Jan Pederson

Jan Pederson

Partner
Wright, Constable & Skeen L.L.P.

When it comes to complex immigration issues, many have turned to Jan Pederson. Throughout her decades-long career, she has represented physicians, Fortune 500 companies, entertainers, health care providers and television networks.

Pederson earned her bachelor’s degree in economics from Washington University and her Juris Doctor from Howard University School of Law. She worked as an attorney at Cramer, Haber and Becker for four years before starting her own practice the Pederson Immigration Law Group PC where she took on cases for nearly 25 years. In 2013, she was named a senior attorney/partner and shareholder at Maggio + Kattar. In 2021, she joined Wright, Constable & Skeen LLP as a partner.

Seeing a need for advocates in immigration health care, she founded the International Medical Graduates Task Force in 1989. The organization of immigration lawyers advocates and represents foreign medical graduates.

“This program offers immigration benefits to physicians in rural and underserved urban areas who agree to fill the void in health care delivery,” she said. “This enables so many in   need to receive health care.”

Pederson served as president of the Washington chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and as an elected director of the national AILA Board of Governors for 18 years.

Over the years, Pederson has volunteered with a wide range of community organizations. At the Honduran mission of Chesapeake Church in Huntingtown, the group works with the nonprofit Honduras Compassion Partners. “Our mission is helping the poor and underprivileged of Honduras become self-sufficient,” she said. “We have established schools, a medical clinic, a church and regularly send our members down to help build houses, schools, infrastructure and meet other practical needs of the Honduran people.”

Pederson has no plans to retire. “I love what I do so I plan to keep doing what I am doing!” She said. “It reminds me of the legendary Charlie Gordon who practiced immigration law well into his 90s meeting at the immigration offices in Baltimore and (Washington) to represent clients. (That is) an amazing example to strive for.”

“Our mission is helping the poor and underprivileged of Honduras become self-sufficient. We have established schools, a medical clinic, a church and regularly send our members down to help build houses, schools, infrastructure and meet other practical needs of the Honduran people.”