Justia Legal Services & Lawyers Directory

Kimberly G. Finnigan is a bilingual attorney who focuses her practice on immigration, employment and labor law, and civil rights litigation. Ms. Finnigan is a graduate of William and Mary Law School, where she was a Jessup International Moot Court Team member, served as President of the International Law Society, and co-founded the LL.M. Student Assistance Program. Ms. Finnigan received honors in Appellate Brief Writing and was acknowledged as a Mary Siegrist Hinz Leadership Fellow and recipient of the Gambrell Professionalism Award. Ms. Finnigan was awarded her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Education, magna cum laude, from Middlebury College . She is a member of the Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars.

Ms. Finnigan's prior experience includes the Clinton County Office of the District Attorney, the New York State Supreme Court, and Baker & McKenzie in Madrid, Spain. Prior to attending law school, Ms. Finnigan was employed as a human resources professional for a worldwide organization and wrote for the Chilean newspaper, El Mercurio.

Ms. Finnigan is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Capital District Women's Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, and Albany County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Committee. She serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors for Equinox Inc. and is a member of the Board of Directors of Senior Services of Albany. Ms. Finnigan is a lecturer on immigration and employment law topics.

Matthew L. Kolken, Esq., is a trial lawyer with experience in all aspects of United States Immigration Law including Immigration Courts throughout the United States, and appellate practice before the Board of Immigration Appeals, the U.S. District Courts, and U.S. Courts of Appeals. He is admitted to practice in the courts of the State of New York , the United States District Court for the Western District of New York, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).

Kerry Bretz is a former INS trial attorney and partner at Bretz & Coven. His private practice is defined by his dedication to progressive, fair immigration laws that reflect the true value immigrants bring to the United States and the original promises of the United States as a place where people can pursue life, liberty, and happiness.

Kerry Bretz has played a major role in challenging the retroactive application of new immigration laws and mandatory detention. He was instrumental in winning major deportation cases such as Henderson v INS and Calcano-Martinez v INS, which cases have changed the national scene on the availability of relief to aliens with criminal convictions.

Additionally, in St John v McElroy, Kerry Bretz helped acheive the release of a mentally disabled women from INS custody and was awarded approximately $88,000 in attorney's fees under the Equal Access to Justice Act by a federal court judge. Further, he obtained an additional monetary settlement to Ms. St John under the Federal Tort Claims Act for alleged abuses she suffered while detained by the INS.

Prior to private practice, Kerry Bretz was a Trial Attorney for the former Immigration and Naturalization Service. As a result, he brings a unique perspective to every client's case and is able to effectively strategize each individual case. He is regularly consulted by the criminal defense bar, is frequently quoted in newspapers, has appeared on reputable television programs and radio shows.

Kerry Bretz is an active member of the American Immigration Lawyer's Association and is often asked to speak at its annual conference. He is also Commissioner for the Archdiocese's Commission for the Dignity of Immigrants.

Kerry Bretz is Martindale-Hubbell® AV-Rated®, the highest peer-review rating an attorney can receive.

We are a full service immigration law firm that provides top quality legal assistance for your immigration matters. Our philosophy is to handle and process cases with the utmost professionalism and care. We understand that the immigration process can be very stressful and that your immigration status has the potential to profoundly change your life.

Jeremy L. Richards is an US Immigration Attorney who's law firm specializes in the Immigration & Nationality Laws of the USA. This means helping families, individuals and businesses obtain an H1B Visa, TN Visa, Green Card, RFEs, NOIDs, L visa, O visa, R visa and other business, corporate and family immigration matters.

He also specializes in getting US work visas for Canadians. While Jeremy is based in Buffalo, NY he serves clients from all over the US, Canada and internationally. Contact info: Jeremy L. Richards Immigration Law, 2777 Sheridan Drive, Suite 202, Buffalo, NY 14150 or simply call (716) 832-2222

While studying to obtain his law degree, Mr. Richards gain invaluable experience working in the Immigration Services department at the University at Buffalo. Mr. Richards also gained an inside perspective on the government interpretation and enforcement of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act during an externship with U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Buffalo, New York. He is also a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), American and New York State Bar Association, Erie County Bar Association, UB Law Alumni Association & Buffalo-Niagara Human Resource Association.

Who and Why

Mr. Reich (a 10.0 out of 10 "Superb" rated attorney on Avvo.com) founded The Law Offices of Stuart J. Reich in 2003. His goal was and is to serve the needs of the professional foreign national community and of small and medium-size U.S. employers who require highly qualified foreign national talent to remain competitive and innovative.

