Early Life and Education

Growing up in a working-class family in Cleveland, Ohio, Herman’s early years were shaped by his immigrant roots. His father, Richard M. Herman, was a self-taught engineer and inventor who started his career at General Electric before launching his own business. Richard’s parents instilled a sense of pride in their family’s immigrant heritage, which played a pivotal role in his decision to pursue immigration law.

Herman attended the University of Cincinnati, where he studied Political Science and English Literature, graduating in 1987. He also developed a deep interest in Russian language and culture, taking language classes from middle school through college. While in college, he worked as a beer vendor at Cincinnati sports games, a job that helped him fund his education. His passion for international issues and politics grew, eventually leading him to pursue a law degree at Case Western Reserve University School of Law, where he specialized in international business law.

Early Career: Practicing Law in Russia

Founding the Herman Legal Group

In 1995, Herman returned to Cleveland, where he founded the Herman Legal Group. Starting with a single office in a Cleveland suburb, Herman grew the firm through a combination of hard work and a commitment to immigrant advocacy. By 1999, the firm had moved to a larger office in downtown Cleveland, where it became a resource for the city’s growing community of immigrants, including Russian-speaking refugees fleeing persecution in the former Soviet Union.

The firm quickly expanded its services to represent clients from all walks of life, advocating on behalf of families, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals navigating the complex U.S. immigration system. Today, the Herman Legal Group is one of the top immigration law firms in the country, renowned for its multilingual team representing over 13 languages and diverse cultural backgrounds.

In 2018, Herman launched the website LawFirm4Immigrants.com, aiming to provide immigrants with accessible information on their rights and options. The website publishes 10 to 20 articles weekly, covering current immigration issues and legal updates in multiple languages, including Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, and French. This resource has become a go-to site for immigrants nationwide, receiving over 120,000 visitors monthly and earning a spot on the “Top 25 immigration law blogs” in the United States.

Advocacy for Immigrant Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth

Herman’s work goes beyond legal representation; he is a passionate advocate for immigrant-driven economic growth. In 2010, he co-authored the book Immigrant, Inc.: Why Immigrant Entrepreneurs Are Driving the New Economy (and How They Will Save the American Worker) with former journalist Robert L. Smith. This book presents a compelling argument that immigrants are essential drivers of innovation and job creation in the U.S. economy.

Through his book, Herman sheds light on the economic contributions of immigrants, citing statistics that emphasize their entrepreneurial spirit:

• 40% of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children.
• Immigrants are twice as likely as native-born Americans to start a business.
• Immigrants founded over half of the high-tech companies in Silicon Valley.
• Immigrants are more likely to earn advanced degrees and be awarded U.S. patents.

Herman argues that these statistics reflect immigrants’ unique capacity to revitalize struggling local economies. He has spoken at numerous national conferences, including keynotes for Michael Bloomberg and Rupert Murdoch’s Partnership for a New American Economy, highlighting how inclusive immigration policies could help revive economically depressed areas in the U.S.

Non-Profit Work and Community Engagement

Herman is also an active participant in non-profit initiatives focused on immigrant integration and economic development. He co-founded Global Cleveland and Global Detroit, non-profit organizations dedicated to attracting immigrants to these regions to stimulate economic growth and reverse population decline. These organizations have become models for cities seeking to leverage immigrant talent and revitalization, demonstrating the profound economic impact of immigrant communities.

In addition to Global Cleveland and Global Detroit, Herman co-founded TiE Ohio, a chapter of the Indus Entrepreneurs Association that serves as a chamber of commerce for immigrant entrepreneurs. His contributions to non-profit boards are extensive, including the Cleveland Council on World Affairs, the Ohio Hispanic Bar Association, and the League of United Latino American Citizens (LULAC). His work on these boards has expanded his influence in promoting immigration-friendly policies across the Midwest.

Awards and Recognition

Richard Herman’s contributions to immigration law and immigrant rights have earned him numerous accolades and distinctions. In 2015, U.S. News & World Report recognized him as one of the best immigration lawyers in the U.S. His law firm has also been repeatedly ranked among the nation’s top immigration firms. Other honors include:

• Super Lawyer by Cincinnati Magazine (2004)
• Leading Lawyer by Inside Business Magazine (2002)
• AV Rating by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer-review rating for legal professionals
• Awards from the Hispanic Roundtable, the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, and other immigrant and minority organizations

Herman has also received recognition from city, county, and state officials, as well as from federal government entities, for his work in fostering immigrant inclusion and economic development.

