Emmanuel (Manny)
Onate
Attorney
Emmanuel (Manny) Onate is an attorney at Ellis Porter, focused on high-skilled immigration matters for researchers and industry professionals. Since joining the firm in 2022 as a case manager, he has developed experience across multiple roles involved in preparing successful petitions. That perspective helps him identify a client’s strengths, set clear expectations, and develop a case strategy that responds to the complexity and rapid changes of immigration law.
Before joining EP, Manny worked as an actor, playwright, educator, and legal assistant at two nonprofit organizations. His legal work there focused primarily on asylum and Special Immigrant Juvenile matters, while his creative background strengthened his ability to communicate clearly and tell a compelling story. His commitment to immigration work is personal: many members of his family and community have navigated the immigration process, shaping his belief that thoughtful, well-prepared legal support matters.
Outside of work, Manny enjoys hiking, birding, running, soccer, volunteering with animal rescues, reading, and cooking. He also genuinely enjoys doing the dishes.
- EDUCATION Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law (J.D., 2026)
Creighton University (B.F.A., Musical Theatre; B.A., Theatre, 2019) - PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association
- BAR ADMISSIONS State Bar of Illinois