Our Story
The Margolis Law Firm traces its roots to Whitman & Ransom, the international corporate firm founded by Charles S. Whitman, the forty-first Governor of New York. As a junior associate there, Jeff Margolis split his days between the firm's two busiest practices: mornings drafting office leases for midtown towers, afternoons preparing visa petitions for international entrepreneurs.
When Jeff founded his own firm in 1982, he kept both. It was an unusual combination then, and it still is, but it has proven to be our defining strength. Clients who come to us to lease a storefront often need a visa for the chef who will run it. Clients who come to us for a green card often end up buying a home. We handle both, under one roof.
More than forty years on, the firm holds Martindale-Hubbell's highest "AV" rating for professional expertise and integrity, and our attorneys are recognized authorities in both the immigration and real estate bars. What hasn't changed is the way we work: directly, personally, and with the attention of a firm where every client knows their lawyer by name.
Our Attorneys
Three attorneys, two practices, one standard of care. Get to know the people who will handle your matter personally.
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Jeffrey Margolis
Founder & Principal Attorney
Jeffrey A. Margolis earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School, where he was a member of the Brooklyn Law Review, and he completed special studies at Harvard. He began practicing law in 1973 and founded The Margolis Law Firm in 1982. A longtime member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Jeff holds Martindale-Hubbell's highest "AV" rating and teaches Commercial Leasing as an Adjunct Professor at Brooklyn Law School. He has lectured for the Practicing Law Institute, the New York City Bar, and the World Trade Institute.
Scott Goldsmith
Managing Attorney
Scott Goldsmith born New York City; admitted to bar, 2000, New York. Education, Cornell University (B.S. Industrial and Labor Relations 1996); Cornell University (J.D. 1999); General Editor, Cornell Journal of Law and Public Policy; Special Projects Editor, liibulletin-ny. Law firm of Pennie & Edmonds LLP, Associate, 1999-2001. Law firm of Ladas & Parry, Associate, 2001-2003.
Caitlin Mullan
Attorney
Caitlin Mullan earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Law and French (BA International) and a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) from the National University of Ireland, Galway. She also spent a year studying French and French Law at the Université de Poitiers in France. Caitlin is admitted to practice law in New York and is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and the Irish American Bar Association of New York (IABANY). Caitlin joined our firm in 2015 as a Law Clerk and became a Senior Associate in 2021.
Our Paralegals
Chloe Pulick
Chloe Pulick was raised in Southeast Michigan and graduated from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in 2024 with a B.A. in Political Science and Urban Planning. While at school she belonged to the rowing team and later club swim team. She moved to New York after graduation and enjoys playing rugby with her club team The Village Lions, reading, running, spending time with friends, and finding the best coffee in the city. She plans to attend law school and later work in Urban Planning and development to create more equitable cities.
Katherine Song
Katherine (Katie) Song is from Novi, Michigan. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and minors in Philosophy and Asian Pacific Islander American Studies. She has previous experience in assisting in nonprofit administration, implementing policy work, and conducting qualitative research and analysis. Katie is passionate about equitable justice and plans to pursue a career in public service.
Rory Madden
Rory Madden, originally from Belmont, Massachusetts, earned her B.A. in Social Sciences with concentration in International Relations from New York University Shanghai in May 2024. She has a minor in Chinese and has been studying the language for over 14 years. She spent a total of three years in Shanghai, China between 2020 and 2024, an experience that profoundly shaped her perspective and sparked her passion for international law and business. She is currently preparing to pursue a J.D., with aspirations to build a career that keeps her engaged with the world beyond U.S. borders.
Chloe Schamisso
Chloe Schamisso is a New York City native and a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a minor in Global Studies. She is passionate about social advocacy and policy reform, with future plans to pursue a Master of Public Policy (MPP) and Juris Doctor (JD).
Lillian Ruehmeier
Lillian (Lily) Ruehmeier grew up in Newaygo, Michigan, and earned her Bachelor's degree in International Studies, Political Science, and Spanish from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor in May 2024. In her free time, Lily enjoys crocheting, caring for her houseplants, exploring National Parks, and spending time with her cat, Lyle. Lily is planning to attend the University of Colorado Law School in Boulder, Class of 2029 and intends to pursue a career in immigration law.
Shehryar Qazi
Born in Pakistan and raised in Northern Virginia, Shehryar Qazi is a graduate of the Department of Comparative Literature at Cornell University’s College of Arts and Sciences. He hopes to attend law school and continue working at the intersection of immigration and labor law.
Kayla Sadraie
Kayla Sadraie is originally from Los Angeles, California, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Philosophy from Boston College. Through her academic and professional experiences, she has developed a strong foundation in analytical reasoning and legal research. Kayla plans to obtain a Juris Doctor (JD) and pursue a career focused on business and immigration law
Pablo Blanco
Pablo Luis Blanco‐Herold is Reed College Graduate hailing from the city of New York. He pursued undergraduate studies in political science with a focus on international relations and has previous experience working with the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) in Portland, OR. He remains dedicated to advancing the interest of immigrants in the U.S. and plans to pursue a career in immigration law.
Sierra Crites
Sierra Crites is originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina, and is a graduate of Columbia College with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science. She has previous experience in nonprofit administration. She has developed a passion for immigration law and plans to pursue a career in the field.