Promoting a New Vision of Immigrant Integration

At the core of Herman’s advocacy is a mission to change how Americans perceive immigrants. He challenges outdated stereotypes and presents immigrants as assets to the U.S. economy, rich in entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and diverse market connections. His advocacy has led him to work with several cities, including Detroit, Dayton, and St. Louis, advising them on strategies for attracting and integrating immigrants as a means of economic revitalization.

This vision also extends to his public criticism of cities that fail to welcome immigrants effectively. For example, in his hometown of Cleveland, he has been vocal about the need for better immigrant integration policies, pushing for initiatives that would make the city more inclusive.

Personal Life

Richard Herman resides in Downtown Cleveland, Ohio, with his wife, Dr. Kimberly Chen, a Taiwanese-born physician who overcame her undocumented status to become a U.S. citizen. Today, she serves as Chief Medical Officer for a national health insurance provider, exemplifying the American Dream that Herman believes all immigrants should have access to. The couple has two children, and together they remain actively involved in their community and in promoting immigrant rights.

Conclusion: A Leader in Immigration Law and Advocacy

Richard Herman’s life and career reflect his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of immigrants and contributing to American society. His legal work, public advocacy, and community initiatives continue to advance the understanding of immigrants as essential contributors to the economy and culture. By sharing the successes of immigrants through his law practice, book, and public appearances, Herman is not only providing vital services to his clients but also shaping a more inclusive future for America.

For more on Richard Herman’s work, visit his firm’s website Herman Legal Group, or explore his insights on economic policy in Immigrant, Inc.

1. 1. “Immigrant, Inc. — Why Immigrant Entrepreneurs Are Driving the New Economy (and how they will save the American worker),”Richard Herman & Robert Smith (Wiley & Sons, November, 2009).
   2. ^ Preston, Julia, “Ailing Midwestern Cities Extend Immigrant a Welcoming Hand to Immigrants,” New York Times, October 7, 2013,
   3. ^ Peirce, Neal, Washing Post Writers Group, “Cities Scramble for Immigrants,”  The Free Library May 17, 2004.
   4. ^ Kachuba, John,“A Lawyer Without Borders,” Super Lawyer, January, 2006
   5. ^ “The Immigrant Connection”. Forbes. 2010-01-21. Retrieved 2015-11-27.
   6. ^ “Contributing Author, Governing”.
   7. ^ “Contributing Author, Huffington Post”.
   8. ^ Davidson, Kate, “Michigan Wants 50,000 Skilled Immigrants to Save Detroit,” NPR Marketplace, January 24, 2014
   9. ^ Smith, Bruce, Associated Press, “S.C. Forum Told Nation Should Welcome Immigrants,” June 11, 2012
   10. ^ Davey, Monica, “Immigrants Seen as a Way to Refill Detroit Ranks,” New York Times, January 24, 2014,
   11. ^ Lubell, David, “U.S. Cities Race to Attract Immigrants,”AlJazerra America, December 25, 2013
   12. ^ “Why American Cities Are Competing Over Immigrant Populations”. The Atlantic. https://plus.google.com/109258622984321091629. Retrieved 2015-11-27. External link in |publisher= (help)
   13. ^ Daniel McGraw, “Come to Cleveland? Maybe Not,” Belt Magazine, March 31, 2014.
   14. ^ Global Detroit
   15. ^ The Indus Entrepreneur Association of Ohio (“TIE Ohio)
   16. ^ Immigration Policy, Great Lakes Metro Chambers of Commerce, 2007.
   17. ^ “U.S. News – Best Lawyers”. Retrieved 2015-11-27.
   18. ^ “The Vilcek Foundation -“. www.vilcek.org. Retrieved 2015-11-27.
   19. ^ Barnett, David, “Making Change: Cultivating a New Ethnic Mix,” NPR Ideastream, WCPN 90.3, May 4, 2007