Angela’s experience with both family and employment-based immigration is extensive and well-rounded. Having practiced since 2004 as Associate Attorney at Lewis & Kappes for seven years, as Equity Partner at Lewis & Kappes for two years, and as Associate General Counsel for immigration at Indiana University (IU) for three years, Angela has used her expertise in immigration law to help clients navigate the complex and often confusing world of immigration. Because she has personally petitioned for family and helped numerous good friends with their own cases, she understands the practical and emotional difficulties involved in family-based immigration cases. Her knowledge and experience uniquely position her to own, operate, and manage Adams Immigration Law, LLC.

As a native Hoosier who grew up in Carmel, Indiana, Angela explains how her duty and purpose connect in practicing immigration law: “People ask me all of the time: why can’t undocumented immigrants just get legal? Because this question came up time and time again in my role as an Education Consultant for the Indiana Department of Education, I was resolved to finding answers and therefore became an attorney. I found duty and purpose in educating employers, universities, immigrants, and the collective community on how the immigration system actually operates. With my understanding of immigration law and background in education, government, internal corporate structure, human resources, and international services, I seek to serve this great community and work as a bridge between employers, legislators, special interest groups, and immigrants.”

Prior to attending law school, Angela served as an Education Consultant for the Indiana Department of Education, Division of Language Minority and Migrant Programs, where she assisted teachers of English Language Learners (ELLs) across the state of Indiana for nearly four years. Angela also taught English abroad in Saltillo, Coahila, Mexico, and is fluent in Spanish.

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Angela is past Chair of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Indiana Chapter.  As a frequently requested speaker and writer on various immigration issues, Angela has consulted on immigration policy in the Indiana General Assembly and in Washington, D.C.  In addition, Angela served as the Midwest Regional Coordinator for “Bibles, Badges, and Business for Immigration Reform,” a project of the National Immigration Forum in Washington, D.C.

She also served as co-counsel with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to oppose parts of the Indiana immigration law that were struck down as unconstitutional. She was a driving force behind the Indiana Compact, a statement of principles to guide a productive conversation on immigration, and also served on the Indiana Farm Bureau Policy Advisory Group.  Angela has long been committed to the issue of in-state tuition for undocumented and DACA students in the state of Indiana and recently advised lawmakers on professional licensing for DACA recipients. In 2014, Angela was recognized by the Indiana Latino Scholarship Fund (ILSF) for her efforts to increase educational opportunities for immigrant students. In 2018, she was recognized by the Indiana University Latino Alumni Association as Distinguished Alumni of the Year.  

As a seasoned and objective professional, Angela is prepared to help you, your business, or your university in any immigration matter.

Education

• B.S. in SPEA Public Affairs-Management from Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana
• J.D., Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law Indianapolis, Indiana

Pro-Bono Leadership Positions and Achievements

• Member, Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration Legal Advisory Council
• Board Member and Past President of the Immigrant Welcome Center
• Board Member for Su Casa Columbus
• Board Member and Past Chair of Mexican Scholarship Fund
• Board Member of La Plaza
• Board Member of the Hispanic Education Center
• Co-founder of “META:  Mapping Education Towards Achievement” Hispanic Post-Secondary Awareness Seminar at IUPUI
• Chapter Chair of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
• Chair of Law Student Outreach Committee for AILA National
• Member of the Healthcare Professionals/Physicians Committee for AILA National
• Stanley K. Lacey Executive Leadership Series Class XXXVI
• Mayor’s Commission on Latino Affairs for Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson

Awards

• Indiana Super Lawyers 2023, 2024
• National Association of Women Business Owners Indianapolis “Trailblazer Award” (2019)
• Recipient of the AILA Advocacy Award in Washington, D.C. (2015)
• Indiana Latino Scholarship Fund (ILSF) Award (2014)
• Indianapolis Business Journal “Forty Under 40” Honor (2014)
• “Women of Influence” Award (2013)
• United Way “Diversity Advocate Award” (2013)
• Lewis & Kappes “Great Year Award” (2012)
• Indiana Super Lawyers “Rising Star” Honor in immigration (2009) (2010) (2012)
• Indiana Lawyer “Up and Coming Lawyer” Honor (2007)

Memberships

• American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) (past Chapter Chair)
• National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA)
• Association for International Educators (NAFSA)