Today we’d like to introduce you to Hiba Ghalib.
Hi Hiba, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story began before I was even born. My parents are from Iraq and shortly after they married, my father received a scholarship to study at Northwestern University, where he later earned his PhD. I was born in Evanston, IL, two years after they immigrated to the US.
When war broke out in Iraq in the ‘80s, returning was no longer an option. My father later received a job offer that moved us to Ann Arbor, MI. Again I found myself immersed in a diverse college town where I relished the different cultures, foods and traditions. But internally, I struggled. I identified as Iraqi American, yet during my formative years the U.S. was at war with Iraq. I remember grappling with the painful question: How could my country bomb my country? I had been raised to be proud of my heritage, and I felt deeply American but I didn’t yet know how to fully be both.
That question intensified during my time at the University of Michigan. One morning, a fellow student in our statistics class announced that there had been an incident. The entire class rushed out to the hallway to watch planes crash into the Twin Towers. I didn’t realize then how profoundly that moment would shape me. In the months and years that followed, as backlash grew against Muslims and I became deeply involved in social justice efforts. Once again, my identity was front and center. But this time something shifted. I began to understand that I didn’t have to choose between being Arab and being American. I could be both. And more importantly, I needed to embrace both because there was a lot of work to do.
That realization led me to law school. I initially considered family law, but I quickly understood that I was more interested in keeping families together. I also understood that my non-confrontational personality could never be truly satisfied helping clients win if it meant harm to the other side. I enjoyed first-hand the multitude of benefits that immigrants brought to our country, a nation of immigrants, and knew if I could successfully navigate the maze on behalf of a client, everyone wins and America would be a better place. Immigration law felt personal. It felt necessary.
I have practiced immigration law since passing the bar in 2007 and have never looked back. Three years ago, after spending eleven years at a prominent immigration firm in Atlanta, I made the decision to build something of my own. I founded my practice, where we now represent individuals, families, entrepreneurs, and asylum seekers not only across Georgia, but around the world.
For me, immigration law is more than a profession. It is the intersection of my identity, my history, and my purpose.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Transparently, I suffered burnout under the first Trump administration and almost quit the law completely. I witnessed many difficult moments with clients and broken systems up close. I wish I knew enough about secondary trauma then but most days I was just in survival mode. So when an opportunity to visit Jordan arose seemingly out of nowhere, I jumped on it. I knew I needed a break from work and I wanted to expose my kids to the region of my ancestors even though I myself had not seen it. I took a leave of absence from my firm to travel for 5 weeks in the summer of 2019 and it was the first time in years I was able to reflect on my life and the work I chose to do. I returned re-energized, ready to make changes but to not fall into the same patterns because I knew so many people depended on me. Self care was not optional. Major life adjustments were going to be a challenge, but somehow when COVID hit just a few months after our return, it made it easier to start the transition and I began to envision a better way to do the work that still called to me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Ghalib Law Group is an immigration law firm dedicated to guiding individuals, families, and businesses through the ever-changing immigration landscape with compassion, clarity, and proven expertise. Every case is personal, and we place our clients at the center of the process, tailoring strategic solutions to meet their unique goals. Whether reuniting families, supporting businesses, or resolving complex challenges, we are committed to being your trusted partner every step of the way. What sets us apart is the fact that I have extensive experienced with every practice area within US immigration law and am able to identify creative solutions which is essential during times of constant change. We also lean on technology to be able to provide quality work efficiently, while prioritizing taking the time to continuously inform and reassure clients. Because the only thing more challenging than having to navigate a complex and constantly changing minefield in pursuit of a stable home for your family, is to feel you have to do it while completely in the dark.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I quickly learned that I needed a team to execute my vision to be able to offer each client individualized attention and expertise. My team represents the epitome of teamwork, each member of the Ghalib Law team has unique strengths and is an expert in their own way, and we have honed our systems so we are operate like a machine, constantly leaning on one another for support and motivation. A supportive environment for the team ensures the work we do is rewarding and gratifying, despite the many challenges we face. I also want to acknowledge all my teachers over the years, but especially my first teachers, my parents. Their sacrifice leaving everything and everyone they knew and loved and all their struggles hoping for a better life for their kids inspires me to do my best every day. Lastly, my family is the reason I do what I do. I need to do whatever is in my power to ensure that America is special and the work I do that ensures America stays true to her ideals makes America a better place and I need to know it can be better for my kids and their kids. Their support and encouragement, especially in moments where the work seems impossible, is what fuels me.
Pricing:
- free intake calls
- 150 for consultations
- flat fee, depends on the case
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ghaliblaw.com
- Instagram: @ghaliblawgroup
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GhalibLaw/
- LinkedIn: GhalibLaw
- Youtube: @ghaliblawgroup
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ghaliblaw
Image Credits
https://lovebyrdphoto.com/ for all photos other than the ones in the green jacket.
