Who We Are
Immigration law practiced with purpose.
Woodward & Avestaei, PLLC was founded in October 2015 by Thomas Woodward and Anahita Avestaei — two attorneys whose combined backgrounds span American, Iranian, and international law, with a shared focus on immigration, asylum, and human rights.
We are based in Silver Spring, Maryland and serve clients throughout the Washington, DC area and around the world. Every client gets a one-hour consultation, and we believe in giving honest, plain-language advice — not false hope, not unnecessary complexity.
Our practice covers the full range of immigration matters: from asylum seekers fleeing persecution, to professionals securing work authorization, to families navigating the reunion process, to investors building US enterprises.
Our Attorneys
Meet the team.
Thomas Woodward
Attorney · Co-Founder
Thomas Woodward is an American attorney who has worked exclusively in the immigration field since graduating from law school. His practice emphasizes asylum and international human rights, and he has represented clients before immigration courts, asylum offices, and USCIS field offices throughout the region.
He brings a straightforward approach to complex cases — translating legal processes into plain language and setting realistic expectations from the first meeting. He is a member in good standing of the New York State Bar.
Anahita Avestaei
Attorney · Co-Founder
Anahita Avestaei is an Iranian-trained lawyer who immigrated to Washington, DC in 2010. She brings a deeply personal understanding of the immigration experience to her practice, having navigated the US legal system herself. Her focus is on human rights, asylum, and immigration protections for trafficking victims and other vulnerable populations.
Before co-founding the firm, she spent three years in human rights advocacy with Middle Eastern NGOs. She holds advanced degrees in both Iranian and US law.
How We Work
What you can expect from us.
Honesty about your case
We tell you what we realistically see, not what you want to hear. That means clear timelines, honest assessments of risk, and no false guarantees. You make better decisions when you have the full picture.
Personal attention
Your case is handled by the attorneys — not delegated to paralegals. We take the time to understand your specific situation before recommending any course of action, starting with a one-hour consultation.
Global perspective
Our attorneys have lived the immigration experience firsthand. We serve clients in English, Spanish, and Amharic, and we understand that immigration law is rarely just a legal matter — it's a deeply human one.
Start with a consultation.
One hour with our attorneys, dedicated entirely to your case. We'll listen, assess your situation, and give you an honest picture of what's possible — with no obligation to proceed.