Get to know us

Meet the people behind Vanguard Visa Law

We are an agile team of top-tier immigration legal professionals who care deeply about supporting immigrants and their employers.

Meet the team

Sameer Khedekar
Founder and Managing Attorney

Named one of the Top 20 Immigration Attorneys in the nation by HR Executive, Sameer sets the overall strategy for Vanguard Visa Law and leads all US and global immigration service delivery. He is renowned for his innovative insights and expertise in the immigration field, and is  a frequent speaker at conferences focusing on immigration, global mobility and  relocation, HR, and startup issues. Sameer is also the co-author of the Amazon best-seller "Unshackled," a pivotal guide that empowers highly skilled immigrants to thrive in their personal and professional journeys. He is one of only a handful of immigration lawyers to be certified as an immigration expert by the State Bar of California. 

Awards:

  • Top 20 Corporate Immigration Lawyer in the U.S.
  • International Who’s Who of Corporate Immigration Lawyers
  • America’s Leading Business Lawyers
  • 500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers

Education:
Santa Clara University School of Law (JD)
University of California, San Diego (BA, Philosophy)

Vincent Bowen
Attorney

Recognized for his expertise in National Interest Waiver and EB-1A cases, Vince Bowen is a leading authority for clients with technical backgrounds. His skillful writing and strategic acumen in these areas are matched by a deep commitment to client service, a skill finely honed through his managerial experience in the restaurant industry. At the heart of his practice, Vince integrates a customer-first ethos, ensuring personalized, efficient, and effective legal counsel.

Education:
Santa Clara University School of Law, Magna Cum Laude (JD)
California State University, Fullerton (BA, Political Science and Government)

Katrina Dmuchowsky
Attorney

With an extensive background in business immigration, Katrina joins us from one of the world's largest immigration firms, where she excelled in advising and assisting corporate clients to meet their nonimmigrant
and immigrant visa needs. Specializing in National Interest Waivers, O-1, and EB-1 petitions for high-achievers in tech and private industry, she meticulously crafts petitions with great attention to detail and ensures her clients remain well-informed throughout the process. Katrina enjoys helping others navigate through one of the most challenging processes in their lives, learning about new perspectives, and assisting them in achieving their goals.

Education:
Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law
J.D. Bridgewater College (BA, Political Science, cum laude)

Joseph Yusko
Attorney

Specializing in  immigration cases for corporate and individual clients in technical fields, Joseph is driven by a deep commitment to using his legal expertise to positively impact society. With exceptional writing and strategic planning skills, Joseph advocates effectively for his clients, ensuring their achievements are highlighted. His attention to detail and exemplary client communication skills further enhance his practice.

Education:
Santa Clara University School of Law (JD)
University of Massachusetts, Amherst (BA, Legal Studies)

Man-Li Lin Kelly
Attorney

Man-Li leverages her extensive background and vast expertise in immigration law to assist clients with their immigration needs. As an immigrant herself, she deeply understands the challenges and concerns faced by those navigating the immigration process. Specializing in EB-1 and O-1 visa petitions, Man-Li is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of quality and excellence in managing her clients' immigration matters.

Education:
Villanova University, School of Law (JD)
University of Pennsylvania (BA, International Relations)

Brian Green
Of Counsel

Recognized for his expertise in federal court litigation involving U.S. immigration benefits, Brian Green has brought more than 1,200 lawsuits in his career. He is admitted to practice before more than thirty (+30) U.S. district courts around the U.S. He has won court decisions overturning an EB-1A I-140 denial and a marriage fraud finding incorrectly made by USCIS. Brian is a highly skilled researcher, legal writer, oral advocate, and seasoned trial attorney. He received the 2023 American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)’s Samuel Williamson Mentor Award for his mentorship in the area of federal litigation. He is the 2024-2025 AILA Benefits Litigation Committee chair.

Education:
Case Western Reserve University School of Law (JD)
Washington and Jefferson College (BA, History and Political Science)

Ben Merrill
Client Services and Operations Manager

Ben's journey working in immigration began with graduate studies focused on asylum and public health at the San Diego-Tijuana border during the COVID-19 pandemic. He then transitioned to working as a paralegal in immigration law, specializing in providing solutions to tech entrepreneurs' immigration needs. Ben brings a blend of immigration law knowledge, stakeholder management, and empathetic client service to his practice at Vanguard Visa Law, where he focuses on Legal Operations, Client Onboarding & Offboarding, Process Development, and Program Management.

Education:
UC San Diego (MA, Anthropology)
Creighton University (BA, Psychology & Medical Anthropology)

Anushri Mehta
Law Clerk

Anushri’s journey into immigration law was inspired by her personal experience as an immigrant. She has accumulated invaluable insights from prominent business immigration firms and boutique companies, where marketing roles enriched her understanding of client needs. This diverse experience uniquely positions her to handle various immigration routes into the U.S. Committed to excellence in service and driven by a passion for immigration advocacy, Anushri continues to make a meaningful impact in the field, helping individuals and businesses navigate the intricacies of U.S. immigration law effectively.

Education: 
UC College of Law, SF (JD)
UC San Diego (BA, International Studies)

Samaah Al-Najjar
Case Coordinator

Samaah is a seasoned immigration law professional with a diverse background spanning from her tenure at Purdue University's International Students and Scholars office to her role as a paralegal specializing in Permanent Residency and Non-Immigrant Visa processes. Motivated by a deep-rooted passion for immigration matters, she brings to her practice a unique blend of skills including petition building and process development.

Education:
Purdue University (BA, Political Science)

Sree Lakshmi Sudhakaran
Legal Writer

Sree is a current writer and former educator with a background in psychology and literature. Besides having taught English and social sciences across school grades, she also handled strategy and communications for a fintech start-up with a focus on social impact, and has written academic study guides and teaching material for an online literary resource.

Education:
EFLU (MA, English Language and General Literature)

Santiago Aguilar
Legal Writer

Santiago is a dedicated legal professional, researcher, and university lecturer, currently in his final year of a Philosophy degree. He is also pursuing his second year of a PhD in Law. His passion for academia and law is evident in his commitment to both teaching and research.

Education:
National University of Mar in Argentina, School of Law

Ruya Aki
Legal Assistant

Ruya began her career in administrative and legal support roles, laying a solid foundation for her path in immigration law. At Vanguard, she focuses on providing legal assistance and guidance, ensuring that every client feels empowered to navigate the complexities of immigration law confidently and clearly. Having experienced the stress of immigration herself, Ruya deeply understands the challenges our clients face.

Education:
New Jersey City University (BA, Psychology)

Molly Perdue
Executive Assistant

Molly helps keep the engine of our team running smoothly. Before joining Vanguard, she honed her skills at General Catalyst and led communications at The Battery in San Francisco, CA.

Education:
The University of Iowa (BA, International Studies)

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