Kyle K. Morishita

Kyle K. Morishita

Attorney & Public Speaker
  • Municipal Law
  • California, District of Columbia, Nevada
Badges
Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&ASocial MediaResponsive Law
Biography

During World War II, the U.S. government detained my U.S. citizen grandparents because of their Japanese ancestry. Learning about our history and serving as my grandfather's caretaker inspired me to be a social justice advocate.

I clerked for Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP and the Honorable Kristen L. Mix of the U.S. District Court. As an immigration attorney, I represented over 1,000 clients in removal proceedings and received honors from Chambers and Partners, Best Lawyers, and Super Lawyers. After living in Denver and Las Vegas, I returned to the Bay Area as a third generation San Francisco public servant.

Outside of the courtroom, I completed a silent meditation course and coached a basketball team. I speak at conferences and universities regarding racial equity, mental health, and immigration law. I am a former president of Las Vegas Buddhist Sangha, a trustee for the Nevada Bar Foundation, and my children’s second favorite parent.

Education
University of California - Davis
B.A. | Sociology
Activities: Intern, Office of U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer; Law Librarian's Assistant, Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein; Head Basketball Coach, Northern California Church League
University of California - Davis Logo
University of California, Davis, School of Law
J.D.
Honors: Member, The Order of Barristers; First Place, Frances Carr Mock Trial Competition; First Place Oral Advocate, Intra-School Moot Court Competition
Activities: Interview Editor, UC Davis Business Law Journal; Vice Chair, Moot Court Board; Judge Recruitment Chair, Trial Practice Honors Board; Executive Board Member, Coalition for Diversity; Research Assistant, Professor Bill Ong Hing; Law Clerk, Immigration Law Clinic
University of California, Davis, School of Law Logo
Professional Experience
Deputy City Attorney
San Francisco City Attorney's Office
- Current
Attorney
Private Law Firms
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Law Clerk
U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado
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Law Clerk
Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP
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Publications
Articles & Publications
Holistic Wellness in a Post-Pandemic Landscape
American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Practice Pointers
Portraying Asian Americans in the Law
Nevada Lawyer Magazine
Post-DACA and the American Dream
Northern Nevada Business Weekly
Surviving Tough Times
UC Davis Business Law Journal
Therapy, Well-Being Techniques, and Adopting a Consistent Practice
American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Practice Pointers
Speaking Engagements
Holistic Wellness in a Post-Pandemic Landscape, California Chapters Conference, San Francisco, CA
American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
Asylum Law, Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis, New York, NY
New York University
Lawyer Well-Being and Competency, Hawaii & California Chapters Conference, Los Angeles, CA
American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
Asian Americans: From Model to Forgotten Minority, National Summit, Washington, D.C.
Courageous Conversation
Therapy, Well-Being Techniques, and Adopting a Consistent Practice, Annual Conference, New York, NY
American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
Certifications
Public Service Law Program Certificate
University of California, Davis, School of Law
Pro Bono Program Certificate
University of California, Davis, School of Law
Awards
Member
The Order of Barristers
The Order of Barristers is a national honor society, which recognizes law students for oral advocacy and brief writing skills.
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating
Martindale-Hubbell
AV Preeminent is Martindale-Hubbell’s highest rating for professional excellence in legal ability and ethical standards.
Mountain States Rising Stars
Super Lawyers
Rising Stars honors a maximum of 2.5 percent of attorneys per state for peer recognition and professional achievements.
Ranked
Chambers and Partners
Chambers and Partners evaluates attorneys based on technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, and commitment.
Community Choice Customer Care
Vegas Inc
Community Choice Customer Care honors Las Vegas’ top lawyer recognized by the community for client service.
Ones to Watch
Best Lawyers
Ones to Watch honors attorneys with the highest overall peer recognition regarding professional excellence in a specific practice area and geographic region.
Northern California Rising Stars
Super Lawyers
Rising Stars honors a maximum of 2.5 percent of attorneys per state for peer recognition and professional achievements.
Professional Associations
AILA Northern California
Advisory Council
- Current
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Alameda County Bar Association
Racial Justice Task Force
- Current
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Nevada Bar Foundation
Board of Trustees
- Current
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Nevada
Big Brother
- Current
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Immigration Law Clinic Alumni Council
Board of Directors
- Current
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Las Vegas Buddhist Sangha
President & Board of Directors
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The Howard D. McKibben American Inn of Court
Executive Committee
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Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
California
State Bar of California
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District of Columbia
District of Columbia Bar
ID Number: Inactive
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Nevada
State Bar of Nevada
ID Number: Inactive
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Practice Area
    Municipal Law
Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Legal Answers
Q. Is it hard to apply alone for F I130 and K3 visa?
A: Form I-130 and Form I-129F are not overly complex on their faces. However, whether you should hire an attorney depends on the specific facts of your case. So, it is usually best to, at least, consult with an attorney. Additionally, USCIS approves either application, completing consular processing, including uploading civil documents, can be a tedious process, which an attorney can potentially streamline for you.
Q. My green card expired a year ago is there a way to get a extention to go back home and come back and file citizenship
A: If you want to travel outside of the United States, you need a valid, unexpired passport. Additionally, it is best to have proof your permanent residency. So, you should file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. After filing, you will likely receive a receipt notice or a biometrics appointment notice. If you receive a biometrics appointment notice, be sure to take a valid passport and your expired permanent resident card to the appointment.
Q. My wife is overseas and pregnant. Should I wait for the baby to be born to sponsor?
A: Depending on whether you live in the United States and when you lived in the United States, if you are a U.S. citizen, your child may acquire U.S. citizenship at birth. You should speak with an immigration attorney.
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Websites & Blogs
Website
San Francisco City Attorney's Office
Contact & Map
San Francisco City Attorney's Office
1390 Market Street, 7th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94102
Telephone: (415) 554-4700