The Law Firm of Shihab and Associates: Entrepreneurship with Deep Roots

Gus Shihab, founder of The Law Firm of Shihab and Associates, was born in Kuwait and credits his parents with inspiring him to journey down the road to entrepreneurship.

His mother was a nurse who he describes as entrepreneurial; she eventually started a frozen foods business that, under her leadership, grew from her kitchen to a large facility with her products sold in supermarkets. He describes his father as a visionary who was idealistic, hard working and honest.

“Watching how a small idea can grow into a big idea in my family was a huge influence in my life,” said Shihab.

Shihab moved to the U.S. at the age of 18, with the help of his father, so he could study civil engineering at a small college in Denver and eventually at The Ohio State University.

He worked with the Ohio Department of Transportation in the U.S. and also was involved in a large highway project in Kuwait. Shortly afterward, Shihab was able to bring his parents to the U.S. After returning from Kuwait, Shihab began attending law school at night.

“It was something that had been in the back of my mind for awhile. Upon graduating, I started my law practice with $5K and an ad in the OSU newspaper, The Lantern,” said Shihab. “I was happy to be an immigrant helping immigrants.”

In 2000, issues surrounding Y2K helped Shihab’s business grow dramatically. He also credits business growth to a focus on excellent customer service and a willingness to implement new technology to better serve his clients.

Shihab developed and implemented an online case management system that allowed clients to view and update their case progress online, directly from his website--well before these tools were commercially available for law firms.

Currently Shihab and his staff primarily focus on corporate immigration law. Many of his clients are technology companies looking to hire highly skilled workers in architectural, engineering and information technology.  He also represents high tech manufacturers in the employment and retention of scientists such as mechanical and electrical engineers holding advanced degrees and Ph.Ds.

Shihab also counsels Colleges and Universities in the employment of foreign faculty members.   And he represents health care organizations in the employment of dentists, physicians and allied medical personnel.
 
Another aspect of Shihab’s practice involves uniting family members such as fiancés spouses and children of US Citizens by helping them navigate through the immigration process.

Shihab frequently visits Washington D.C. to advise on immigration issues and was elected Chairman of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Ohio Chapter, in 2009. “It was an honor to be elected by my peers and I enjoy this role because it is another way I can give back to the community  and help other immigrants.”

Shihab’s advice to other start-ups is to have a business plan and to stay focused on your niche. “Work hard, go above and beyond and do everything you can to keep start-up costs down--modest office space, used equipment--whatever you have to do.”

Shihab has been listed as one of the ‘Top Lawyers’ in Columbus CEO magazine. His company was also a TechColumbus Innovation Award finalists in 2008 -- an unusual honor for a law firm. “TechColumbus is a wonderful organization that I am proud to be a part of. This is a great networking and knowledge resource for entrepreneurs.” said Shihab.