About Us
Vanessa E. Zwaik, Attorney at Law
Vanessa has been practicing Immigration Law for over eighteen years, though as the third generation of Zwaiks to practice Immigration Law, it can be argued that it's in her DNA.
Vanessa earned her undergraduate degree at the State University of New York at Albany and her Juris Doctorate with Brooklyn Law School. During her law school career Vanessa worked in several different areas of law including with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office and as a law clerk with Federal Judge Melanie Cyganowski of the Eastern District.
Vanessa is a member of the New York Bar Association and the American Immigration Lawyers Association, and is admitted to practice in the Court of Appeals in the 2nd and 5th Circuits, the Supreme Court of New York, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York
Vanessa has been designated by Avvo.com in 2015 as "client recommended" and highly values her relationships with her clients. Vanessa works alongside the Crime Victim's Center in Suffolk county to provide pro-bono representation to crime victims. Vanessa also enjoys giving back to her local community and is an active member of her daughters' school and soccer board.
Vanessa practices all areas of immigration law but primarily focuses on family based immigration, VAWA cases, asylum, litigation, and investment visas.
Jennifer Lemus, Paralegal
Jennifer is a dedicated paralegal whose passion for helping others is rooted deeply in her upbringing as the child of immigrant parents. Growing up in a heavily Hispanic immigrant community, she witnessed both the strength and challenges of families striving for better opportunities. Jennifer found her calling in the immigration field, where she works tirelessly to support and guide individuals through some of the most important moments of their lives.
Jennifer has extensive knowledge and assists in dealing with USCIS whether it's green card applications, citizenship, work cards, status change, etc. She holds an associate’s degree and later pursued studies in psychology at Stony Brook University, expanding her understanding of people, behavior, and the emotional journeys many clients experience. Her academic background, combined with her personal story, fuels her compassion and commitment to her work.
Outside of her professional role, Jennifer is devoted in serving her community. She actively participates in community service with her car club, using it as a platform to organize events and give back to the community she loves. Family is also at the center of her life, and she cherishes the time she spends with her loved ones, finding joy and grounding in being surrounded by them.
Marya Zhunio, Paralegal
Marya is a paralegal committed to helping immigrant families navigate the legal system with compassion and understanding. As the daughter of immigrant parents, she grew up witnessing the challenges many families face when trying to build a stable life in the United States. These experiences shaped her desire to pursue a career where she could support and advocate for individuals going through similar journeys.
Before entering the legal field, Marya worked as a legislative aide in the Brentwood district with a local Suffolk County Legislator and gained firsthand experience advocating for and supporting members of her community. This role strengthened her connection to the community she grew up in and ultimately inspired her decision to pursue a career in immigration law. Today, she works primarily on Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) petitions and litigation cases, including Asylum, Withholding of Removal, and Cancellation of Removal, etc. In addition, she assists clients with consular processing cases and the preparation of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. Marya holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Stony Brook University, a background that has further strengthened her ability to understand the emotional and psychological challenges many clients experience while navigating the immigration process.
Her education and personal experiences have helped her develop a deep sense of empathy, allowing her to support clients not only through the legal aspects of their cases but also through the emotional journeys that often accompany them.
Outside of her work as a paralegal, Marya remains committed to giving back to her community. She is actively involved in her church, where she participates in service and community outreach efforts. Faith, family, and community remain central to her life, and she continues to find purpose in supporting and uplifting the people around her.