Attorney Celina D. Shannon works at Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte PartG mbB and specializes in citizenship law as well as immigration and residency law. With her binational background – she holds both German and US citizenship – she possesses a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities of cross-border lives. Her practice focuses on determining German citizenship for individuals with German ancestry abroad, particularly in the United States, and on assisting with naturalization procedures after long-term residence in Germany. She also provides comprehensive advice on skilled worker immigration and residency law.
Citizenship law
Attorney Shannon advises her clients on all matters relating to German citizenship law. She provides support, in particular, with determining and acquiring German citizenship, with questions concerning dual citizenship, and with retaining or relinquishing German citizenship. In this context, she competently assists her clients throughout the entire application process, reviews the required documents, and handles communication with the relevant authorities.
Citizenship by descent – focus on the USA
Attorney Shannon specializes in advising individuals residing abroad, particularly in the United States, who possess German citizenship based on family ancestry and wish to have it officially recognized. Her own transatlantic background and personal connections to various regions of the US—she was born in New York and has family in New York, Washington, California, and Virginia—give her firsthand knowledge of the practical and legal intricacies of this process. She ensures legally sound applications, verifies all legal requirements, and assists in obtaining relevant documentation such as birth certificates, proof of ancestry, and historical records. She also considers the specific aspects of citizenship law within the German-American context and guides her clients through the entire process with professional expertise and personal dedication.
Naturalization through residence
Attorney Shannon is also a competent contact person for foreign nationals who, after several years of residence in Germany, are seeking naturalization. She clarifies requirements such as length of residence, language skills, and successful completion of an integration course. Furthermore, she assists in compiling all necessary documents and develops an individualized application strategy with the goal of a successful and swift naturalization process.
Simplified naturalization | Restitution naturalization
Furthermore, attorney Shannon advises her clients on so-called restitutionary naturalization. She supports individuals whose ancestors lost their German citizenship during the Nazi era or who, due to gender-discriminatory laws at the time of their birth, were unable to acquire German citizenship from a parent, often their mother. In these sensitive proceedings, she analyzes the individual legal situation, examines historical and legal backgrounds, and guides the application process from the initial consultation to the final decision. She places great emphasis on thorough legal analysis and empathetic support for the applicants.
Immigration law and residence law
Lawyer Shannon provides comprehensive advice on German immigration law. She assists both individuals and families with applications for or renewal of residence permits – particularly regarding family reunification, permanent residence permits, and stays for professional or other purposes. She focuses on ensuring a long-term and legally sound perspective for her clients and also handles communication with the relevant immigration authorities.
Skilled worker immigration and labor migration
Attorney Shannon advises international professionals and companies on all aspects of skilled worker immigration and labor migration to Germany. She assists in selecting the appropriate residence permit and guides clients through the entire application process. She reviews requirements such as the recognition of foreign qualifications and employment contract requirements, ensuring that all legal prerequisites for successful employment in Germany are met. Whether it concerns the deployment of foreign skilled workers in Germany or applying for an EU Blue Card, Attorney Shannon is committed to supporting you.
Munich location
Celina D. Shannon works from the firm's Munich office, making her personally available to clients in the area. This allows for intensive support in the Munich and Bavaria region, as well as direct collaboration with local authorities and practical assistance with appointments and official visits.
Commitment and career
In addition to her legal practice, Celina D. Shannon is actively involved in the German Association of Women Lawyers. She is the second chair of the Munich regional group and a board member of the Bavarian state association, where she advocates for the professional interests of female lawyers as well as for equality and equal opportunities in the legal system.
Before joining Schlun & Elseven Attorneys at Law, attorney Shannon gained her first practical experience at a Munich immigration law firm, where she handled a wide range of cases – from asylum claims and skilled worker immigration to naturalization proceedings. This diverse experience shapes her current consulting work in citizenship and immigration law.