We understand the mission-critical nature of the immigration process as well as the confusion caused by it's complex nature - so our philosophy is to get the work done quickly and competently while making sure our clients have the information they need to feel at peace with the process and make informed decisions.

In creating the firm, Mr. Reich combines an extensive background working with all types of clients (at immigration law firms both large and small) with his natural fascination with technology and the sciences. This enables him to present the importance of his clients' presence to the U.S. in uniquely clear and convincing ways, and leads to an exceptionally high rate of approvals.

The Practice

Our practice is 100% devoted to immigration and nationality law. This allows us to focus all of our energy on remaining up to date with the most recent advances in this highly specialized field of law, and on gaining the intense real-world experience with current practice and procedure at the various government agencies involved which only exclusive immigration practice can provide.

Services

While we provide services to individuals seeking to obtain permanent residence through employment sponsorship or family sponsorship - and assist in employment-based cases across industries - our single greatest strength is in assisting individuals with employment-based cases for jobs in the science and technology fields.

We handle non-immigrant visa petitions of all types and can advise on the most appropriate and quickest method of bringing an individual to the U.S. (or keeping someone in the U.S.) Similarly, we provide complete services with regard to permanent residence - from advice on the best way to go forward to total start-to-finish processing of the case.

Get In Touch!

If you have questions about our practice, the services we provide, or what we can do for you or your business, please contact us.

Mr. Ahuja is a U.S. citizen born in India. He is admitted in the states of New York, Connecticut, Virginia, Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, U.S. District Court; Southern District of NY, U.S. District Court; Eastern District of NY, and India. Mr. Ahuja received his education and experience both in India and the United States. Mr. Ahuja holds an LL.M. (International Business Law); an LL.M. in Labor Laws; LL.B. (JD); M.B.A. (Personnel Management & Labor Welfare); M.B.A. (Business Management); a Diploma in German language; a Postgraduate Diploma in Gandhian Philosophy, besides his M.A. (Major: International Relations) and B.A. (Honors) degrees.

Mr. Ahuja has worked as an Attorney (Trademarks) at the United States Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, as an Of Counsel to Aitken Irvin Lewin Berlin Vrooman & Cohn, LLP, a Washington, D.C. based law firm specializing in the international business law, as a Consultant to M&M Consultants in Massachusetts, as a General Counsel to Soft Computer Consultants in New York, and Regional Manager at Oriental Bank of Commerce, India. Mr. Ahuja has worked as an Adjunct Faculty at Baruch College [City University of New York], New York, NY, as an Adjunct Faculty and taught International Business at the USDA Graduate School, Washington, D.C; and as Adjunct Faculty at Howard University. He has been on numerous other legal panels and organized a number of conferences, has frequently been a guest speaker to various institutions of management sciences and law including Continuing Legal Education program for attorneys. Besides his law practice, Mr. Ahuja works as an Arbitrator with Small Claims Courts in New York. He is fluent in English, Hindi, Urdu & Punjabi languages and enjoys writing poems in his native languages.

Mr. Ahujaâs professional activities and associations [past & present] include membership of the Indo-U.S. Joint Sub-commission on Trade and Investments [1997]; Member: Association of Arbitrators, Ambassador of the Maryland International Trade Association [1996,1997]; Judge: Philip C. Jessup International Moot Court Competition (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001); Legal Advisor/Board Member: Indo-Pak-Bangladesh Friendship Forum; King-Gandhi Foundation, Lions Club, Global Organization Of People of Indian Origin [GOPIO], Federation of Indian Americans, National Capital Region, India Cultural Coordination Committee Inc.; Washington, D.C.; Punjabi Durbar Religious & Cultural Society, Inc., NY, Om Vedam Inc. [A Not For Profit Organization], Jalota Entertainment Inc., Staten Island Hindu Temple Inc., Sikh Gurudwara, Richmond Hill, NY, and India This Week (a community weekly newspaper, Washington, D.C.); Member: Indo American Political Association; Member: Indian American Forum For Political Education; Member: The Pen Club of Washington, D.C.; Member: New York State Bar Association; Member: Connecticut State Bar Association; Member: Virginia State Bar Association; Member: ABA Section of International Law & Practice; Member: Washington Foreign Law Society; Treasurer: Indian American Bar Association; Member: American Bar Association; Member: New York County Lawyersâ Association Committee on âBankingâ; Member: New York County Lawyersâ Association Committee on Corporation Law; Member: New York County Lawyersâ Association Committee on Cyberspace & Internet Law; Member: New York County Lawyersâ Association Committee on âForeign and International Lawâ; Member: New York County Lawyersâ Association Committee on âImmigration and Nationalityâ; Member: New York County Lawyersâ Association Committee on âIntellectual Propertyâ; Member: New York County Lawyersâ Association Committee on âLabor Relations and Employment Lawâ; Member: New York County Lawyersâ Association Committee on âTechnology and Automationâ etc. He was selected as an intern to serve Senator Edward Kennedyâs Committee on Labor and Human Resources.

