Staff
Mabel Pluas-Vaitzman
Office Manager
Mabel Pluas-Vaitzman is an experienced professional who brings over a decade of legal and administrative experience to her role as Office Manager for the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC.
As the Office Manager, Mabel oversees the firm’s daily operations, including but not limited to, human resources, client management, billing and bookkeeping functions. Mabel ensures the smooth operations of the firm, using an unmatched level of compassion and understanding for clients who are facing serious criminal charges, immigration consequences, and family law related complications.
Mabel completed undergraduate studies at Touro College in 2010, graduating with Cum Laude distinction , receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science.
Mabel is a native Spanish speaker, she was born in Ecuador and migrated to the United States in 1985. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children.
Pei Zhang
Senior Paralegal
Pei Zhang serves as the firm’s Senior Paralegal. Pei is responsible for the preparation of Nonimmigrant and Immigration Petitions, including, but not limited to, Adjustments of status, Family-based Petitions, Naturalizations, Renewal Petitions of Visas and Green Cards, Deportation Defense Petitions, and Political Asylum Petitions.
At the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, Pei provides support to the firm’s immigration attorneys, assists with consultations, acts as liaison by and between clients, attorneys, and courts and engages in high volume written and telephonic communication with immigration courts and USCIS.
Prior to joining the firm, Pei held an immigration paralegal position at a prominent New York City-based immigration law firm for five years. In 2010, Pei graduated from Montana State University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering.
In 2007, Pei migrated to the United States from China. As such, he is fluent in the Mandarin language and therefore handles the firm’s high-volume Chinese-immigration case load. Pei brings an unmatched level of knowledge and skill into his work, and assists the firm’s immigration attorneys in securing the best results for their clients.
JERRY VASQUEZ
Senior Paralegal
Jerry Vasquez is a paralegal at the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, with decades of criminal law experience. Jerry is devoted to assisting the attorneys in all phases of criminal defense litigation, including but not limited to communicating with clients, reviewing discovery, communicating with the courts and preparing for trial.
He is a graduate of New York Law School, attended the prestigious Trial Practice Institute at the National Criminal Defense College in Macon, Georgia and has appeared as a guest commentator on the original Court TV cable television channel, offering analysis of prominent criminal cases. Previously, Jerry has presented lectures at seminars to attorneys throughout New York State on wide-ranging topics in criminal law and trial advocacy.
As part of his Paralegal responsibilities, Jerry functions as liaison by and between clients, attorneys, and courts and engages in extensive written and telephonic communication with criminal courts, law enforcement agencies and client advocacy services. Having operated as a sole-practitioner for 15 years, Jerry brings valued insight, organizational and client-related experience to the legal team.
Violetta Murdock
Senior Paralegal
At the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, Violetta provides support to the firm’s immigration attorneys, manages clients, coordinates schedules, and corresponds with immigration courts and USCIS.
Prior to joining the firm, Violetta held an immigration paralegal position at a prominent Queens-based immigration law firm for 14 years. Violetta has extensive knowledge and experience in immigration since 2004. She graduated from Interboro Institute in 2004 where she obtained an Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies and from John Jay College in 2014, where she acquired a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice.
Having immigrated from Uzbekistan herself, in 2000, Violetta is a native Russian speaker and often acts as a translator by and between clients and attorneys. Violetta brings her own experiences as an immigrant into her day-to-day client management responsibilities, resulting in her compassionate and understanding nature. Violetta is a Notary Public.
Emily Zarceno
Paralegal
Emily joined the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC in 2022, as a Front Desk Receptionist where she provided guidance, translation, and assistance to our clients with enthusiasm and compassion. Emily ensured that clients felt at ease during what can be a stressful time in their lives and excelled in her responsibilities, which resulted in her promotion to Paralegal. Emily now assists clients navigate their criminal defense cases with ease and compassion. She also supports our attorneys to help them obtain the best possible outcome for our clients.
Emily graduated from Monroe College in 2022, with Honors, receiving her Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Criminal Justice. Emily plans to attend Law School, and is currently studying for the LSAT. Born in Guatemala, Emily is a native Spanish speaker who migrated to the United States in 2011. In her spare time, Emily enjoys spending time with her family and friends, trying new restaurants and binge-watching her favorite TV series.
Jorida Shima
Paralegal
Jorida Shima is a paralegal at the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC with international experience in law firms across Italy, Albania, and New York. She possesses deep knowledge of a range of human rights issues, approaches, and techniques.
Jorida supports the firm’s Family Law attorneys by guiding clients through the complexities of the New York family law system. She is dedicated to ensuring clients receive exceptional service, is sensitive to their needs, and is committed to advocating for their interests.
