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


Insights

Awards Uglobal

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Mark is one of the best things happened to me in immigration. I was very skeptical as my last attempt to obtain an L1A was a negative one through another lawyer. Mark came in and… [made] sure that the case [was refiled] successfully. Rest assured, I can vouch for his services and will recommend him highly. Indian L1 Applicant previously denied using another law firm
★★★★★
I have been dealing with this firm for the last several years. They got my E2 visa approved followed by my E2 visa renewal as well. They are the best immigration lawyers I have ever met….. No one can give you better service than this firm. Australian E-2 visa applicant
★★★★★
Several 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 Visa
★★★★★
Davies & Associates provided me with truly outstanding customer service 7 days a week. Technically brilliant, Davies & Associates not only successfully obtained E-2 visa status for myself and my Indian wife but also seamlessly coordinated my entire legal team, ensuring the timely completion of my acquisition." E2 Visa Applicant and Business Owner
★★★★★
I was qualified as a physician in a foreign country. Being on a J-1 visa I was facing having to leave the United States and return to my home country. Davies & Associates secured one of only 30 J-1 visa waivers available in my State, allowing me to work for a US hospital and remain in the United States." Doctor Seeking J-1 Visa Waiver
★★★★★
My exisiting immigration lawyer, who has a global reputation in immigration law, told me that "it couldn't be done". Someone suggested I speak to Davies & Associates and they obtained the immigration benefits I wanted. I will always use this firm in the future, they are miracle workers." Small Professional Business With International Offices
★★★★★
I 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 Crime
★★★★★
There is no question that Davies & Associates is clearly the leading E-2 visa law firm in the United States." E2 Visa Applicant and Business Owner
★★★★★
Extremely knowledgable, available, and reliable Mark was a god-send when dealing with USCIS. He is very experienced so he knows the ins and outs of the process, can predict response times and is very available to answer questions in a timely and friendly manner. Highly recommended to anyone trying to navigate a complicated immigration process at any stage." Syrian Marriage Based Immigrant Visa Applicant with Two Year J-1 Waiver
★★★★★
I highly recommend Davies & Associates LLC Mark 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." Small Business Owner and E-2 Visa Applicant