Meet Himani Bhardwaj, Principal Attorney of HBM Law
HBM Law is a dedicated immigration law firm based in West Des Moines, Iowa (IA) committed to providing compassionate, client-centered legal services for individuals and families navigating the immigration system founded by family-based immigration attorney, Himani Bhardwaj. We understand that behind every case is a family member, a dream, and a future at stake. Our team advocates tirelessly for clients, ensuring they receive expert guidance in complex immigration cases. Whether assisting lawful permanent residents with United States citizenship applications or reuniting brothers and sisters through family-based immigration, we tailor our approach to each client’s needs.
In our latest interview, Himani shares the journey that led her to establish HBM Law, the challenges immigrants face, and how the HBM Law team assists clients emphasizing the importance of fostering strong attorney-client relationships, ensuring that every family member receives tailored guidance. Through her global experiences and deep understanding of citizenship and immigration services, Himani explains how she makes a difference in the lives of immigrants striving for a better future.
1. Can you tell us about your journey to becoming an immigration lawyer and founding your own law firm?
My journey started with a transformative year in Kurdistan, Iraq, where I worked on international human rights initiatives through a U.S. Department of State grant. This experience shaped me, helping me develop grit, resilience, and leadership skills as I collaborated with Iraqi local lawyers and managed large teams in complex legal settings.
When I returned to Chicago in 2013, I founded HBM Law, with a mission to offer direct, personalized legal services. Immigration law felt like a natural fit – shaped by my own experience as an immigrant and my international upbringing. My goal has always been to advocate fiercely for individuals and families navigating the immigration system, ensuring they receive the attention and expertise they deserve.
2. What inspired you to start HBM Law Offices?
The combination of the 2008 economic recession and my desire to work directly with clients motivated me to start HBM Law. During the recession, many law firms laid off experienced lawyers, and new attorneys like me found it difficult to secure positions. I remember thinking that if I can have the grit to live and plan and implement human rights initaitives in Oaxaca, Mexico, and Kurdistan, Iraq, I have the raw inputs to take the risk of starting a law firm in the United States. Starting my own law practice would also ensure that I would work every day with clients directly, which excited me . My goal was always to be able to work directly with clients providing them tailored solutions, timely and thorough advice, and dedicated client care – values that define the foundation of HBM Law.
3. What is the mission of HBM Law and how does it reflect your personal values?
At HBM Law, our mission is to serve the immigration community with compassion, competency, and customized care. I believe a firm’s culture reflects the inner health of its team members, so learning and growth are incredibly important to us. We invest in our education and self-care, including working with a coach, attending immigration seminars, speaking at immigration conferences, taking waiver courses, and taking time out on Friday mornings for “study time”. Personally, I practice yoga, exercise, and journal to stay grounded and be a present, regulated counsel for my clients.
4. What sets HBM Law apart from other immigration law firms?
What truly sets HBM Law apart is our emphasis on customized care and direct communication with clients. We offer clients a link to schedule video calls with me as often as they need, and in some cases, I respond to questions with video answers rather than email. This personal touch helps convey the tone, reassurance, and detailed explanations that clients find helpful. We believe in the motto “grow better, not bigger,” so we limit our caseload to ensure every client receives the personalized service, meticulous case management, ensuring that no stone is unturned and every case isn’t rushed or overlooked. Our team prioritizes quality over quantity so we advocate effectively and deliver the high-quality representation they deserve with the best possible outcomes for our clients.
5. What areas of immigration law does your firm specialize in?
HBM Law specializes in a range of immigration law services, including family-based immigration services such as Green card applications, Adjustment of status, and obtaining permanent resident status through consular processing and visa applications. We also provide visa categories (Fiancé(e) Visa (K-1) and Spouse Visa) services to ensure our clients apply for the correct one based on their situation, whether for family members or United States citizens seeking to reunite with loved ones abroad. We work through the complex legal status of each individual and carefully manage their U.S. immigrant visas and adjustment of status procedures to maximize their chances of success. View all our comprehensive immigration services covering visas, naturalization to to waivers (I-751 waiver and I-601A Provisional Waiver).
