Bio

Norka M. Schell | International Legal Authority

Norka M. Schell is a driven, dedicated, and dually licensed attorney admitted to practice in both New York and Brazil (OAB/MG). Since founding her firm in 1997, Ms. Schell has established herself as a premier advocate for the international community, providing a rare “Dual-Lens” perspective on complex cross-border legal challenges.

International Family & Matrimonial Law

Ms. Schell is one of a select few practitioners who possesses the firsthand expertise required to navigate the intricacies of International Family Law. She provides sophisticated counsel to families and couples in a wide range of matrimonial matters, including:

• Cross-Border Asset Division: Managing the division of Brazilian real estate and property regimes within New York settlements.
• Hague Convention Advocacy: Expert representation in international child custody and parental rights disputes.
• Comprehensive Domestic Practice: High-stakes divorce, legal separation, guardianship, child support, and restraining orders.

U.S. & Global Immigration Defense

With over three decades of legal experience, Ms. Schell provides aggressive and compassionate representation across the full spectrum of U.S. Immigration law. Her practice includes:

• Investment & Business Mobility: Strategic guidance for EB-5, L-1, and E-2 visas, as well as labor certifications and employment-based immigration.
• Federal Litigation: Expertise in asylum cases, detention and removal defense, appeals, and complex motions to reopen.
• Family & Naturalization: Managing family petitions, fiancé visas, consular processing, and citizenship applications.

Corporate Counsel & International Trade

In addition to her private client practice, Ms. Schell serves as a trusted advisor to international business owners and executives. She provides critical legal advice on labor, employment, and contract law for entities entering the U.S. market, serving as outside counsel to small- and mid-sized companies throughout New York.

A Legacy of Leadership & Recognition

Ms. Schell’s commitment to excellence is reflected in her numerous professional distinctions and leadership roles:

• Trilingual Advocacy: Full legal fluency in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
• Professional Honors: Listed in Who’s Who in American Law, International Who’s Who of Professionals, and Empire Who’s Who.
• Leadership: Currently serving as Co-Chair of the AILA-NY ICE Liaison Committee and a member of the U.S. Department of State Hague Convention Attorney Network.

Experience & Professional Pedigree

Founder & Managing Attorney

Law Offices of Norka M. Schell, LLC | New York, NY 1997 – Present For nearly three decades, Ms. Schell has served as the lead strategist for an elite international clientele. She founded the firm with a mission to provide “Dual-Lens” advocacy for individuals and corporations navigating the friction between U.S. and Brazilian legal frameworks.

• International Matrimonial Authority: Recognized leader in cross-border divorce, focusing on the complex division of Brazilian assets and the resolution of jurisdictional conflicts.
• Immigration Strategist: Expertly navigating the January 2026 visa updates, specifically in high-stakes EB-5, L-1, and E-2 investment matters and complex removal defense.
• Trilingual Advocacy: Providing full-spectrum legal services in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, ensuring technical precision across all cross-border communications.

Dual-Licensed Legal Authority

Admitted to Practice: New York & Brazil (OAB/MG) Ms. Schell is one of a select few attorneys dually licensed to practice in both New York State and Brazil (OAB/MG No. 42.076). This dual licensure allows her to:

Provide authoritative opinions on the enforceability of foreign judgments (Homologação)

Navigate both Civil Law (Brazil) and Common Law (U.S.) systems simultaneously.

Directly coordinate with foreign counsel and judicial authorities without the need for intermediaries.

Honors & Professional Recognition

A Legacy of Recognized Legal Authority Ms. Schell’s dedication to the legal profession and her specialized knowledge in international law have earned her inclusion in several prestigious professional registries. These honors reflect a career-long commitment to excellence and peer-recognized leadership.

• Who’s Who In American Law: (2001) Inducted for demonstrating outstanding achievement and contribution to the American legal system.
• International Who’s Who of Professionals: (2003) Recognized as an Honorable Member for excellence in the global legal arena and cross-border advocacy.
• Empire Who’s Who: (2003) Honorable Member, cited for professional leadership and exemplary practice in the New York legal community.

Professional Leadership & Memberships

Leadership Positions

• Co-Chair, ICE Liaison Committee | American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), NY Chapter (2023 – 2024)
• Member, Family Law Section Liaison | New York State Bar Association (2022 – Present)
• Chairwoman, Asylum Committee | American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), NY Chapter (2021 – 2022)

Specialized Legal Networks

• Hague Convention Attorney Network | U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs (2016 – Present)
  • Specializing in International Parental Child Abduction and cross-border custody disputes.

Professional Associations

• American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) | Member
  • Active participant in the Federal Court Litigation group.
• New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) | Member, International and Family Law Sections
• American Bar Association (ABA) | Member
• New York State Trial Lawyers Association | Member

Here is the updated and integrated content for your website, combining your detailed descriptions of New York and International Family Law with your comprehensive Immigration Law practice.

This structure is designed to establish you as a top-tier authority in both fields for the 2026 legal market.

Practice Areas

New York and International Family Law

Navigating family law matters is inherently personal; however, when those matters cross international borders, they become legally and technically profound. Norka M. Schell is a dually licensed attorney (New York & Brazil) with over 30 years of experience managing the high-stakes intersection of domestic and foreign legal systems.

Ms. Schell provides a rare “Dual-Lens” perspective to clients whose lives and assets span multiple jurisdictions, ensuring that New York legal actions are harmonized with international realities.

International Divorce & Global Asset Division

A divorce in New York involves the “equitable distribution” of marital property. For international clients, this often includes assets held in Brazil or other foreign nations. Ms. Schell specializes in:

• Brazilian Asset Offsetting: Expertly valuing and accounting for Brazilian real estate and business interests within New York divorce settlements.
• Foreign Property Regimes: Navigating the conflict between New York law and Brazilian property regimes, such as Comunhão Parcial or Universal de Bens.
• Enforcement & Homologação: Ensuring New York divorce decrees are drafted to meet the strict requirements for recognition by the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) in Brazil.

International Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements

For global citizens, a standard prenuptial agreement is often insufficient. Ms. Schell drafts sophisticated, multi-jurisdictional agreements designed to protect legacy assets in both the U.S. and Brazil.

• Jurisdictional Strategy: Choosing the most favorable forum and governing law to protect your future.
• Asset Protection: Clearly defining separate vs. marital property to prevent the commingling of international inheritances or pre-marital holdings.

International Custody & The Hague Convention

Child custody is the most sensitive area of international law. As a member of the U.S. Department of State’s Hague Convention Attorney Network, Ms. Schell is a recognized authority on:

• International Parental Child Abduction: Aggressive representation in cases involving the wrongful removal or retention of children across borders.
• Habitual Residence Litigation: Expertly arguing the complexities of a child’s jurisdictional “home” under the 1980 Hague Convention.
• Cross-Border Visitation: Structuring enforceable international parenting plans that protect the child’s best interests while maintaining global family ties.

Comprehensive New York Family Advocacy

In addition to her international focus, Ms. Schell provides dedicated representation for domestic New York families in all areas of matrimonial law:

• Child Support & Alimony: Securing fair financial outcomes in a shifting 2026 economic landscape.
• Orders of Protection: Swift advocacy in matters involving domestic violence and family safety.
• Guardianship & Legal Separation: Providing stable legal frameworks for families in transition.