Zeenat Phophalia, Esq
Zeenat Phophalia, Esq
Of Counsel
Zeenat Phophalia is qualified to practice law in New York, United Kingdom and India. She practices in the area of U.S. immigration law with a focus on business immigration, and has represented corporate clients including large and medium sized companies and startups across sectors such as IT, consulting, consumer goods, manufacturing and telecommunications.
Zeenat holds a Master of Law degree from the University of Georgia, United States, and a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Mumbai, India. Zeenat was awarded a full scholarship in the form of a graduate assistantship and tuition waiver from the University of Georgia. After graduating, Zeenat had volunteered at a not-for-profit - New York Legal Assistance Group Inc. - where she provided pro bono legal services to low-income immigrants.
Prior to joining the Firm, Zeenat was an Associate Partner at a leading immigration law firm in India where in addition to practicing US immigration law, she advised clients on Indian commercial and employment laws, and spearheaded the firm’s content creation process.
Experience
Zeenat has represented clients in business and employment immigration, permanent residence, consular matters, naturalization and waivers of inadmissibility. She has advised clients on nonimmigrant visa applications and petitions such as L1, H1B, F1 and O as well as EB1 cases and related immigration compliance.
As an immigrant herself and a naturalized US citizen, she possesses an in-depth understanding of the system and has helped several business and families navigate the many nuances and complexities of US immigration law.
Representative Clients
Zeenat works closely with multi-national companies and their employees to facilitate the transfer of key personnel and their dependents to the United States by advising on appropriate strategies and visa options, while ensuring strict immigration compliance. Zeenat has practiced exclusively in the field of immigration law since 2009. She’s worked with a variety of clients, from startups to individuals and has represented them before federal agencies such as the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services and consular posts.
Academics:
LL.M., University of Georgia, USA
LL.B., University of Mumbai, India
Languages:
English
Gujarati
Hindi
Marathi
Memberships:
New York State Bar Association
Law Society of England and Wales
Bar Council of Goa and Maharashtra (India)
American Immigration Lawyers Association
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New York Office
1 World Trade Center,Suite 8500 New York, NY 10007
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New York Office
200 E69th Street, 2N,New York , NY 10022
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18881 von Karman Avenue, Suite 220F, Irvine, CA 92612
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601 South Figueroa Street Suite 4050 Los Angeles, CA 90017
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Chicago Office
155 N. Upper Wacker Dr. Suite 4250 Chicago, IL 60606
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Miami Office
80 S.W. 8th St Suite 2000 Miami, FL 33130
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Atlanta Office
1075 Peachtree Street NE Suite 3650 Atlanta, GA 30309
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Telephone number
New York Office
+1 212 537 9196
Fax: +1 949 396-1371
New York Office
+1 212 537-9196
Fax: +1 949 396-1371
California Office
+1 (949) 620 1811
Fax: +1 949 396-1371
Chicago Office
+1 312 261 8560
Fax: +1 949 396-1371
Miami Office
+1 305 423 7163
Fax: +1 949 396-1371
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"After finding D&A through an internet search in 2020, my wife and I had several free consultations with David Cantor. Despite our initial attempt at filing for our E2 visa independently ending in failure, we decided to hire D&A for their expertise and support. Over the course of four long years, Verdie and Cristina were incredibly patient as we took our time to prepare for the E2 submission. Verdie became our E2 Attorney in 2021, and from the start, Verdie and Cristina's patience was evident. Despite our intermittent engagement over the years, they always treated us with the utmost attention. Working with Verdie and the D&A team was a pleasure; their professionalism and support were unwavering. Verdie's calm demeanor and succinct communication style made navigating the process much smoother, even during complex discussions. I wholeheartedly recommend Verdie and D&A - Davies & Associates, to anyone seeking an immigration law firm who can efficiently handle their case with precision and without unnecessary fanfare. Their ability to get things done speaks volumes about their dedication to their clients' success."
I had the pleasure of working with Verdie and Nessa to obtain my E2 Visa. Their in-depth knowledge and experience allowed me to be fully prepared in my application and they were able to answer all questions leading up to the Visa interview.
Verdie was an amazing attorney, providing exceptional client care throughout the process. He had a great depth of knowledge in all areas on business visas in the US.
I had a great experience with Davies & Associates. They are very thorough in the approach and their have experts in this field who know the domain very well.I would certainly be leaning onto them for any future needs as well.
