Nash J. Fayad, Ph.D., LL.M.
Founder & Managing Attorney, Fayad Law, P.C.
From Immigrant to Advocate: A Journey of Justice, Compassion, and Community
When Dr. Nash J. Fayad first set foot in the United States, he carried more than just a suitcase—he carried a dream, shaped by years of legal study, a fierce belief in human rights,
and his own personal journey as an immigrant. Born in Lebanon, where he was raised speaking both Arabic and French, Dr. Fayad developed a deeply international perspective from an early age. He is fluent in five languages—Arabic, French, Russian, Spanish, and English—which reflects not only his global education but also his commitment to serving clients from diverse backgrounds. What began as a deeply personal experience navigating the U.S. immigration system would ultimately blossom into a lifelong mission: to stand beside immigrants in their pursuit of safety, opportunity, and belonging. Nash Fayad's legal journey began far from American soil, in Moscow, Russia, where he earned his law degree from the Russian Peoples’ Friendship University in 1992. Motivated by a passion for human dignity and justice, he went on to pursue a Ph.D. in International Law, with a focus on International Human Rights Law, from the prestigious Institute of State & Law of the Russian Academy of Sciences. During this time, he co-authored Human Rights for the 21st Century with Vladimir Kartashkin—an influential work that
advocated for a unified and more effective human rights committee within the United Nations. But his story truly took root in the U.S., when an employer sponsored his green card, eventually leading to his proud swearing-in as an American citizen. Despite his credentials and dedication, the path forward was uncertain. After facing limited opportunities in the field of international human rights law, a friend encouraged him to volunteer at Refugee and Immigration Services in Richmond, Virginia—a decision that would change his life.
“I realized this is where I’m meant to be,” Nash recalls. “Because I went through the process. I knew what it meant to worry every day about your legal status, about your future. I could stand in my clients’ shoes because I had walked that path myself.” In 2004, Nash Fayad founded Fayad Law, P.C.—at first just “me, myself, and I,” handing out flyers at ethnic supermarkets and churches, determined to offer immigrants something better. Through grit, empathy, and relentless advocacy, the firm grew. One assistant became two, then came the first associate attorney, then a second office, and before long, a reputation
for excellence that drew clients from across the globe. Under Dr. Fayad’s leadership, the firm has represented embassies, including the Embassy of Iraq and the Consulate General of Mexico, and expanded into international business and legal transactions with clients throughout the Gulf and beyond. Yet, despite this growth, the heart of the practice remains the same: a deep commitment to immigrants and their stories.
From helping a woman avoid deportation by successfully reopening her case on the grounds of fear of female genital mutilation, to bringing two wrongfully deported brothers back from Mexico and securing their green cards—Dr. Fayad never forgot why he started. “Every time I face a challenge,” he says, “I go back to those early cases. If we could do it then, we can do it now.” Fayad Law, P.C. has evolved through three powerful phases—its early growing pains and initial successes, a moment of strategic contraction and reorganization, and now a new era of expansion.
With the help of a corporate leadership team and a diverse, globally distributed staff, the firm is poised to become a true one-stop legal hub for immigrants—not just for immigration law, but for every legal matter they may face. Dr. Fayad is also deeply involved in the legal community. He holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from William & Mary School of Law and was admitted to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals in 2003. He has spoken at numerous AILA conferences and served in leadership roles, including Secretary of AILA’s Mexico City District Chapter and various liaison positions with AILA’s Mexico, Rome, and Bangkok chapters. His work has also been recognized by groups such as the Asian American Chamber of Commerce in Virginia, and organizations like ASIL and the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee.
As Fayad Law celebrates over 20 years of service, Dr. Fayad remains more committed than ever to the firm’s mission. “America is built on the dreams of those who came with nothing but a vision. Immigrants are the brain, the hands, and the heart of this country. Our job at Fayad Law is to make sure they have the legal support to turn their dreams into reality—and to keep families together while doing it.” Every morning, Dr. Fayad rises with a sense of gratitude—for his team, for the work, and for the lives he helps transform. For him, this is not just a career. It’s a calling.