Mr. Ahuja has written/published a number of papers/articles. Some of the papers written by him are: âThe Role of Air Bags and Seatbelts - a Primary or Supplemental Restraint System?â; Domestic Violence: A Social Curse; Employment Discrimination and Your Rights; Foreclosure Laws And Procedure In The State of New York; Multinational Corporations And Problem of Identity; Foreign Direct Investments: Pros and Cons; Homeowner Association: What To Do About Them?; How To Handle Problems With A Condominium Board?; How To Handle Problems With A Co-Op Board?; Protect Your Identity To Protect Yourself; Intellectual Property Laws And Issues In India; Religious Corporation & Religious Corporation Laws In New York; Religious Corporation Laws And Tax-Exemptions; Social Security And Social Security Administration; Land-Tenants Laws In New York; Taxation For Foreigners; Your Rights And Responsibilities As A Permanent Resident; How To Lose Your Citizenship?; The Defamation Law & Defenses, The Competitive Law Reforms for the Government of Indonesia; The United States Government Procurement Procedures; FCC: The Law, Procedures, and Policies Relating to Revocation of a License; Import of Raw Vegetables and Fruits from India; United Statesâ Export Import- Rules and Regulations; Business Opportunities in the U. S. A. Relating to Auto Parts; Business Opportunities in the U.S.A. Relating to Electric Goods; Business Opportunities in the U.S.A. Relating to Gloves; Business Opportunities in the U.S.A. Relating to Snacks Food; Business Opportunities in the U.S.A. Relating to Audio-Video Products; Classification for Spouses of U.S. Citizens and Their Children; Immigration Benefits for Battered Spouses and Children; The Indian Economy in Transition; Indian-U.S. License Agreements; The United States Regulatory Regime: Blessing or Curse for the Businesses? Structuring Multinational Business Entities; Computer Crimes And Department of Justiceâs Preparation For A Cyberwar; The United States-A Refuge For Oppressed People; The Politics Of Color; Law & Practice of Banking in India; Payment and Collection of Checks, Bank Documentation and Finance in India; Analysis & Interpretation of Financial Statements; Bank Lending in India; Agricultural Recovery Laws and Credit Collection in India; Legal Issues Relating To Bank Guaranties & Letters of Credit; Practical Problems in Suit Filing and Enforcement of Judgment in India; Commercial Dispute Settlement Mechanism in India; Formation of Business Entity in India; Safeguards & Prevention of Frauds in the Banking Industry In India; Labor Laws and Industrial Relations in India; Manpower Training & Development in the Banking Industry in India; Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution Mechanism; Time Management; Interpersonal Relations Based on Behavior in Organizations; Good Listening is Good Communication; Improve Your Memory to Help Yourself; The Story of Hair Styles: Indiaâs Contribution to the World of Fashion; Islam and Sikhism; The Concept and Connotation of Maya; The Vegetarian Way of Life; Gandhi and Mountbatten: A Comparative Study. Women in Life and Society; Women in Hinduism; Ramadan, The Holiest Month; The Status of Women in Islam; Women in Islam; Women And Their Sexual Rights; Another Unholy War; The Forgotten Days Of Our History; Amber: The City Of Tourists; Pinjore Garden: A Heaven On The Earth; Gandhi & Ahimsa; Gurumukh; The Guru Nanak And The Muslims; I Love New York; Message Of The Master; The Cultural Heritage Of Punjab; Religion As Ahimsa; Auto Accident Law in the State of New York etc.