Outstanding Immigration Attorney: Highly Recommended! Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) I had the pleasure of working with Verdie Atienza and his team at Davies & Associates , a top-notch immigration attorney in the United States. Their professionalism, expertise, and dedication throughout the process were exceptional. With in-depth knowledge of immigration law, they provided accurate advice and addressed all my concerns, instilling confidence. Verdie Atienza and his team meticulously reviewed my documentation and maintained excellent communication, keeping me updated regularly. What sets Davies & Associates apart is their unparalleled attention to detail. Communication with Verdie Atienza and his team in USA and Sukanya Raman in India was always prompt and efficient. They promptly returned my calls and emails, providing regular updates on the progress of my case. This level of responsiveness and transparency significantly reduced my stress levels, as I knew I could rely on their support and guidance throughout the entire process. Their personalized approach, ethical conduct, and genuine care for my success made them an outstanding attorney. I highly recommend Davies & Associates for all your immigration needs.
Looking to acquire an US Visa?
We are known for our creative solutions that obtain "impossible" visas, we solve the most complex immigration problems for businesses, investors, individuals, and families.
US Visa Immigration lawyer near meSeveral lawyers told me I would not be able to get a TN visa. Two weeks after contacting Davies & Associates I was working in New York, visa in hand.
Individual seeking 'Impossible' TN VisaD&A was very detail-oriented and was very thorough in what they did” L1 Visa Client. There was a lot of work on my case and worked on it 24/7 and was very patient answering all my questions.
E2 Visa ClientMy case felt complex but D&A managed the whole process carefully and helped me move seamlessly from one stage to the next.
E2 + CBI ClientD&A was my guiding light through the entire EB5 Process.
EB5 Visa ClientI would definitely be a big advocate for the rest of my life for anyone wanting to explore the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Programme leading to the E2 Visa. The most important thing is a good team behind you.. with Davies & Associates you’re in safe hands… you need someone who can give you all the support at the ground level and, again, you are well take care of by D&A. The people are really warm, very helpful and quite openminded when it comes to business… Not to mention as a passport it’s great from a travel perspective…It’s just 4/5 hours from New York.
Grenada CBI + E2 Visa ClientThe entire process of getting an EB5 visa is handled in a professional way by Mark Davies and his team. EB5 is a wonderful option for anyone considering moving to the United States if you have the means. I was hoping to use the H1B route for my children, but it became unreliable and so I looked to the EB5 Visa instead. It is great for anyone who has the resources. Mark gives you the first meetings himself which gives you great comfort. Both Mark and Sanjay are abundantly available and I even had the pleasure of hosting them at my house.
Parent of 2 EB5 Visa HoldersI'm in a process of extending my L1 visa. I submitted a few questions regarding my case and he contacted me back almost immediately both by e-mail and telephone. Unlike other attorneys I met before, he gave me the impression of knowing from the top of his head what kind of visa I have, and what actions had to be taken to extend it. He is very thorough and clear regarding the process and what to expect in terms of timelines and issues that may arise. He is constantly in contact, so you definitely know he's working on your case.
L1B Visa HolderMark Davies is a joy to work with. His extensive knowledge, speedy response and attentive service took away all my fears of dealing with immigration and visa applications. He is very generous with his time in explaining every step along the way and I have already and will in the future recommend him to anybody who is looking for an immigration lawyer.
E2 Visa for Small Professional Business With International OfficesDavies & Associates assisted us with an immigration emergency involving my brother's fiancée who was outside the United States. They assisted us in an highly professional manner, working with the relevant US embassy, US immigration and the governments of two other countries. As a result of their efforts the individual involved is now working in the United States. While their knowledge of the law is exemplary what really distinguishes this firm and attorney Davies from any other firm we have worked with is their dedication to customer service and their unrivaled level of professionalism.
Complex Fiancée Visa Need Involving Multiple International JurisdictionsSeveral lawyers told me I would not be able to get a TN visa. Two weeks after contacting Davies & Associates I was working in New York, visa in hand. I have recommended this firm to several friends and colleagues, they do an excellent job every time.
Individual Seeking 'Impossible' TN VisaI was qualified as a physician in a foreign country. Being on a J1 visa I was facing having to leave the United States and return to my home country. Davies & Associates secured one of only 30 J1 visa waivers available in my State, allowing me to work for a US hospital and remain in the United States.
Doctor Seeking J1 Visa WaiverI am very satisfied with the services Mark Davies has provided me. He has a very extensive knowledge in immigration laws and has a thorough approach to any case.
U Visa Applicant, A Victim of CrimeLooking to relocate or having trouble with a visa applicaton?
We are known for our creative solutions that obtain "impossible" visas, we solve the most complex immigration problems for business, investors, individuals and families.
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