Close up of the scales on a bronze Lady Justice statue with dramatic lighting.

“I am proud to be an advocate for vulnerable populations, and it brings me joy to help clients navigate complex legal matters.”

- Jessica L. Yañez

Super Lawyers Rising Stars 2021

Named to “Super Lawyers: Rising Star”4 list for Immigration Law by Super Lawyers, 2018-2021

Business North Carolina Legal Elite Logo

Business North Carolina’s “Legal Elite”4 list, 2018-2022

NC Board Certified Specialist in Immigration Law

NC State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Immigration Law

Attorney Jessica L. Yañez


Jessica Yañez is an experienced bilingual attorney who brings a deep commitment to justice to her work as a personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin.

Born and raised in Greensboro, NC, Jessica is fervent in her love of the city that provided a colorful backdrop of social justice, cultural engagement, and history throughout her childhood.

In addition to a strong work ethic, Jessica developed an unerring sense of fairness and a desire to address injustice – traits that would serve her well throughout her career. She also discovered her facility for languages and after she started learning Spanish in middle school, she travelled to Venezuela to study for a summer in high school.

“I Wanted to Become a Lawyer to Help People”

Jessica recalls being drawn to movies and books featuring dedicated attorneys who used the law to help people struggling against tough conditions and formidable opponents. She knew at an early age that she wanted to do the same, and she declared her intent to be a lawyer (in elementary school!)…and never wavered.

Jessica thrived as a student at the University of Noth Carolina at Greensboro and earned academic awards (the Student Excellence Award and Outstanding Spanish Major Award), made the Dean’s List and the Chancellor’s List, and was a scholarship recipient and member of the Sigma Delta Phi Honor Society. Upon graduation, Jessica embarked on the path towards becoming an attorney by first working as a legal assistant in Social Security Disability Law and as a paralegal in immigration law.

Next, Jessica attended Elon University School of Law (when her son was five months old!) where she excelled academically and received Book Awards for Torts and Evidence and was a member of the Dean’s List and the Criminal Section of the Pattern Jury Instruction Committee. She adeptly balanced academics and parenting with being active in the student body and was a member of the Moot Court team, the Board for the Black Law Student Association (as well as Founder of its Law Supplement Library), and the LGBTQ law student organization.

Law: A Clear Path Towards Helping People

After graduating from Elon, Jessica started an immigration law practice in Greensboro and earned North Carolina State Bar Board Certification as an Immigration Law Specialist. She spent more than a decade representing clients in family-based immigration, removal defense, asylum, and naturalization matters before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, the Executive Office for Immigration Review, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Jessica also has a passion for education. She developed a survey course in immigration law and served as an Adjunct Professor teaching second and third-year law students at Elon University School of Law from 2017 to 2023. She later served a one-year term as a Visiting Director at the Immigrant Rights Clinic at Washington and Lee University School of Law.

Jessica views the law as a practical avenue for assisting individuals facing difficult problems. At the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, she is often one of the first attorneys who interact with people contacting the firm. Many callers are living through stressful situations, and she listens carefully to their stories, answers their questions, and helps them understand their legal options.

A North Carolina Native Who Gives Back

Jessica has deep roots in Greensboro and is actively engaged in the local community. She mentors high school students, law students, and other attorneys, and she volunteers as an Attorney Advisor for the NC High School Mock Trial competition and with AFS, a cultural exchange program. This community involvement allows Jessica to stay connected with diverse populations and understand the real-world impact of legal services on local communities.

Jessica and her husband feel fortunate to have raised their son and daughter in the same city they both grew up in. She loves spending time with family and friends, whether out in nature or out on the town, and appreciates all that North Carolina has to offer.

Licensed In

  • North Carolina

Practice Area

Honors/Awards/
Accomplishments

  • “Super Lawyers: Rising Star”4 list for Immigration Law by Super Lawyers, 2018-2021
  • Business North Carolina’s “Legal Elite”4 list, 2018-2022

Memberships

  • Greensboro Bar Association
  • American Immigration Lawyers Association
  • International Bar Association

ADMITTED TO PRACTICE:

  • U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
  • U.S. Supreme Court

Publications & Speaking Engagements

  • “Representing Children in Removal Proceedings,” Presentation for Immigration Attorneys, AILA DC Chapter, Washington DC (2025)
  • “Advocates and Allies for Immigrants,” Presentation for Community Advocates, 50 Ways Rockbridge, Lexington, VA (2025)
  • “Community Chat: Understanding Our Rights,” Presentation for Immigrants, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Greensboro, NC (2024)

Community & Civic Involvement

  • AFS Intercultural Programs USA, volunteer
  • North Carolina Mock Trial Program, attorney advisor
  • Mentor to attorneys, law students, and high school students

Law School

Elon University School of Law
Elon, NC
2011 J.D.

College

University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, NC
2007 B.A. Spanish Language and Literature

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