Robert Anthony Alvarez

Founding Member | Federal Trial Attorney | Immigrant and Civil Rights Advocate

Robert Anthony Alvarez is a founding member of Avanti Law Group, PLLC, which he co-founded in 2010 to provide aggressive, practical, bilingual legal representation to workers, immigrants, families, businesses, and individuals facing serious legal challenges.

For more than twenty years, Robert has litigated cases in state and federal courts involving employment law, wage theft, discrimination, civil rights, immigration law, deportation defense, federal criminal defense, class and collective actions, constitutional claims, and complex civil litigation. His practice is built around protecting individuals from abuses of power, whether that power comes from a government agency, a large corporation, an employer, or someone taking advantage of vulnerable members of the community.

Robert is admitted to practice before the State Courts of Michigan, the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the United States.

Trial and Litigation Experience

Robert has devoted the majority of his career to litigation, with a particular emphasis on federal court practice. He has represented clients in matters ranging from individual employment disputes to complex, high-stakes litigation involving multiple parties, class and collective actions, constitutional claims, and significant financial exposure.

His experience includes:

Robert approaches every case with the understanding that effective litigation begins long before trial. His philosophy is simple: prepare every case as though it may ultimately be decided by a judge or jury.

Advocacy for Workers and Civil Rights

Throughout his career, Robert has represented thousands of workers in wage and hour disputes, discrimination cases, retaliation claims, whistleblower matters, and other employment-related litigation.

His work has included representing employees against employers ranging from small businesses to national corporations. He has successfully litigated matters involving unpaid wages, overtime violations, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, disability accommodations, family and medical leave issues, labor trafficking, and civil rights violations.

Robert has also been involved in litigation challenging unlawful government practices and policies affecting workers, immigrants, and underserved communities. He believes access to justice means little unless individuals have someone willing to stand up to powerful institutions on their behalf.

Immigration Law, Deportation Defense, and Federal Immigration Litigation

Robert began his legal career advocating for migrant and seasonal agricultural workers through the Michigan Migrant Legal Assistance Project. That experience helped shape the direction of his legal career and remains central to his practice today.

For more than two decades, Robert has represented immigrants and their families before United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Immigration Courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, federal district courts, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

His immigration practice includes:

Robert has represented individuals facing detention, deportation, family separation, and other life-altering immigration consequences. He regularly advocates for clients both inside and outside the courtroom and has pursued federal court litigation challenging unlawful detention and government actions affecting immigrants.

As the son of an immigrant mother, Robert understands firsthand the sacrifices, challenges, and opportunities that often accompany the immigrant experience. His commitment to serving immigrant communities extends beyond the courtroom and into community education, advocacy, and outreach efforts throughout Michigan and beyond.

Fighting Immigration Fraud and Exploitation

Throughout his career, Robert has been committed to protecting immigrant communities not only from unjust government action, but also from individuals and businesses that exploit vulnerable immigrants for financial gain.

He has pursued claims against notarios, document preparers, immigration consultants, and others who unlawfully provide immigration services or misrepresent their qualifications. He has represented victims of immigration fraud, unauthorized practice of law, and immigration-related scams that have resulted in financial losses, denied applications, delayed cases, and removal proceedings.

Robert has also pursued litigation and investigations involving allegations of misconduct by attorneys and legal service providers operating within the immigration industry. He believes immigrants deserve access to ethical, competent, and honest representation, and that those who exploit vulnerable communities should be held accountable regardless of their title, profession, or position.

Leadership and Community Involvement

In 2010, Robert co-founded Avanti Law Group with a vision of creating a law firm deeply rooted in service, advocacy, and community engagement. Since then, the firm has grown into a respected legal practice serving clients throughout Michigan and across the United States.

Robert has served in numerous leadership and community roles, including serving as General Counsel to Latino Leaders for the Enhancement of Advocacy and Development (LLEAD) and participating in initiatives focused on expanding access to justice and educational opportunities within underserved communities.

He has twice been appointed to serve on the Magistrate Judge Merit Selection Panel for the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan.

Robert is also the founder of Avanti Cares, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mentoring and supporting high school, college, and law students interested in pursuing careers in law and public service. Through scholarships, mentorship opportunities, courthouse visits, law school tours, and educational programming, Avanti Cares seeks to create opportunities for future generations of legal professionals.

Recognition and Media Appearances

Robert has been recognized for his contributions to the legal profession and the Hispanic community, including being named Hispanic Person of the Year and being recognized among West Michigan’s most influential Latino leaders.

He is frequently invited to provide legal commentary and analysis for media outlets on issues involving immigration law, employment law, civil rights, and significant legal developments affecting the community.

Throughout his career, Robert has been a frequent speaker, educator, and advocate on issues affecting workers, immigrants, and underserved communities.

Education

Robert earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Grand Valley State University and his Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

While attending law school, Robert worked full-time and attended classes through Cooley’s weekend program. His path to becoming an attorney was not traditional, but it reflects the work ethic, determination, and perseverance that continue to define his approach to both life and the practice of law.

Practice Areas