Strong representation, built on trust and thorough preparation.
Our Story
Barrie Legal was founded on a simple principle: every client deserves attentive, personalized legal counsel — regardless of the complexity of their case. We concentrate our practice on three areas where we can make the greatest impact for the people and organizations we serve: immigration, special education, and nonprofit consulting and registration.
The firm is led by attorney Fatmata Barrie, who is admitted in the District of Columbia. She upholds that founding philosophy every day, combining focused legal expertise with genuine, hands-on client care. We believe that strong relationships and clear communication are just as important as strong representation — because every client's future matters.
Attorney Profile
Fatmata Barrie is the founding attorney of Barrie Legal. Her work with children with special needs began in 1996 at a residential program, where she worked through law school. She has worked in special education law since 2002, first as an advocate and, since 2003, as an attorney, and she has practiced immigration law since 2008, when she founded the firm.
Across more than 20 years in litigation, legal research, and public policy, she has built her career on civil rights and social justice. She has handled cases in federal court, immigration court, and administrative tribunals, and as a senior attorney at a Washington, DC law office she managed a significant caseload and led a team of attorneys and staff.
Fatmata also brings public service experience. She served as Executive Director of Montgomery County's Police Accountability Board and Administrative Charging Committee, where she led the creation of a new civilian complaint form and a centralized electronic system for sharing investigative files, and as Senior Legislative Aide to the Montgomery County Council, advising on policing reform, civil rights, and immigration legislation. She has also volunteered in her community for many years, leading voter registration drives and immigration workshops.
Our Focus
We help individuals and families navigate visas, green cards, naturalization, asylum, and removal defense with clarity and care.
We advocate for children with disabilities in the District of Columbia to receive the IEPs, 504 plans, and educational services they are legally entitled to.
We guide new and growing nonprofits through federal 501(c)(3) tax-exemption (IRS) applications nationwide, and through District of Columbia formation, governance, and compliance.
Scope of Practice
Fatmata Barrie is admitted in the District of Columbia only. Not admitted in Maryland.
Visas, green cards, naturalization, asylum, and removal defense. Federal immigration matters nationwide.
Federal tax-exemption (IRS) matters for nonprofit organizations, nationwide.
All state and local law matters, including special education, are handled in the District of Columbia only.
Our Office
The firm's office is at 10770 Columbia Pike, Suite 300, in Silver Spring, Maryland. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. To discuss your matter, book a consultation online or call 240-324-8222.
Please note that Fatmata Barrie is admitted in the District of Columbia only. The scope of the firm's practice is described in the section above.
Our Values
We give honest, straightforward advice — even when it isn't what a client hopes to hear.
Every case receives thorough preparation and meticulous attention to detail.
We understand that legal matters are often deeply personal, and we treat every client with empathy.
We are ready to listen, advise, and represent you with strength and care. Reach out today to schedule a consultation.
Contact the Firm