility requirements vary by program. Offices are located in Seattle and Mount Vernon.

  • Colectiva Legal del Pueblo
    Provides free or low-cost immigration legal services to qualifying individuals, including detained people, survivors of domestic violence, farmworkers, survivors of human trafficking or torture, people with criminal histories, people with disabilities, youth, and LGBTQ+ community members.

  • Immigrant Defense Project
    Provides legal resources, training, and advocacy concerning the interaction between criminal law and immigration law. Its resources are particularly relevant to immigrants who have been arrested, charged, or convicted of a crime.

  • Immigrant Justice Network
    Provides advocacy, education, training, communications, and technical assistance addressing immigration detention, deportation, and the intersection of the criminal and immigration systems.

  • National Immigration Law Center
    Advocates for and protects the rights of low-income immigrants through policy work, litigation, education, and legal resources. It does not necessarily provide direct representation in individual immigration cases.

  • Northwest Justice Project
    Washington’s largest publicly funded civil legal-aid organization. It assists qualifying low-income individuals with matters involving housing, family safety, income, healthcare, education, and other essential needs. Immigration representation may be limited, but the organization may provide information or referrals.

  • Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
    Provides immigration legal services, community education, and advocacy throughout Washington. Assistance depends on eligibility, case type, available resources, and organizational capacity.

  • Tacoma Pro Bono Community Lawyers
    Provides free civil legal assistance and referrals to qualifying individuals in the Tacoma and Pierce County area. Available services depend on the type of legal matter and program capacity.

  • Washington Defender Association Immigration Project
    Supports Washington public defenders, investigators, and social workers assisting noncitizens involved in the criminal legal system. The project focuses on the immigration consequences of criminal charges and convictions and generally serves defense professionals rather than accepting ordinary requests for direct representation.