Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
Diocese of Arizona
Phoenix, AZ

Wendell A. Hollis-

Judge Wendell A. Hollis has served this country and his community for over 40 years. He is known as a “pillar of the Phoenix [Immigration] bench.” Known for his keen intellect, astute analytical skills, and myopic attention to detail; members of the Immigration Bar describe Judge Hollis as “tough, but fair.” When they knew they were appearing before him, they worked extra hard to be prepared.

Judge Hollis served as a mentor and role model for other judges, attorneys, interpreters, clerks and interns. During his tenure as an Immigration Judge, he completed over 16,000 cases. While many considered him conservative, he was the centrist at the Court, insisting on applying and following the rule of law and precedent decisions. Even so, Judge Hollis could, and would, rule contrary to the consensus of his fellow judges, when he believed case law dictated a different outcome. Judge Hollis also served and retired from the United States Army; and served in the United States Air Force as well.

The Honorable Wendell A. Hollis was appointed Immigration Judge in January 2003. He was sworn in at the San Francisco Immigration Court by Chief Immigration Judge Michael J. Creppy. Judge Hollis received his B.A. from California State University, Sacramento; his J.D. from University of Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, Sacramento; his L.L.M. from the University of Virginia, Judge Advocate General’s School, Charlottesville; and his Master of Theological Studies from the Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary [now Gateway Seminary of the SBC], Scottsdale, Arizona. 

From 1999 to January 2003, Judge Hollis served as Deputy District Counsel for the former Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) in Phoenix, Arizona. He served as an assistant district counsel for the INS in Eloy Arizona from 1996 to 1999. From 1994 to 1996, he served as a Deputy Staff Judge Advocate, 3rd Army, Fort McPherson, Atlanta, Georgia. Judge Hollis served as senior defense counsel for the Army’s Trial Defense Services in Wurzburg, Germany from 1992 to 1994. He was the Officer in Charge of the Wiesbaden Legal Center in Germany from 1990 to 1992. He served in various other military positions beginning in 1980.

Judge Hollis has served as a spiritual leader in his community and on his job, always available to counsel, pray, and comfort. While attending Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, now deceased Bishop Alexis Thomas requested Judge Hollis create and lead a legal consultation ministry. From that request sprang the Advocacy Ministry which provides an invaluable service to members of Pilgrim Rest. The Advocacy Ministry also hosted numerous public forums and continues to serve the Phoenix Community. Additionally, Judge Hollis developed and established a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at Pilgrim Rest as will, helping church members and members of the public realize thousands of dollars in income tax refunds.

In 2013, the Arizona African American Legislative Leadership Conference selected Judge Hollis as an unsung Hero for the Justice Pillar. Judge Hollis is married to the lovely Patricia Hollis (over 38 years), and they are the proud parents of a blended family of 5 children (one deceased), 9 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.