Jorida holds a Juris Doctor (JD) and two Master of Laws (LL.M) degrees—one from Cardozo School of Law in New York, and the other from the Giovanni Tarello Institute for Legal Philosophy at the University of Genoa, Italy. As a Visiting Scholar at the University of Bocconi and Polo Universitario Imperia in Italy, she participated in numerous seminars, gaining extensive knowledge in using argumentative techniques for an autonomous and thoughtful understanding of significant changes in legal systems, particularly in the areas of rule of law, human rights, and democracy. She also excelled as an assistant expert in Global Bioethics.
A native Albanian, Jorida has lived in Italy and is now a resident of New York. She has worked with clients and colleagues from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds and has excellent interpersonal skills. She is proficient in Italian, French, Spanish, and Albanian. In her free time, Jorida enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and exploring the culinary world.
Kasra Saboktakin
Paralegal
Kasra Saboktakin joined The Law Offices of Robert Tsigler in April 2026, where he supports the firm’s immigration practice. He assists attorneys with a broad range of matters, including adjustment of status, naturalization, family-based petitions, fiancé visas, and asylum applications. He is recognized for his strong attention to detail and highly organized, process-driven approach to case management.
Prior to joining the firm, Kasra gained valuable experience providing immigration case support at a respected law office. In that role, he assisted with document preparation, case organization, and filings across employment-based, family-based, and humanitarian immigration matters.
Born in Iran, Kasra immigrated to the United States in 2008. His personal experience navigating the immigration system informs his work and reinforces his commitment to guiding individuals and families through complex legal processes with diligence, precision, and empathy. Kasra is a native Farsi speaker.
Kasra holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music, with high academic distinction, from the University of California, Berkeley. He also earned an Associate of Arts in Music from Santa Monica College and a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering from the University of Tehran. In addition to his legal work, he maintains an active professional career as a bass player and educator, with extensive recording and touring experience.
Alejandra Ramírez
Paralegal
Alejandra Ramírez joined the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC in 2026, where she serves as a Family Law Paralegal. In this role, she supports the firm’s attorneys in a wide range of Family Court matters and is committed to helping clients navigate challenging legal situations with compassion, professionalism, and close attention to detail.
Before joining the firm’s Family Law department, Alejandra gained valuable experience in immigration law, working on both family-based and humanitarian matters. Her multidisciplinary legal background allows her to approach sensitive cases with precision, empathy, and a client-centered perspective.
Alejandra earned her law degree from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and is currently pursuing dual Master’s degrees in International Law and Peacebuilding at Universidad de los Andes. Prior to entering private practice, she worked with Colombia’s Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP), where she contributed to legal analysis in cases involving forced disappearance and other human rights violations.
Born and raised in Colombia, Alejandra is fully bilingual in English and Spanish. Outside of the office, she en
Naomi Lichter
Legal Assistant
Naomi Lichter joined the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler in June 2025 as a Legal Assistant. She brings years of hospitality experience from Chicago and New York City, with a strong background in client service, administrative support, and operations.
Before joining the firm, Naomi worked as an administrative assistant for a design company, supporting large-scale installation projects and managing multiple points of sale. She later moved into operations, supervising day-to-day functions in a busy Chelsea kitchen.
At the firm, Naomi is often the first point of contact for clients visiting our Manhattan office. She ensures each visitor receives a warm welcome and that matters are promptly directed to the appropriate legal divisions.
Naomi graduated from New York University in 2022 with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Journalism.
Lauren Loop
Executive Assistant
Prior to joining the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, Lauren shared her expertise and love of coffee as a leader within both the Operational and Events Teams at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery located in the Meatpacking District.
Lauren is a native of Erie, Pennsylvania. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Gannon University in 2015, she fulfilled her childhood dream of relocating to New York City.
Michelle Paez
Administrative Assistant to Joseph Caldarera
Michelle Paez is a professional with more than 10 years of experience in higher education, alumni engagement, and internationalization. She has served in multiple leadership roles at a University, including Director of International Affairs and Alumni, Director of Academic Records, and Academic Coordinator of the Business School. In these positions, she streamlined academic processes, launched student success initiatives, and built global partnerships that enhanced both institutional growth and graduate outcomes.
Her career also includes operations management and hospitality leadership, with experience at Walt Disney World and in the food and beverage industry. Originally from Ecuador, Michelle is fluent in English and Spanish and holds a Master’s in Business Management from IDE Business School.
Suzette English
Client Success Specialist
Suzette English is a seasoned professional who brings over 25 years of experience in client relations and advocacy to her role as Client Success Specialist at the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC.
As the Client Success Specialist, Suzette is instrumental in upholding the firm’s steadfast commitment to exceptional customer service. From the first client interaction to the final resolution, she ensures that every client receives personalized attention and care. Her duties include managing client relationships, clearly articulating the firm’s services to potential clients and assisting clients manage the emotional roller coaster inherent in legal matters.
