Inna Shapovalov

I’m Inna Shapovalov, and I help immigrants navigate the U.S. immigration system with strategy, clarity, and heart.

I was born in what was then called Leningrad, in the Soviet Union. My family lived in a small apartment, filled with books, conversation, and a deep appreciation for art, literature, and independent thought. My grandmother was an architect and a watercolor artist. My mother, a language teacher, brought me to the great museums of St. Petersburg and introduced me to the beauty of Russian literature. Even in a restrictive environment, I was surrounded by creativity and courage.

Our home, like many others, was shaped by both silence and truth. I grew up with stories of people who had questioned authority and paid the price—some of them family members. Those early experiences taught me to value freedom, integrity, and the power of speaking honestly, even when it’s not easy.

When my family was able to leave the Soviet Union through a refugee program, we settled in Springfield, Illinois. The local Jewish community helped us find housing, work, and stability. Once I learned English, I began helping other Russian-speaking families—especially older adults—navigate medical appointments, social services, and everyday challenges. That was my first experience acting as a bridge between immigrants and the system. I’ve never stopped.

I went on to study German at the University of Illinois and spent a year abroad in Heidelberg—the same year the Berlin Wall came down. That experience, combined with my love for language, travel, and my own immigration story, led me to law school in San Diego, near the U.S.–Mexico border. I knew I wanted to work in immigration law, helping others cross divides—both literal and bureaucratic.

After law school, I worked for a legal services organization in Southern California, assisting Spanish-speaking farmworkers. That’s where I learned Spanish—one client conversation at a time. Eventually, I drove across the country to South Florida, where I opened my own practice with one client and a lot of determination. We won her asylum case. Her fee helped me open my first office.

Today, I represent clients from all over the world—artists, entrepreneurs, working professionals, and families. I take the time to learn each client’s story, because immigration law isn’t just about forms and deadlines. It’s about strategy. It’s about understanding someone’s past, present, and goals—and building a legal path that honors all three.

I have a special connection with artists and creatives, having grown up around art, music, and museums. I also work closely with business owners and investors. I love helping people launch businesses that can thrive for generations. The United States, in my view, offers not only freedom of speech—but freedom of enterprise. That’s something I never take for granted.

Whether you’re building a life, starting a business, reuniting with family, or pursuing legal status after years of uncertainty—I’m here to guide you with clarity and respect. I won’t scare you. I won’t sugarcoat things. I’ll simply help you move forward with the best plan possible.