Swetha Shivakumar

Immigration Attorney

Swetha Shivakumar is a powerful voice for equity, compassion, and inclusion as a dedicated immigration attorney in Spokane. She finds her passion for justice in her own experiences. She builds this passion through years of legal work, advocacy, and academic success.

As an immigration attorney, she uses her knowledge and determination to help immigrant communities. She guides them through the legal system with dignity and hope. Her mission is to elevate voices often silenced and build a path forward through life-changing legal advocacy.

LEARN HER HISTORY

Who is Swetha?

A personal journey that shaped a lifelong calling

Swetha was raised in a traditional Brahmin household in southeastern India. From an early age, she observed the quiet resilience of the women around her and resolved to use her own voice differently.

Her commitment to justice began when she was a teenager. The book The Dialectics and Dynamics of Human Rights in India inspired her. That formative reading sparked her drive to pursue a career in law as a means to effect systemic change and social progress.

Legal education with a global and rights-based lens

Swetha earned her Master of Laws (LL.M.) in American Law from Boston University. She focused on immigration and human rights. She also participated in the Immigration Law and Policy Society and the International Law Society. She worked for fair legal systems.

Before that, she got her Bachelor of Law and Commerce degree. This degree is also known as BCom BL Hons. She studied at Dr. Ambedkar Law University in India.

She graduated with honors. Her legal education from two continents informs her rights-based and trauma-informed approach to helping clients.

Experience grounded in litigation and human impact

Swetha served for nearly five years as a trial attorney and chief brief writer in Massachusetts. She focused on removal defense, humanitarian aid, and appeals. She managed over 45 EOIR hearings and wrote more than 50 briefs for the BIA and First Circuit.

In this role, she coordinated litigation strategy, mentored paralegal teams, and developed creative arguments that shaped outcomes.

The work strengthened her determination to fight for a fairer immigration policy. It also confirmed her belief that smart legal action can create lasting change.

A purposeful chapter at Quiroga Law Office

Swetha joined Quiroga Law Office, PLLC, with a vision to help lead compassionate, client-centered immigration reform from within. The firm’s values—dignity, inclusion, and legal excellence—resonated with her own.

At Quiroga, she uses her legal experience to help families in crisis. She advocates for human rights and works for positive change in the system.

She believes that the law is a tool for both protection and change. She works every day to honor and defend each client’s story.

Philosophy anchored in justice and reform

Swetha draws on her lived experience and a deep belief in life-changing justice to shape her legal philosophy. Immigration law is, for her, a moral imperative. She aims to challenge injustice, build inclusive systems, and provide legal guidance that empowers her clients.

Her advocacy mixes strong legal strategy with caring, trauma-informed support. She always aims to go beyond to fight for what is right for her clients.

At Quiroga, she works to reunite families, elevate marginalized voices, and leave behind a legacy of equity and empowerment.

Recognition and scholarly contributions

Swetha won the National Meritorious Performance Award in Parliamentary Debate. She also received First Prize in the State-Level Essay Competition from the State Essay Commission of India. They also recognized her for outstanding appellate writing and advocacy.

Her writing has appeared in the Indian Student Law Review Journal. She has also taken part in legal forums. These forums focus on women’s rights, immigration reform, and fairness in the system.

She continues to use her voice—both in court and in writing—to defend and uplift immigrant communities.

SWETHA: COURAGE, CHANGE, AND INCLUSION

Learn More About Swetha

Certifications

Licensed to practice law in Massachusetts
Authorized to represent clients before USCIS and immigration courts

Experience

Quiroga Law Office, PLLC – Immigration Attorney
Mills & Born, LLC – Trial Attorney and Chief Brief Writer
Legal Internships and Advocacy Roles – India and the United States

Education

LL.M. in American Law – Boston University School of Law
BCom BL Hons – Dr. Ambedkar Law University (India), with distinction