Our Staff

Erica Mone Long

Associate Attorney, Immigration Law Specialist

Erica Mone Long is a dedicated Associate Attorney at our firm, specializing in both Immigration Court and USCIS matters. She adeptly handles a wide range of immigration cases, including removal and bond proceedings, family-based immigration, permanent residency, and citizenship applications. Erica’s journey into immigration law has a personal dimension: her passion was ignited when she met her husband, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Mexico. Witnessing his naturalization process firsthand inspired her commitment to helping others navigate the complex immigration system and achieve legal status, knowing the profound impact it can have on their lives and futures.

Education & Background
Erica earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo College of Law, where an immigration law class solidified her professional path. During law school, she contributed to the Civil Advocacy Clinic, assisting clients with family law, immigration law, and estate planning. Erica also gained valuable experience through internships, including one with an immigration law firm in Houston, Texas, where she specialized in Business and Employment Immigration.

Before law school, Erica cultivated valuable skills in Corporate Human Resources while completing her Master of Business Administration at the University of Houston Downtown. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, and Administration from Michigan State University. This diverse academic and practical experience equips Erica with a unique perspective and a comprehensive approach to her clients’ legal needs.

Education

• J.D., University of Toledo College of Law, May 2022
• M.B.A., University of Houston Downtown, August 2017
• B.A., Political Science, Public Policy, and Administration, Michigan State University, May 2012

Admitted to Practice

• State Bar of Illinois, June 2023

Professional Activities

• American Immigration Lawyers Association
• Houston Hispanic Bar Association
• Illinois State Bar Association

Awards & Accomplishments

• Dean’s List, University of Toledo College of Law, Fall 2021
• Contributor, Civil Advocacy Clinic, University of Toledo College of Law, Spring 2022
• Published in the Adelphia Law Review Journal: “Note on COVID-19 Policies in the Workplace,” 2023

Her advice to clients: “

Be as transparent as possible about your immigration background—knowing every detail helps us better assist your case. It’s also essential to maintain a clean record throughout the process and until naturalization. Outside of work, Erica enjoys traveling, connecting with family, and exploring new experiences, always seeking to expand her horizons and connect with others.”

Williams Urquilla, MBA

Office Legal Manager

As an Office Legal Manager, Williams has experience in corporate legal matters and immigration law as a result of his work at different law firms across different states, he joins us in June 2024 and is responsible for providing guidance to both USCIS and EOIR legal teams. *Williams and his team work with the firm’s attorneys to align submissions with strategic objectives by managing client files, court deadlines, and regulatory requirements. As part of the firm’s management team, he provides training and mentoring to the legal team, offers support to clients with complex questions, and keeps the firm on track. Williams holds a master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Phoenix, Arizona. He has also earned a variety of certifications after completing intensive paralegal study programs. Williams’s certifications demonstrate his commitment to enhancing his skills and expertise in the legal field specifically with immigration law.

His leadership style is collaborative and supportive, promoting open communication and teamwork. It is his goal to empower his team by involving them in decision-making processes and cultivating an environment of continuous learning and development. He utilizes both a strategic and empathetic approach to meet both clients’ and his team’s needs. As a native Spanish speaker, Williams is able to relate with clients and provide a level of comfort and understanding that only comes with first-hand knowledge and experience. His language skills and cultural knowledge give him a unique advantage in working with clients who come from different backgrounds.

His advice: “Trust that we have your best interests at heart, and we’ll do everything we can to help your immigration case.”

Karen Resendez

Office Manager

Inspired by her immigrant parents, Karen feels a strong passion for helping others and ensuring clear communication with clients. Her family, including her parents and spouse, motivates her every day.

In her free time, Karen enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading self-improvement books, and visiting nice coffee shops.

Her advice: “Never give up on the American dream.”

Emilia Moya

Marketing and Executive Operations

Originally from Ecuador and an immigrant herself, Emilia deeply understands the feeling of finding help. She has always been passionate about the business world, finding joy in offering people hope and solutions.

In her free time, she loves music, traveling, going on boat rides, spending time with her dog Max, and attending church.

Her advice: “If you want something with all your heart, talk to God and go after it like it’s already yours.”

Tanya

Front Desk

Tanya’s passion for immigration law began after petitioning for a family member, realizing how complex and impactful the process is. She’s dedicated to helping clients every step of the way and loves answering their questions.

Outside of work, Tanya enjoys fishing, baseball, relaxing with a massage, and catching up on rest.

Her advice: “Patience is key: immigration processes take longer than expected, but we’re here to guide you.”

Elbi Riascos

Senior Court Paralegal

As a first-generation U.S. citizen from an immigrant family, Elbi is dedicated to helping her community. She finds motivation in the smiles of her clients when they receive good news.

In her free time, Elbi enjoys reading, traveling, writing, and shopping.

Her advice: “Be patient, believe in yourself and the process. Stay organized, communicate clearly, and trust your team.”

Abraham Guzman

Court Paralegal

Inspired by his parents, who are immigrants, Abraham feels passionate about helping others navigate the immigration process. One of his most memorable moments was helping a client who had been told they would never adjust their status—Abraham helped them achieve their green card.

Outside of work, Abraham enjoys reading and exploring Houston’s diverse restaurants.

His advice: “Be patient, as the immigration process is long and stressful, but the outcome is worth it.”

Kenia Sosa

USCIS Paralegal

Kenia’s passion for immigration law stems from her own experience growing up with undocumented parents. She found her calling when her mother obtained her green card while Kenia was working as a legal assistant. Now, Kenia is dedicated to helping clients achieve their legal status.

In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, shopping, loud cars, and spending time with her kids.

Her advice: “Have faith and patience—good things come with time.”

Natalie Campos

USCIS Paralegal

Inspired by the struggles of families separated by immigration, Natalie is dedicated to helping keep them united in the U.S. A past experience with an upset client taught her the importance of clear communication, and she now ensures clients understand every step of the process.

Outside of work, Natalie enjoys attending her little brother’s baseball games.

Her advice: “Always remember that you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. The process is long, but don’t be afraid, everything is possible; you just need to have faith and trust that your attorney and paralegals are fighting every step to get you results.”

Idalia Palomares

Junior Paralegal

Idalia’s passion for immigration law comes from her parents’ struggles to fix their status. She cherishes the memory of meeting her grandmother for the first time before she passed away, and she loves helping clients experience similar moments by guiding them through the often-challenging immigration process.

In her free time, Idalia enjoys nights out with her spouse, fishing with her kids, and shopping at Buc-ee’s.

Her advice: “Be patient and strong—everything is possible with the right help.”

Zelin Serrano

Junior Paralegal

Zelin is driven by a deep desire to help people understand their rights and build a better future. Inspired by her father and the kindness she has experienced, she is committed to guiding clients with compassion.

In her free time, she enjoys running, shopping with her family, going to church, and reading.

Her advice: “Embrace growth and ask questions—opportunities only come once, so take them with courage.”

Lina Montaña

Junior Paralegal

Lina is committed to learning from every immigration case, believing that the law should be practiced with both passion and humanity. She finds joy in helping others while gaining new insights. In her free time, Lina enjoys watching movies, reading, dining out, and researching new laws.

Her advice: “Immigration processes can be long, but always be truthful, gather solid evidence, and be meticulous with your information.”