Fresno Attorney Deepak Ahluwalia

Prior to attending law school, Deepak served as an insurance broker for over four years. The experience taught him the value of attentive client service, and he also learned how to navigate often-confounding bureaucratic processes. As part of serving clients in the insurance industry, he developed a passion for representing others that encouraged him to pursue his dream of becoming a licensed attorney.

After achieving his J.D., Deepak worked for one of the top U.S. immigration law firms in Toronto, Ontario, advising clients on employment-based U.S. immigration matters, such as: E, L, H, O, P, and TN visas. Afterwards, he accepted a position from a mid-sized Texas immigration law firm, where he oversaw the removal and deportation department, managing the practice area in three offices located across South Texas.

Deepak Ahluwalia studied at the University of Toronto and Athabasca University, graduating with a B.A. majoring in political science and international relations. He obtained his law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law.

Deepak would have been unable to complete law school if not for the generous support of his cousin. Ineligible for financial aid (because he was an international student from Canada), Deepak’s tuition was paid for in full by a loan from his cousin, who also allowed him to live rent-free for three years during his time in law school. His cousin’s only condition: “pay me back when you become an attorney, but not just any attorney — one of the best!”

During law school, Deepak was selected to participate in the Immigration & Human Rights Clinic where he represented low-income immigrant clients in deportation proceedings. He served as staff writer with The Scholar: St. Mary’s Law Review on Race & Social Justice. His piece titled, “Muslims Denied: How the USCIS Uses a Formerly Secret Program to Delay and Reject Naturalization Applications from Muslims and Other Minorities,” was selected for publication.

Deepak also worked as a law clerk for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of Regional Counsel in San Antonio during his studies. As part of his duties, he conducted legal research under the Federal Tort Claims Act. He also drafted memorandums related to discovery, case law, depositions and medical history. With a focus on medical malpractice inquiry, he Interviewed claimants who are pursuing tort claims and completed investigation reports with recommendations on whether to accept or deny the claims. This work built out his early experience with injury law, encouraging him to stand up for the rights of injured clients as well as those seeking reprieve from immigration law.

Deepak was a participant in the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition as a second and third-year law student. Also during law school, Deepak worked at the Office of International Student & Scholar Services at St. Mary’s University, where he facilitated the legal admission of international students in obtaining and maintaining lawful status and proper work authorization under the USCIS.  During law school, Deepak was also the vice-president of the Asian-Pacific American Law Student Association.

St. Mary’s University School of Law, J.D., 2014

• Immigration & Human Rights Clinic, Student Attorney
• The Scholar: St. Mary’s Law Review on Race & Social Justice, Staff Writer
• Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, Participant
• Asian-Pacific American Law Student Association, Vice-President
• Office of International Student & Scholar Services, Senior International Advisor and Program Manager

Athabasca University, B.A., 2011