Magdalena Metelska
Founder & Managing Attorney
The Firm
Ms. Metelska has over 15 years of experience in working with immigration law. She specializes in removal defense. She defends clients who are in removal proceedings and charged with immigration violations such as unlawful presence, crimes involving moral turpitude, aggravated felonies and other violations.
She handles a wide variety of immigration cases including cancellation of removal, asylum, adjustment of status, consular processing, waivers, U visas, T visas, and VAWA. Ms. Metelska also defends clients in criminal matters such as DWI and domestic violence.
Education
-
Mitchell Hamline School of Law (formerly Hamline School of Law)
Juris Doctor, 2010 -
Hamline University
B.A. in Global Studies, 2007
Languages spoken
- English
- Spanish
- Polish
Awards & Memberships
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 (2025-2026)
- Minnesota State Bar Association: Council (2025-Present), Chair (2024-2025), Vice Chair (2023)
- Lawyer of the Year (2022)
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (Since 2012)
Representative Cases
- Pacheco-Moran v. Garland, 70 F.4th 431 (8th Cir. 2023)
- Rendon v. Barr, 952 F.3d 963 (8th Cir. 2020)
- Juarez-Ferrer v. Barr, 20-3168 (8th Cir. 2020)
- Mervil v. Lynch, 813 F.3d 1108 (8th Cir. 2016)
- Avendano v. Holder, 770 F.3d 731 (8th Cir. 2014)
- Roberts v. Holder, 745 F.3d 928 (8th Cir. 2014)
- Hamilton v. Holder, 680 F.3d 1024 (8th Cir. 2012)
Admissions
- U.S. Supreme Court (2020)
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit (2013)
- U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota (2010)
- U.S. District Court, District of North Dakota (2025)
- Minnesota Supreme Court (2010)
Speaking Events
- May 2025
Upper Midwest Immigration Law Conference: Rapid Response and Changes in Detention Practices (Ethics)
- May 2024
Upper Midwest Immigration Law Conference: Complex Issues in Family Based Immigration (Ethics)
- May 2022
Upper Midwest Immigration Law Conference: Strategies for Working with OPLA and The Court (Ethics)
- May 2018
Upper Midwest Immigration Law Conference: Advanced Removal
- May 2016
Upper Midwest Immigration Law Conference, Set My People Free! Bond Hearings and Detention
- 2015
University of Minnesota Law School and Metropolitan State University, CrimImm Law
Practice Areas
Immigration Law
Representation for individuals facing deportation in immigration court, including defense against charges of unlawful presence, crimes involving moral turpitude, and aggravated felonies.
Assistance with family reunification and securing protection for juveniles, children, and victims of abuse or crime in the United States.
We provide robust appellate representation.
Comprehensive guidance through the naturalization process.
Representation in federal court matters including:
Additional Practice Areas
Representation for individuals facing criminal charges.
Navigating sensitive family transitions and ensuring the protection of parental rights and child welfare.
Metelska Law P.L.L.C.
P.O. Box 156
Hopkins, MN 55343
Monday–Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: By appointment only
We speak English, Spanish & Polish.