Marie is an immigrant from South Africa who went through the citizenship process herself and brings a variety of experiences to this position. Marie is a University of Washington Law graduate with experience in private immigration practice, focusing on removal defense, family based petitions, citizenship, VAWA, U-visas and T-visas. In law school, Marie worked with Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, the International Rescue Committee and Northwest Justice Project. Prior to moving to Seattle in 2003, she worked for the American Bar Association in Washington D.C., recruiting attorneys for pro bono international rule of law projects. She has a bachelor degree in Law and Society from the School of Public Affairs at American University. Marie grew up in the Boston area and enjoys living in Seattle with her husband and daughter.