6. Could you share a memorable case or success story that reflects the impact your firm has on immigrant families?
Unwavering advocacy
We take pride in our unwavering advocacy for clients. One memorable case involved a 68-year-old client who had been denied an immigrant visa at the U.S. Embassy in Mumbai due to an overstay on her tourist visa. The embassy sent the I-130 petition back to USCIS for further review. I challenged the Embassy’s decision, arguing that the law had been misapplied after escalating the matter to LegalNet. The Embassy reversed its decision, and my client was granted the immigrant visa.
Special care and attention
We also don’t hesitate to take bold steps when necessary, engaging with Congressional liaison, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) liaison, USCIS leadership, and even pursuing litigation when government inaction or unjust decisions threaten our clients’ rights. For consular processing cases, we challenge decisions through LegalNet, ensuring that our clients have every possible avenue for relief. For example, we recently helped an elderly client whose daughter in Canada was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The client needed advance parole to travel but hadn’t received it yet. We advocated at the highest levels, directly communicating with the USCIS Field Office Director and within days, the advance parole was issued, allowing our client to be with her daughter in her final moments.
This case truly reflects our unwavering dedication. We don’t simply handle immigration cases; we advocate fiercely for our clients’ rights and humanity. Life is unpredictable, and behind every application is a person, a family, and a story that deserves our full commitment, no matter the obstacles.
Multiculturalism and multilingualism
Having lived and worked in diverse countries – Mexico, Iraq, Argentina, India, Thailand, the U.S., and Singapore – I bring a global perspective to my practice. My exposure to different cultures helps me understand the unique challenges that clients face, beyond stereotypes. It has allowed me to build stronger, more respectful relationships with clients from all over the world, enriching both my practice and my life.
HBM Law is committed to personalized, culturally aware legal representation. To enhance our support for clients, we have a team member fluent in Spanish and Hindi to ensure seamless communication with our Spanish- and Hindi-speaking clients. Our diverse, multilingual team helps create a supportive environment where every client feels heard, respected, and supported.
Extensive relationships
We understand that immigration cases often intersect with other legal and personal matters. To offer comprehensive support, we’ve built relationships with professionals in other fields, including tax professionals, psychologists, family law attorneys, crimmigration attorneys, and certified translation services. This allows us to provide holistic solutions that address every aspect of our clients’ needs.
Whether it’s tackling legal complexities, supporting emotional well-being, or managing financial concerns, we make sure our clients have access to trusted professionals who can provide the help they need. Additionally, as an active member of the Iowa-Nebraska AILA Chapter and the APAC Chapter, I’m able to better advocate for and support clients across various jurisdictions.
7. How do you and your team handle complex or challenging cases?
Every case begins with a thorough case review to identify potential obstacles and develop a tailored legal strategy. We carefully analyze case law, regulations, and USCIS policies to determine the best course of action. When necessary, we explore alternative legal pathways to maximize our clients’ chances of success. We are also prepared to escalate cases through Congressional liaison, AILA liaison, and direct engagement with USCIS leadership when needed.
Each case is personally overseen by me and supported by our experienced, multilingual paralegal team to ensure clear communication and comprehensive legal guidance throughout the process. We tap into our extensive network of immigration attorneys nationwide through the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), including the IA-NE and APAC chapters. In addition, we work closely with trusted professionals such as tax experts, psychologists, DUI attorneys, and family law attorneys to offer holistic support that addresses every aspect of our clients’ needs.
Take Your First Step with HBM Law
We truly appreciate your time and insights, Himani! At HBM Law, we are committed to help individuals and families navigate the complex immigration system. Whether you need assistance with Green Card applications, visa categories, adjustment of status, or citizenship and immigration services, our dedicated team is here to advocate for your rights. If you or a family member need expert guidance from a trusted family-based immigration attorney, we highly recommend reaching out to us. Contact HBM Law today to schedule a consultation and take that step toward securing your legal status in the United States for you or your loved ones.
