Cambridge, MA immigration lawyer Jeff Goldman tells the story of how he got involved in immigration law. He shares that in the late 1990s, he was practicing real estate law in a family firm alongside his father and sister, both of whom were real estate attorneys. He enjoyed his work until a foreign national came into his office to buy a condo. After assisting him with the purchase, the sale of his previous home, and another real estate matter, the client asked for help with his immigration.

Although he initially admitted he knew nothing about immigration law, the client insisted, saying, “You are my attorney; you’re going to help me.” Motivated to assist, he enrolled in a four-hour immigration course and found it to be the most engaging academic experience he had ever had. He realized he could profoundly impact people’s lives by guiding foreign nationals through the legal process, helping them come to the United States legally and thrive.

He began taking on one or two immigration cases, seeking guidance from experienced immigration lawyers. Soon, he secured approvals from the U.S. Immigration Service, and before long, his phone started ringing constantly with new clients seeking his assistance. Unlike real estate, where competition was high, he discovered a niche in immigration law that excited him. Passionate about this work, he decided to shift his practice entirely to immigration law.