We chose to remain a small law office to provide personal, dedicated and aggressive service to our clients. My office costs a few dollars more but excellent service takes time and strategy. Offsetting our higher fees we have payment plans. We have five lawyers working together to get the best solutions. As a small firm we call upon all areas of the law to form a comprehensive strategy and plan. As in a game making the right move determines the outcome of the case. A divorce case is often helped by a bankruptcy or our tax law knowledge. We create a Family atmosphere in our law office along with successful results to make you want to refer your family and friends. We have a registered nurse on staff full-time to assist with medical questions. Our attorneys are personable, knowledgeable and highly-qualified. All are respected among judges and the legal community. Dennis Gaughan is one of the best known attorneys in Western New York; his opinions are often published. He has hundreds of successful judge and jury trials over his 27 years as a lawyer.

Manuel Portela
Manuel@portelalaw.com
Law School: The Washington College of Law at American University, Degree: JD 1990
Undergraduate School: Fordham University, 1986
Foreign Language: Spanish

Manuel Portela Esq. is the founding partner of The Portela Law Firm, P.C. He specializes in Corporate and Commercial Law, Criminal Defense and Personal Injury.

After graduating from Fordham University and American University Washington College of Law, Mr. Portela accepted an appointment as an Assistant District Attorney at the Kings County District Attorney‘s Office in New York. During his tenure as an Assistant District Attorney, he received extensive training and instruction in the Criminal Court Bureau, Early Case Assessment Bureau, Felony Investigations Bureau and the Supreme Court Bureau. Among the Felony and Misdemeanor cases that he successfully won, he resolved thousands of cases through effective plea negotiations. After his resignation Mr. Portela diversified his practice representing businesses as well as individuals.

Manuel Portela launched The Portela Law Firm, P.C. with the aim of fighting relentlessly to assert and protect the interest of his clients as well as providing professional and compassionate representation to New York‘s diverse population.

Work Experience, Certifications and awards:

King County Assistant District Attorney, Senior Trial Attorney (1990-1995)
American University International Law Journal, Senior Editor
New York Federal Reserve Bank, 1986, Division: Domestic Bank Examinations- Domestic Bank Examiner

The Gursoy Law Firm is a dedicated general practice law firm with a particular emphasis in Immigration and Bankruptcy. We have been practicing law for over 11 years. During our many years or practice we have an incredible track record of success.

My practice covers the following areas of U.S. immigration law:

IMMIGRANT VISA (GREEN CARD)
- Green Card through Marriage
- Green Card through a Job
- Green Card through Asylee Status
- Green Card through Investment (EB-5)

NON IMMIGRANT VISAS
- H-1B Specialty Workers
- H-3 Trainees
- J-1 Exchange Visitors
- L-1 Intra Company Transferees
- E-1 Treaty Traders
- E-2 Treaty Investors
- R-1 Religious workers.
- TN NAFTA professionals
- O-1 Workers with Extraordinary Ability (Artists, etc.)
- I Journalists and Media Representatives

U.S. CITIZENSHIP
- Application for Naturalization (N-400)

Ms. Vaisman is admitted to the New York State Bar, the New Jersey Bar and to the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York. Ms. Vaisman joined The Kleyman Firm in 2009, coming with years of experience as an Immigration attorney. Ms. Vaisman has conducted many immigration proceedings in various venues including but not limited to master and individual deportation hearings in issues such as cancellation of removal and asylum. She is also very experienced with adjustment of status, INA 212(c) trials and throughout the years has been representing a large amount of clients with Employment based cases, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) petitions, and Naturalizations proceedings and appeals. Ms. Vaisman has extensive experience with Criminal Immigration law. Her clients range from immigrants from the West Indies/Caribbean nations, Western and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and South America. Ms. Vaisman also joined the firm with experience in other facets of law and is now the lead attorney in the firms Family, Bankruptcy and Civil Litigation cases. Ms. Vaisman has wide-ranging experience in family based immigration but also adoption, divorce and child custody disputes. Ms. Vaisman appears often in Family court and in Supreme Court in contested divorce matters. Ms. Vaisman has further expanded her career and after being admitted to the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, has represented clients in numerous bankruptcy proceedings including 341 meetings, bankruptcy depositions and adversarial bankruptcy proceedings. Ms. Vaisman is also a seasoned attorney in civil litigation matters. She has conducted complex corporate and commercial litigation focusing on breach of contract, shareholders disputes and fraud cases.

Chris Gafner is an immigration attorney in New York City who represents clients from throughout the world. He assists clients in family-based immigration, employment-based immigration, and investor-based immigration matters. Additionally, he provides guidance to employers seeking to comply with immigration requirements, including I-9 compliance and e-verify.