History

The firm name changes to Tidwell, Swaim & Farquhar in tribute to David’s 30-year leadership of the firm and in reflection of the continued momentum fueled by a new generation of associate attorneys.

“The same vision that started in 1978 continues on into a challenging and yet successful future.”
–David Swaim

David Swaim has delivered over 300 immigration seminars to international students and faculty at colleges, universities, and seminaries in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, New Mexico and Mississippi.

David Swaim wins an important case in Federal court which overturned the denial of an I-140 petition under the EB-1(1) Extraordinary Ability category.

The Firm Surpasses 40,000 Successful Cases

The firm surpasses 40,000 successful cases, representing employers, institutions and individuals in all areas of U.S. immigration law across the country.

“One of the most knowledgeable and respected Immigration Lawyers passes, leaving a legacy of unmatched professionalism.”  –David Swaim

David Swaim becomes Board Certified in Immigration and Nationality Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

David becomes Managing Partner and the firm changes names to Tidwell, Swaim & Associates.

“Most immigration practices are either part of a larger firm or only represent clients on selected case types.  We are, and always will be, specialized to represent all aspects of immigration law.”  –David Swaim

David Swaim won an important case before the Federal Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals that helped establish the rule in Federal Court that the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and its “fundamental fairness” doctrine applies to deportation proceedings and all Immigration Judges – helping establish the principle that Immigration Officers who testify in court may be forced to prove their expertise on the subject about which they are testifying.

Samuel Tidwell Establishes A Long Legacy of Board-Certified Immigration Lawyers.

“Sam always believed that “immigration attorneys” never achieved expert status until they met the requirements for Board Certification which are primarily five years of experience in all aspects of U.S. immigration law and passing an all-day written examination. I am proud of the fact that our firm has mentored nine Board Certified immigration lawyers and two Immigration Judges.” –David Swaim

The firm surpasses 10,000 successful cases.

Upon graduation, Tidwell moved to Dallas and started Samuel M. Tidwell & Associates, P.C.

“This law firm became one of the most preeminent immigration firms in the U.S., in part due to Sam’s previous years of work for the Border Patrol.  Sam had the benefit of understanding the inner workings of the old Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and that insight benefited all of the attorneys and paralegals that learned immigration law through him.”  –David Swaim

Samuel Tidwell was a veteran Border Patrol officer teaching immigration law to his fellow officers.  This year, Tidwell decided to radically change his involvement in U.S. immigration law by enrolling at the University of Texas School of Law