Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Elizabeth Sanchez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Elizabeth, thanks for joining us today. Looking back at the decisions you made early in your career, particularly whether to join a firm or start your own, do you feel you made the right choice for that stage of your career?

After two years, I sought a new challenge and joined the largest Hispanic-owned immigration law firm in New York. There, I refined my legal skills, learned from a diverse team of attorneys, and was eventually promoted to Supervising Attorney of the immigration department. This role strengthened my managerial abilities and gave me insight into what it takes to run a law firm.

After eight years with the firm, my priorities shifted when I became a mother. After a decade of working for others, I felt ready to take the leap and start my own practice. At that time, my son was 18 months old, and I craved a challenge—something that would push me out of my comfort zone, make my family proud, and, most importantly, fulfill me. I knew that embracing the unknown would help me grow as an attorney while allowing me to mentor others and build something of my own.

Starting my own firm was the best decision I could have made. As an entrepreneur and business owner, I’ve met incredible people, built meaningful relationships with my clients, and found a way to balance my career with my role as a wife and mother. It has been an exciting journey, and I am truly grateful for the experience.

Elizabeth, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am an immigration lawyer based in New York City and New Jersey, dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complex U.S. immigration system. My clients come from diverse backgrounds, including refugees fleeing persecution, military personnel petitioning for their relatives, and unaccompanied minors arriving in the U.S. without legal guardians.

I have been practicing law for over 10 years, but my passion for this field began long before that. As a first-generation daughter of immigrants, I witnessed firsthand the struggles my family—especially my grandparents—faced in advocating for themselves. Language barriers, cultural differences, and a lack of accessible legal knowledge made their journey particularly challenging. Growing up in Washington Heights, a neighborhood rich with immigrant stories, I saw these challenges reflected in the lives of so many around me. That exposure fueled my desire to pursue a career where I could empower and advocate for those in similar situations.

Today, my work allows me to answer critical immigration questions, guide individuals on their path to legal residency, and, most importantly, help families stay together. I am deeply passionate about what I do, and even when policies and laws feel stacked against us, I firmly believe that through collective effort and advocacy, meaningful change is possible.

Any advice for managing a team?

My advice for entrepreneurs managing a team is to prioritize active listening and empathy. As business owners, it’s easy to focus on closing deals, acquiring new clients, and scaling our businesses. However, the most valuable investment you can make is in your team. When you support their personal growth, your business thrives in the process.

Regular team meetings and outings help build connection, and for remote employees, setting aside time after meetings to check in on their well-being can make a big difference. For example, a few weeks ago, I shared a YouTube video on creating a vision board with my team. I then scheduled time to discuss the process with them and encouraged them to share their insights. This not only fostered communication but also created an opportunity for personal development.

Ultimately, when your team feels valued and supported, they are more engaged, motivated, and committed to the success of the business.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for me are referrals from current and prior clients. I am very grateful with my clients that refer cases to me because its a strong indication that we are doing something right and our processes at our office work.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esinmigracion/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Law-Office-of-Elizabeth-Sanchez-LLC-61559634831120/?locale=nl_BE
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethsanchezesq/
• Other: tik tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@esinmigracion

Image Credits

Melissa Chavez