OUR TEAM OF IMMIGRATION LAWYERS

Meet our team immigration attorneys helping clients in immigration law cases
Karen Weinstock
Managing Attorney
Karen Weinstock is the Managing Attorney of Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, one of the best immigration law firms in Atlanta, Georgia. With over two decades of experience, she has substantial expertise representing U.S. and international companies to secure global talent and ensure a successful transition for foreign employees and their families. Karen has represented Fortune 500 and publicly traded companies in both the U.S. and abroad. Indeed, she has helped many European, Asian, and Latin American enterprises and international investors achieve their American Dream. As such, she is also a sought-after speaker on immigration law in forums, conferences, and the media. Born and raised in Israel, Karen immigrated to the United States in 2000. Her passion for immigration law is a direct result of her personal experience. Karen’s compassion for clients and commitment to excellence distinguishes her as one of the best immigration attorneys in the nation. Karen is trusted not only by her clients. Atlanta’s largest corporate law firms and other immigration attorneys consult her for advice in complex immigration matters on a regular basis. Legal and business communities across the country regard Karen as a true leader in immigration and a role model among women entrepreneurs.

Areas of Expertise in Immigration Law

  • Employment-based non-immigrant visas: H-1B, L-1, E-1, E-2, O, TN, J
  • Employment-based immigrant petitions: EB-1, EB-2, EB-3
  • Labor certifications (PERM)
  • Permanent residence for intra-company executives and managers
  • Permanent residence for people with extraordinary & exceptional ability in the sciences and arts
  • Training and educating company management and HR on expatriate employees

Awards and Honors

  • AVVO’s 10.0 out of 10.0 superb rating.
  • Leader of one of the Best Immigration Law Firms, “Best Lawyers in America”, 2014 – present.
  • One of the best immigration lawyers, “Best Lawyers in America”, 2010 – present.
  • Selected by her peers as a top corporate immigration attorney in “The Who’s Who of Corporate Immigration Lawyers”, IBA & American Bar Association International Section, 2010-present.
  • International Women of Influence Nominee, Global EXEC Women and the International Council.
  • Martindale-Hubbell’s Preeminent AV rating (5.0 out of 5.0), 2007 – present.
Allison Sickle
Family Immigration Attorney

Allison Sickle is an immigration attorney at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, focusing on family-based immigration and removal defense. She specializes in representing individuals in immigration court, including those facing deportation and detention, as well as helping families navigate the complex process of uniting or staying together through legal immigration channels.

Allison brings both compassion and strategic expertise to every case she handles. She has represented clients in removal proceedings across the country and has successfully defended individuals against deportation in some of the most challenging legal scenarios. She also assists with family-based petitions, adjustment of status, waivers of inadmissibility, and consular processing.

With a strong belief in due process and immigrant rights, Allison is a tireless advocate who ensures her clients are treated with dignity and have their voices heard—whether in court or before immigration agencies. Her dedication and depth of experience make her a powerful ally for those facing the uncertainty of the immigration system.

Areas of Expertise in Immigration Law

  • Removal Defense / Deportation Proceedings

  • Asylum and Withholding of Removal

  • Cancellation of Removal (EOIR)

  • Bond Hearings and ICE Detention Representation

  • Family-Based Immigration: I-130, Adjustment of Status, Consular Processing

  • Waivers of Inadmissibility (I-601, I-601A, I-212)

  • U Visa and VAWA Petitions

  • Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

  • Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

  • Work Permits and Advance Parole

  • USCIS Interviews

  • Naturalization and U.S. Citizenship

OUR SUPPORT TEAM

Vered Hod
Business Immigration Legal Specialist
Vered Hod is a case manager and legal specialist at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, specializing in complex employment-based non-immigrant visas, including H-1B, L-1, E and J visas, including J visa waivers. She has been working in immigration law with our team since 2008. Vered is very knowledgeable about our technology and engineering cases because she has both a technology and legal background, which is a rare find. Born and raised in Israel, she received a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the Technion, the top scientific school in Israel (equivalent to MIT in the U.S.). Later on, she completed her law degree in Israel and immigrated to the U.S. with her family. Vered assists with employment based non-immigrant and immigrant visa applications as well as with family-based immigration. Her scientific background and strong business acumen combined with her legal education makes her especially qualified to handle business immigration needs. She also assists our attorneys with family immigration cases. Before joining what is now Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, Vered practiced civil and commercial law in Israel. She is fluent in Hebrew and English.

Areas of Expertise in Immigration Law

  • Non-immigrant visas: H-1B, L-1, E-1, E-2, R, J, O, TN.
  • Employment-based immigrant petitions: EB-1, EB-2, EB-3.
  • Family based immigration including I-130, Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing.
  • U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization.
  • Removal of Conditions (I-751).
  • K-1 and K-2 Fiancé visas.
  • K-3 and K-4 spouse visas
  • J-1 visa waivers.
  • U visas for victims of crime.
Silvia Avendano
Business Immigration Paralegal
Silvia is a case manager in Weinstock Immigration Lawyers employment-based practice. She assists our immigration attorneys with employment-based temporary visas such as H-1B, E and L visa, as well as PERM and employment-based green cards. She was born in Venezuela. Silvia fluently speaks English and Spanish . Because of her experience she decided to pursue her passion to work with international clientele and help other immigrants like her. Prior to joining Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, she worked for years as a paralegal in other law firms, where she gained experience with employment-based non-immigrant visas, PERMs and green card petitions. She joined our firm in order to be able to work more closely with clients and offer a more personalized service. Silvia’s personal journey to the U.S., which ended in her becoming an American citizen, and firsthand experience with the immigration bureaucracy that separated her from her family allows her to relate to the clients she assists in a very genuine way. Silvia also assists with some family-based petitions, naturalization and other immigration cases.
Yareli Vera
Family Immigration Paralegal
Yareli Vera is a family immigration paralegal at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers. Yareli is originally from Mexico and went through the immigration process firsthand. Hailing from a family of immigrants, she truly cares about each and every one of her cases as she knows from personal experience the importance of having legal status in the United States. Yareli attended Gwinnett Technical College and graduated with honors in Accounting. She is bilingual in Spanish and English.
Education
  • Gwinnett Technical College
  • Associate’s Degree in Accounting with Honors
Zuath Cortes
Family Immigration Paralegal

