Key Takeaways
- DACA recipients have passed the bar exam in multiple states and operate licensed law firms
- Bankable funds attorney hiring, technology, and working capital for DACA law firms with no citizenship requirement
- Retainer-based legal revenue and contingency case pipelines both qualify for Bankable funding
- SBA legal firm loans now closed to DACA attorneys — Bankable fills the gap with 48-hour decisions
- Your client retainers and case revenue are your bankability — no green card needed
DACA recipients have passed bar exams in California, Texas, New York, Illinois, and across the country. They practice immigration law, criminal defense, family law, personal injury, and business law. Many have opened their own firms — and many specialize in serving DACA clients and immigrant communities who deeply trust their lived experience. These law firms deserve capital access on equal terms.
Legal Firm Funding Uses
- Attorney hiring: Associates, paralegals, and legal assistants to grow caseload capacity
- Technology: Practice management software, e-discovery tools, legal research platforms
- Marketing: Website, Google Ads for practice area terms, referral network development
- Working capital: Payroll and overhead between contingency case settlements
- Office lease: Professional office space and conference room for client meetings
- Case costs: Expert witnesses, court filing fees, and investigation costs for litigation
Requirements for DACA Legal Firm Funding
| Factor | Bankable Standard |
|---|---|
| Immigration | DACA with EAD + SSN — no green card required |
| Bar License | Valid state bar admission required |
| Revenue | $10,000+ monthly from legal fees and settlements |
| Business Age | 12 months of law firm operations |
| Funding Range | $25K to $5M based on firm revenue and case pipeline |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. DACA-licensed attorneys who have passed the bar can own and operate law firms in states that allow non-citizen bar admission. Bankable funds these firms based on revenue — no citizenship requirement.
Yes. Multiple states allow DACA recipients to sit for and pass the bar exam. California, New York, and other states have explicitly permitted DACA bar admission. Check your state's bar association for specific rules.
Yes. Immigration law is one of the most natural practice areas for DACA attorneys — they understand the system from the inside. These firms serve high demand and generate consistent revenue.
Yes. Law firms with contingency cases have lumpy revenue — large settlements interspersed with slower periods. Working capital tranches bridge these gaps while the settlement pipeline matures.
Yes. Solo practitioners with $10,000+ monthly in legal fees qualify. Many DACA attorneys start as solos before adding associates.
Yes. Staffing expansion is a primary use case for law firms. Adding a paralegal or associate directly increases your capacity to take on more clients and cases.
Immigration, family law, criminal defense, personal injury, business law, real estate, and employment law practices all qualify. Practice area revenue profile matters more than specialty.
Yes. Legal marketing — Google Ads for practice area terms, website development, and referral network development — is a covered use case.
Bank statements showing retainer and fee payments, QuickBooks or Clio reports, and signed retainer agreements are accepted. Contingency case settlements are verified through settlement documentation.
Yes. Acquiring an existing law practice — client relationships, staff, and brand — is a covered use case. We review both the acquired firm's revenue and your personal financial profile.