Our Managing Partners & Staff

Lindsay Himmelman

Paralegal Manager

Phone: (716) 970-4007

Lindsay Himmelman is a highly experienced immigration paralegal and paralegal manager, leading the family-based immigration team. In her leadership role, Lindsay oversees the paralegal team while continuing to provide hands-on legal support to clients. With expertise in both employment and family immigration, she manages family petitions, adjustment of status, and naturalization cases while also supporting employment-based visas. Additionally, she helps U.S. citizens with Canadian rehabilitation applications. A graduate of Bryant & Stratton College, Lindsay is committed to delivering exceptional service and guiding both clients and team members with professionalism and care.

Danielle Cardona

Paralegal Manager

Phone: (716) 970-4007

Danielle Cardona is the Paralegal Manager for business-based immigration at Richards and Jurusik. With years of legal and client service experience, she oversees the business-based immigration paralegal team and excels in preparing nonimmigrant petitions, such as TN, L-1, E-1/E-2, O-1, and H-1B visas, as well as employment-based permanent resident petitions like PERM. Danielle also supports clients with family-based immigration, adjustment of status, naturalizations, and Canadian rehabilitation applications. Her attention to detail and client-focused approach ensure smooth processes and successful outcomes. Danielle holds a degree in Criminal Justice and is an invaluable part of the team.

Emma Marzec

Law Clerk

Phone: (716) 970-4007

Emma Marzec is a Law Clerk and a graduate of the University at Buffalo School of Law, where she completed her Juris Doctor with a concentration in Advocacy. She brings a strong academic foundation in Spanish and psychology, enhancing her ability to serve diverse client needs. Emma assists attorneys with a range of immigration matters, including removal defense, asylum, waivers of inadmissibility, and family-based visa petitions. Known for her meticulous attention to detail, strong research capabilities, and deep commitment to justice, Emma approaches her work with diligence and integrity, consistently advocating for the best outcomes for clients. 

Erin Ruiz

Paralegal

Phone: (716) 970-4007

Manjot Kaur

Paralegal

Phone: (716) 970-4007

Manjot is a Paralegal at the firm, supporting attorneys with case preparation, client communication, and document management for family-based and business immigration matters. She works closely with clients to help ensure applications and petitions are prepared accurately and efficiently. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Law and Criminology from the University at Buffalo and plans to attend law school to pursue her Juris Doctor. With several years of experience in immigration administration, she brings strong organizational skills and attention to detail to her work.

Francesca Harris

Paralegal

Phone: (716) 970-4007

Francesca brings valuable experience in immigration law, case management, and client service to her role as a Paralegal. She graduated summa cum laude from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, where she developed a strong understanding of social dynamics, cultural diversity, and analytical problem-solving. In her role, Francesca assists attorneys with the preparation and management of employment-based and family-based immigration matters, ensuring each case is handled efficiently and accurately. She is committed to providing compassionate, detail-oriented support and guiding clients through every stage of the immigration process with professionalism and care.

Sara Walkow

Operations Manager

Phone: (716) 970-4007

Sara Walkow brings years of customer service and management experience to her role, making her an invaluable asset to the firm. As a key liaison, she handles client intakes, phone communications, and case assignments, creating a welcoming environment for clients and visitors. Sara also oversees office management, ensuring smooth operations and optimized processes. Her commitment to client satisfaction and attention to detail make her an essential member of the team, consistently enhancing the firm’s exceptional service reputation.

Kashif Ansari

Marketing Manager

Phone: (716) 970-4007

KASHIF ANSARI brings strong expertise in digital marketing and e-commerce to his role as Marketing Manager at Richards and Jurusik. With an MBA in Management Science from the University at Buffalo, he develops innovative strategies to enhance brand visibility and client engagement through social media, CRM, and optimized digital experiences. At Richards and Jurusik, Kashif leads firm-wide marketing efforts focused on growth, online presence, and client accessibility. His work ensures that the firm’s marketing aligns with both organizational goals and client needs. Certified in Advanced Digital Marketing by Google and HubSpot, Kashif combines technical knowledge with a creative, results-driven approach that continues to strengthen the firm’s brand and client connections.

Cooper Axelrod

Client Success Manager

Phone: (716) 970-4007

Cooper is a Buffalo native with a strong background in customer service and client relations. A graduate of Buffalo State University, he brings exceptional attention to detail, multitasking abilities, and a client-focused approach to his role as Client Success Manager. He oversees client communications, consultation scheduling, intake coordination, and support processes to ensure everything runs efficiently and smoothly. His role focuses on creating a responsive, organized, and professional experience for every client while helping guide them through each stage of the immigration process. His commitment to client service and operational efficiency plays a key role in maintaining the high standard of care the firm provides.

Maria Bargnes

Marketing Specialist

Phone: (716) 970-4007

Maria brings experience in both the legal and marketing fields. Having previously worked as a paralegal at a law firm, she brings a valuable understanding of the legal environment to her role in marketing and communications. Her experience allows her to bring a thoughtful and creative approach to the firm’s marketing efforts. In her role, she helps develop engaging content, strengthen the firm’s online presence, and communicate important information to clients and the broader community. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies from Niagara University, providing a strong foundation for her work in content creation, communication, and digital marketing.

Kayla Zdonczyk

Receptionist

Phone: (716) 970-4007

Kayla earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University at Buffalo and brings more than eight years of customer service experience to her role. Kayla is often the first friendly face clients see or voice they hear. She welcomes clients, directs phone calls, schedules appointments, and helps ensure the office runs smoothly. She is dedicated to making every client feel welcomed, supported, and cared for from the moment they contact the firm.

Carol Merrill

Bookkeeper

Phone: (716) 970-4007

CAROL MERRILL has more than 20 years of experience improving financial record keeping, identifying and implementing efficient and consistent procedures for many local small businesses. She plays a critical role in maintaining our firm’s operations by providing accounting and bookkeeping services each week.