What are Hofstra Law Alumni doing 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 years after law school? We’re highlighting a few alumni from this year’s reunion classes. Take a moment to get a glimpse into what they have been doing since graduation from Hofstra Law.
Mayra Alicia Cataldo-Wolfson ’14 is an immigration lawyer who currently works as an Assistant Chief Counsel for the Department of Homeland Security. She tells us about her career as an immigration lawyer and how she got her start through Hofstra Law’s clinical program.
What inspired you to pursue a career in law and your decision to attend Hofstra Law?
When I was in my second year of college I interned for the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office in the Domestic Violence Bureau. Advocating for victims was a meaningful experience. My time with the DA’s Office inspired me to pursue a career in public interest law. I decided to attend Hofstra Law because of its reputation and the vast array of opportunities offered.
What is your specific area of practice and how did you get your start in this area?
Currently, I serve as an Assistant Chief Counsel for the Department of Homeland Security. In this role, I litigate cases in Immigration Court. I started my career as an Associate Attorney at a private immigration firm. Then I worked as an Asylum Officer with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before accepting my current position.
Is there a specific professor or mentor that had a significant influence on you during your time at Hofstra Law?
My first experience working in immigration law came from my time at the Youth Advocacy Clinic. It was with the guidance of Professor Theo Liebmann that I learned how to handle my first Master Calendar hearing in Immigration Court and how to handle Special Immigrant Juvenile cases. The skills I acquired while a clinic student laid a strong foundation for a career in immigration law.
What has been the single most rewarding/exciting experience in your career thus far?
During my time as an immigration attorney, I represented a victim of domestic violence seeking asylum in Immigration Court. We spent months preparing her application, gathering evidence from her home country and preparing her to testify at her trial. She was granted asylum by the Immigration judge.
What do you believe are the biggest challenges for lawyers today?
One of the biggest challenges faced by lawyers is being able to have work-life balance. We often become so invested in our work that we neglect our health or spending time with family. It’s important to find a balance and to make time for ourselves and our loved ones.
What advice would you offer today to current law students and recent graduates?
Attend networking events. You never know when a new opportunity will present itself!
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