Tracey Nehmad

New York, NY 10003

tnehmad@verizon.net Home: (212) 353-0060 Cell: (917) 495-5575

Profile Possesses nearly 20 years of experience as an attorney, representing a wide array of US and overseas immigrant clients in challenging and complex cases; consistently obtains favorable settlements through effective presentations, negotiations, and litigation. Adept at researching case law, preparing persuasive legal briefs, meeting time-sensitive case objectives, and successfully overturning denials. Offers strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills as well as an ability to work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams. Enjoys interacting with clients, identifying their needs, and devising strategies to achieve their goals. Expertise encompasses: New Business Development ~ International Client Relations ~ Client Advocacy ~ Problem/Conflict Resolution High-Volume Case Management ~ Witness Preparation ~ Interviewing ~ Investigation ~ Trial Strateg y ~ Hearings/Appeals Green Card/Naturalization/Consular/Visa Application Processes ~ Legal Research/Analysis ~ Writing Highlights Facilitated the turnaround and positive outcome of two similar special immigrant religious worker cases previously denied by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by filing appeal motions on each case, re-examining and explaining every aspect of each case, and clearly demonstrating individual meritscases were both granted within three weeks of appeal. Presented an extensively-researched petition for a challenged case, representing a woman who claimed psychological abuse from her US citizen spouse; filed a Violence Against Women Act petition and responded to a lengthy Request for Evidence (RFE)with extensive evidence to substantiate claim, resulting in the client being granted legal permanent resident status. Argued a difficult political asylum case for a very hesitant and timid client whose request was to be heard by a strict, demanding judge; coached the client to effectively and completely testify on persecution sufferedthe client delivered testimony cited by the judge as the most credible ever presented and the case was approved. Delivered a well-received response to an immigrant visa petition that had been previously returned due to a flawed application; took over the case, identified legal issues, and worked with the employer to identify ability to financial support the claim, enabling the client to become a legal permanent resident. Fully researched applicable law for a Kosovar client initially denied political asylum but granted withholding of deportation, appealed case to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), and delivered timely and comprehensive arguments for the client, resulting in the BIA overturning the denial and granting asylum. Represented the beneficiary of a petition for alien relative barred from the US due to a prior order of removal as well as an overstay on a prior nonimmigrant visa; filed two separate waiver applications with the US Embassy in Ukraine and presented persuasive legal and hardship arguments, leading to both waiver applications being granted. Assembled and presented a targeted appeal that included both business and family documentation for a wealthy Nigerian business executive whose application for an extension of his tourist visa to the US had been denied due to alleged fraud, achieving reinstatement of the visitor visa. Won a political asylum case for a Falon Gong practitioner from China after conducting extensive research on Falon Gong, preparing a comprehensive application, and thoroughly coaching the client on his testimony for the hearing. Represented elderly clients attempting to file claims for government benefits and assisted with estate planning as a selected member of the Cardozo Bet Legal Services Clinic. Career Track Associate Attorney, WILDES & WEINBERG, PC, New York, NY.............................................................................................. 1998 to 2011 Hired to manage a large caseload of non-corporate cases for this leading immigration law firm serving domestic, international, corporate, and individual clients. Represented a diverse client caseload in immigration and visa matters. Evaluated clients skills and backgrounds to file appropriate immigrant and non-immigrant visa petitions. Prepared motions, appeals, and waivers to government agencies, including the Board of Immigrant Appeals ( BIA) section of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EIOR), United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS -formerly Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS)), and US embassies and consulates overseas. Counseled and represented clients before the EOIR and USCIS. Served as a valuable resource regarding RFEs. Trained and supervised paralegals and interns. Attorney, HEBREW IMMIGRANT AID SOCIETY (HIAS), New York, NY ................................................................................... 1992 to 1998 Initially recruited by the countrys oldest international migration and resettlement agency to represent political asylum cases. Worked one-on-one with clients to assemble and file their applications. Managed an extensive caseload before the BIA, EOIR, and INS. As the society expanded, represented a much wider array of clients. Prepared case strategies for complex litigation. Prepared and examined witnesses for trial. Drafted motions for change of venue and administrative closure. Performed factual and legal research to strengthen arguments and remain current on immigration rules and statutes. Credentials J.D., Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, New York, NY B.A. in International Relations, Boston University, Boston, MA Bar Admissions State of New York and State of New Jersey Member New York State Bar Association, American Immigration Lawyers Association