Mr. Richards has a broad understanding of U.S. Immigration and Nationality Laws and can assist with most U.S. Immigration Law matters. He has successfully handled immigration matters for medical professionals, students, professors, individuals, families, employees, small to large businesses, international corporations, colleges and universities and others.

Mr. Richards worked for the University at Buffalo, home to one of the largest international student/faculty populations in the United States. Because of the association that the University at Buffalo has with several area hospitals, Mr. Richards has worked with hundreds of medical professionals and understands the time sensitive and unique immigration issues that they face during the immigration process.

Additionally, Mr. Richards 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.

Prior to attending law school and obtaining his Juris Doctor degree, Mr. Richards spent 9 years in Sales and Operations Management. He has held the title of Vice President of Sales, Operations Manager and Sales Manager. During his career in business, Mr. Richards became intimately familiar with human resource practices and the internal operations of both public and private corporations. Through this experience, Mr. Richards gained valuable skills that enable him to understand the needs of both employee and employer. Mr. Richards understands the often-cumbersome process of obtaining corporate approvals and is an aggressive advocate for his client’s best interest.

Additionally, Mr. Richards is actively involved in the community through: ecclesiastical service, community service, youth sporting programs, The Boy Scouts of America and is an avid outdoorsman. He is an Eagle Scout, served a 2-year mission in Salvador, Brazil for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Proficient in Portuguese) and is the proud father of five children.

Although Mr. Richards can help with most immigration matters, he focuses his practice on:

  • TN NAFTA visas for Canadians,
  • H1B visas for those working in Specialty Occupations,
  • K visas for Fiancé(e)s and Spouses/Children of U.S. Citizens,
  • L1A/L1B visas for Intracompany transferees,
  • O visas for those that have demonstrated extraordinary ability
  • P visas for athletes, artists and entertainers,
  • B1/B2 Visitor Visas for tourism and business,
  • Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID),
  • Request for Evidence (RFE),
  • Employment-based green cards,
  • Family-based green cards, and
  • U.S. Citizenship.

Education

Mr. Richards received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Utah Valley University and his Juris Doctor degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Bar Admissions

New York State Bar

Memberships & Associations

American Immigration Lawyers Association
American Bar Association Erie County Bar Association
Buffalo-Niagara Human Resource Association
UB Law Alumni Association

 

Christina M. Knop
Legal Assistant

Experience:

Ms. Knop assists with all areas of immigration law, with a specific emphasis on employment immigration matters. Ms. Knop brings a dedicated work ethic, strong research skills, high attention to client needs and concerns, as well as a background in the preparation of correspondence, pleadings, motions and other legal documents.

Prior to joining our legal team, Ms. Knop worked with a local law firm where she conducted extensive legal research, drafted legal documents and assisted with litigation matters. Ms. Knop is the principal point of contact, handles the scheduling of all consultation appointments and maintains the overall organization for the firm.

Education:

Ms. Knop received her Associates in Paralegal Studies from Bryant & Stratton College where she was on the Dean’s List. During her studies she was a member of the National Technical Honor Society and served as the secretary of the Paralegal Club.