Susan Alva, Citizenship Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Over 43 years of legal practice · focused on Citizenship, Immigration, and Maritime
Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project
Los Angeles, CA
Practicing citizenship in Los Angeles since 1983.
- 43+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Susan Alva?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Susan Alva is an esperanza immigrant rights project based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Citizenship, Immigration, and Maritime. Susan has over 43 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Los Angeles, CA
- Experience
- over 43 years
- Known for
- Citizenship · Immigration · Maritime
- Handles Citizenship, Immigration, and Maritime matters from Los Angeles, CA.
- Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Susan Alva: Susan Alva is an esperanza immigrant rights project based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Citizenship, Immigration, and Maritime. Susan has over 43 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Susan Alva
Susan concentrates on citizenship, immigration, and maritime. Each area below outlines the kind of case Susan handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Citizenship
View other Citizenship attorneys
Immigration
View other Immigration attorneys
Maritime
View other Maritime attorneys
Citizenship cases in Los Angeles, California
Susan takes citizenship matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Susan agrees to represent you.
Immigration cases in Los Angeles, California
Susan takes immigration matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Susan agrees to represent you.
Maritime cases in Los Angeles, California
Susan takes maritime matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Susan agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Susan Alva — Over 43 years of California citizenship experience
Susan Alva is an esperanza immigrant rights project based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Citizenship, Immigration, and Maritime. Susan has over 43 years of legal experience.
Susan Alva is a lawyer practicing immigration and naturalization, admiralty & maritime. Susan has been licensed for 43 years. Susan practices in Los Angeles, CA.
Working with Susan on a citizenship matter
Susan Alva is a lawyer practicing immigration and naturalization, admiralty & maritime. Susan has been licensed for 43 years. Susan practices in Los Angeles, CA.
Who Susan represents
Susan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for citizenship, immigration, and maritime matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Susan Alva's legal education and bar admissions
Western State University
J.D. · 1983
Jurisdictions
Susan's state bar admissions
California
1983 · ACTIVE
Susan studied at J.D. in Western State University.
Law school and academic background
Susan completed J.D. in Western State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Susan runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Susan Alva's office in Los Angeles
Susan's primary office is at 634 S Spring St Fl 10, Los Angeles, CA, 90014-3912. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Susan Alva
Susan has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
Only verified clients who have consulted with Susan Alva can leave a review.
Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Susan Alva — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new citizenship attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Susan usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Susan charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Susan's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Susan will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a citizenship attorney in Los Angeles, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many citizenship matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Susan
Susan discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in citizenship practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every citizenship matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Susan confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Susan's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many citizenship practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Susan Alva
How much does it cost to hire Susan for a citizenship case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Susan walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Susan offer a free consultation?
Susan charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Susan's office. Some citizenship attorneys offer free consults — check Susan's current terms during booking.
How long do citizenship cases in California typically take?
Simple citizenship matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Susan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Susan take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?
Susan is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Susan will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Susan?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Susan will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Susan accepting new citizenship clients right now?
Susan's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Citizenship attorneys serving Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California
Susan handles citizenship matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified citizenship attorneys in that community.
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated citizenship attorneys in California
If Susan's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these citizenship attorneys in Los Angeles handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





