BUFFALO, NY – Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP has doubled the size of its immigration practice team with the additions of Andrew M. Wilson as partner and Nisha V. Fontaine (nee Jagtiani) as counsel.

“In less than four months we have doubled the size of our immigration practice team in recognition of the need for guidance and cost-effective solutions for businesses and individuals to remain mobile,” said Kevin J. Cross, managing partner, Lippes Mathis Wexler Friedman. “Both Andrew and Nisha’s hands-on immigration experience and knowledge will be a complement to our growing immigration practice, positioning the firm to meet the unique challenges that lie ahead with U.S. immigration matters.”

Mr. Wilson represents companies and individuals in all areas of immigration law, including non-immigrant and immigrant employment-based immigration matters. This includes preparing case-specific strategies to address both short and long-term objectives. Mr. Wilson handles all green card matters including EB-1, EB-2 and PERM labor certification filings. In addition, he represents individuals and families with family-based immigration filings, as well as waivers for admissibility issues. Mr. Wilson’s approach focuses on building relationships with clients as opposed to simply completing transactions. Mr. Wilson has been named “Lawyer of the Year” in Immigration Law for Buffalo by The Best Lawyers in America©.

Ms. Fontaine focuses her practice on assisting individuals, small businesses and large corporations with strategically navigating the U.S. immigration process. Having developed an understanding of her client’s short-term and long-term goals and objectives, and being cognizant of her client’s ancillary concerns regarding costs, timing, and family related issues, Ms. Fontaine is able to offer both employment-based and family-based options, including waivers, to help her clients achieve their goals. In a climate where agencies are consistently raising the burden on applicants, Ms. Fontaine is also able to effectively advocate for her clients before the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR), as well as filing appeals with the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) and Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).

Ms. Fontaine was born in Mumbai, India, raised in the United States, and speaks fluent Hindi.  Having been an immigrant herself who has personally navigated the U.S. immigration process, Ms. Fontaine brings a unique perspective and understanding to her client’s U.S. immigration matters.   

As previously announced in September, seasoned immigration lawyers Eileen M. Martin and Elizabeth M. Klarin joined Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman. The firm also added James P. Carberry as paralegal and Kelly A. Henault as support staff to assist the growing immigration practice.