Previously, Suzette worked as a Client Relations Manager at a prominent New York-based family law firm, where she helped clients face challenging and life-changing decisions. Suzette is widely recognized for her compassionate, trustworthy, knowledgeable, and dedicated approach. She is often described as professional, energetic, driven, and a true team player.
Suzette is a lifelong New Yorker and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Fordham University. She enjoys spending her free time with her two wonderful daughters, her adorable dog, and her close-knit family.
Carolina Vargas
Calendar Clerk
Carolina Vargas joined the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC in 2025 as a Calendar Clerk. In this role, she manages initial consultations and ensures that potential clients are connected with the right attorney to meet their specific needs.
As a Certified Legal Translator fluent in English and Spanish, Carolina helps bridge language gaps, ensuring that clients feel informed and supported from their very first interaction with the firm.
Outside of the firm, Carolina channels her creativity and connection to Colombian culture into designing handmade accessories, reflecting her artistry and attention to detail.
Alam Polanco
Billing Manager
Alam Polanco is an experienced professional who brings a great deal of administrative, billing, and office support expertise to his role as Assistant Billing Manager to the Law Offices of Robert Tsiger, PLLC. Alam joined the firm in 2022, after serving as Accounts Receivable clerk at a reputable New York law firm.
As the Billing Manager, Alam creates and distributes client invoices, collects payments, keeps accurate records of client accounts and addresses any outstanding balances. Alam has excellent communication, organizational, and time management skills. Alam’s optimism, calm demeanor and good energy helps the clients feel more at ease while facing these legal difficulties.
Alam obtained his Associates degree from CUNY Hostos College in 2020 graduating Magna Cum Laude and he is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s degree Organizational Leadership at Colorado State University – Global. Alam is native from New York City, both of his parents migrated from the Dominican Republic. Alam is a Spanish speaker. In his spare time, Alam enjoys sports (mostly UFC and Basketball), working out, relaxing with family and friends.
Jennifer Cruz
Billing Specialist
Jennifer Cruz is an experienced billing specialist at the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler who ensures accurate and timely processing of invoices and payments for our clients. She is responsible for reviewing and verifying all billing information and communicating with both internal teams and clients to ensure a seamless experience. Jennifer’s attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to work effectively under pressure are essential to her role to ensure that billing processes run smoothly and efficiently for our clients.
Jennifer is currently pursuing an Accounting degree from Queens College and is an avid cook and baker. During her free time, she likes to recharge, indulge in her hobbies, and connect with her loved ones.
Agustín Percivaldi
Billing Specialist
Agustín Percivaldi is an Billing Specialist at the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, bringing expertise in both the accounting and legal fields. In this role, he meticulously reviews and corrects account balances to identify outstanding debts or discrepancies, ensuring the accurate management of client matters. His attention to detail helps maintain data integrity within the system, guaranteeing precise invoicing.
Originally from Argentina, Agustín is fluent in both Spanish and English. With a background in law and previous experience as an accounting assistant and financial controller, he has extensive knowledge in preparing, categorizing, and reconciling financial statements. His expertise in analyzing legal matters and accounts receivable makes him a valuable asset to the firm.
Evelin González
Billing Specialist
Evelin González is a finance professional who brings a decade of business and administrative experience to her role as Billing Specialist for the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC.
As a Billing Specialist, Evelin creates and distributes client invoices, collects payments, keeps accurate records of client accounts and addresses any outstanding balances. Evelin’s attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to work effectively under pressure are essential to her role to ensure that billing processes run smoothly and efficiently for our clients.
Evelin holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Translation and Interpreting Evelin is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
Evelin is a native Spanish speaker born in Guatemala. In her spare time, she trains and competes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She enjoys spending time with her family and her cat, discovering new pizza spots, being outdoors, and reading.
Ramon Morales
Collections Specialist
Ramon Morales is an experienced professional who brings over a decade of collections experience to his role as Collections Specialist at the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC.
As the Collections Specialist, Ramon coordinates day-to-day operations and collections within the billing department and assists office management with a multitude of tasks.
Prior to joining our firm, Ramon held Senior Collection Specialist positions at various multinational companies. He earned his associate degree in Social Arts from the University of the State of New York in 1996.
Originally from Panama City, Panama, Ramon grew up in Montreal, Canada. He is trilingual, fluent in English, French, and Spanish. In his spare time, Ramon enjoys surfing and spending time with his family, including his two children.
Leslie Diaz
Bookkeeper
Leslie Diaz brings eight years of experience to her role as Bookkeeper at the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler. She began her career at an upscale rooftop bar in Manhattan, where she spent
four years managing bookkeeping in a fast-paced, high-volume hospitality environment. That experience sharpened her skills in accuracy, organization, and adaptability, qualities she now
applies in supporting the firm’s attorneys and staff with precision and consistency.
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