Zuath Cortes is an Immigration Paralegal at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers. She is originally from Mexico and is bilingual in both Spanish and English. She has been working at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers since February 2020 and has experience in both employment and family-based immigration. As an immigrant herself, she understands the struggles of the immigration process. She experienced it firsthand and knows of the uncertainties and fear that come with a truly intimidating process.

Zuath is a recent graduate from Georgia Gwinnett College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, cum laude. With her degree and personal experience, she’s determined to help others achieve their goals by overcoming domestic and international barriers. Here at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, she hopes to employ her skills to help others achieve their dreams of becoming part of the United States.

Education
  • Georgia State University, Associate of Arts, Political Science
  • Georgia Gwinnett College, Bachelor of Arts, Pol Sci – International Relations, cum laude
Claudia Cantu
Receptionist / Legal Assistant
Claudia Cantu is one of the legal assistants at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers. As an immigrant herself, she is someone who cares and enthusiastically assists those looking to provide a better life for themselves and their families. Claudia was raised in Marietta, GA by both parents, who are immigrants themselves. Because of this, Claudia personally understands the lengthy struggles and complexities of the immigration process. She strives to attain favorable results for every individual that she serves to achieve their personal goals for living and working in the United States. In this way, she helps each client fulfill their part of the “American Dream.” Claudia Cantu is bilingual in Spanish and English. 
Education
  • Osborne High School Graduate
Carlotta Cardenas
Receptionist / Legal Assistant
Claudia Cantu is one of the legal assistants at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers. As an immigrant herself, she is someone who cares and enthusiastically assists those looking to provide a better life for themselves and their families. Claudia was raised in Marietta, GA by both parents, who are immigrants themselves. Because of this, Claudia personally understands the lengthy struggles and complexities of the immigration process. She strives to attain favorable results for every individual that she serves to achieve their personal goals for living and working in the United States. In this way, she helps each client fulfill their part of the “American Dream.” Claudia Cantu is bilingual in Spanish and English. 
Education
  • Osborne High School Graduate
Larissa Castro
Receptionist / Legal Assistant

Larissa Castro is a committed  Legal Assistant at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, known for her empathy, professionalism, and drive to make a difference. Larissa is from the Dominican Republic and brings a unique blend of personal experience and professional dedication to her role.

Larissa deeply understands the emotional and logistical challenges many clients face. This ignited her passion for helping others, and today, she uses her insight to support individuals and families with care, clarity, and compassion every step of the way.

Alexandra Troncoso
Receptionist / Legal Assistant
  • Alexandra is both the friendly face at the front desk and a dedicated Legal Assistant at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers. Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, she brings a warm, empathetic approach to her work—grounded in her own personal understanding of the immigration journey.

    Having experienced the immigration process firsthand, Alexandra knows how overwhelming and confusing it can be. Her goal is to make each client feel informed, supported, and confident throughout their case. With a calm and reassuring presence, she helps guide individuals and families through the complexities of immigration law, reminding them that they’re never alone in the process.

Raquel Michelena
Marketing Director & Operations Manger

Raquel Michelena serves as the Marketing Director and Operations Manager at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, bringing a wealth of international experience and multicultural insight to the firm. Raised in the Dominican Republic and a proud U.S. citizen, Raquel is a direct descendant of two Spanish families and has spent her career working across cultures and continents. She is fluent in English and Spanish and deeply understands the value of connection in a globalized world.

Raquel began her academic journey studying Computer Science before graduating Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Marketing. She later earned a Master’s in Senior Business Management, solidifying her strategic leadership and organizational development expertise.

Throughout her career, Raquel has held diverse and dynamic roles—including Business Consultant, Market Developer, TV talk show Producer and Host, Computer Business Owner, and University Professor. She has taught courses in Digital Marketing, E-Marketing, International Business, Community Management, and more. Her professional footprint spans the Dominican Republic, the United States, China, Slovenia, and Spain, where she has led projects and covered special assignments.

A natural leader and lifelong learner, Raquel’s passion for growth and innovation is the driving force behind her work. Today, her mission is to elevate Weinstock Immigration Lawyers’ presence and reputation—reaching those in need of exceptional legal guidance and helping position the firm as a top-tier destination for immigration services.

Education
Visit her LinkedIn profile for more details on her education and professional background.

Julia Londoño
Accounting Manager
Julia Londono is the Accounting Manager at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers. She is originally from Colombia and has been living in Georgia for the last twenty years.

Because of Julia’s multicultural background and experience, she is a proactive professional, dedicated, accurate, and lead-by-example person. Proficient at helping us stay on top of daily account details, enhance processes, and simultaneously be flexible, adaptable, and resilient, she embraces change and challenges with enthusiasm and passion.

As an immigrant, Julia understands how important immigration to the United States is for our clients and ensures our office maintains a collaborative and friendly atmosphere where we help our clients achieve their American dream.

Her top skills include Client Service, Management, Administration, Financials, and, Confidentiality.