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Julia Lowenfeld: A Life Dedicated to Justice and Compassion
In the fast-paced world of immigration law, few attorneys demonstrate the dedication, empathy, and resilience that define Julia Lowenfeld. From her early days in Moscow to her thriving legal practice in New York, Julia’s journey is marked by passion, perseverance, and a deep commitment to helping those most in need.
From Moscow to New York: The Making of an Advocate
Julia’s legal career began at 17 when she entered Moscow State University’s Law School during a time of political upheaval in Russia. “My English teacher was a huge inspiration,” she recalls. “She believed in democracy and social reform, and her energy was contagious.”
After arriving in the U.S. in 1991 and settling permanently in 1998, Julia discovered her calling in immigration law. A defining moment came when she helped friends with the green card lottery. “I translated forms, typed them on a typewriter, and saw how transformative legal help could be,” she says. That experience, along with her personal journey as an immigrant, solidified her path.
Why Immigration Law? A Mission to Make a Difference
Unlike corporate law, immigration law delivers rapid, meaningful results. “You can change someone’s life in a matter of months,” Julia explains. She often works with vulnerable populations—abused women, children, and people facing serious illness—helping them gain legal protection and stability.
One of her proudest commitments is pro bono service. “Every year, I take on at least a dozen cases for people who can’t afford help,” she says. She also served as a director for nonprofits like the CAF Central Asian Foundation, supporting immigrants without access to Russian-speaking legal aid.
Lessons Learned: Trust, Time, and Empathy
Julia’s success rests on a few essential principles:
- Listening deeply – “Clients don’t always open up right away. Building trust is critical.”
- Time management – “I spend at least 90 minutes with every new client to understand their full story.”
- Empathy – “I don’t see people as case numbers. They’re individuals, often in crisis, and I’m here to help.”
Balancing Life and Law
Raising two teenagers while running a demanding practice hasn’t been easy. “When my kids were small, I couldn’t have done it without my mother-in-law,” she shares. Today, she finds joy in skating, skiing, and reading—though global news and legal developments often take center stage.
A Guiding Principle: Kindness and Service
Julia’s moral compass is grounded in family values. “My grandmother and mother taught me to help others, especially the vulnerable,” she says. “When abused women or children turn to me, I see it as my responsibility to protect them—even if it means thousands of dollars in unpaid work.”
Advice to Young Lawyers
Julia encourages aspiring attorneys to follow their passion. “Choose a path that resonates with you,” she advises. “If you care about people, work in an area where you can create real impact.”
Looking Ahead: Growth and Advocacy
Her firm stands out for its compassionate, human-centered approach. “We don’t treat clients as transactions. We listen, we build trust, and we speak their language—literally,” she says. With a multilingual staff and welcoming atmosphere, her team serves a diverse population.
Looking forward, Julia aims to:
- Expand her pro bono and nonprofit work for vulnerable immigrants.
- Launch an initiative for truckers, many of whom face complex legal issues.
- Grow into intellectual property law to support scientists, artists, and creators.
Immigration Today: Challenges and Hopes
The current political climate presents ongoing challenges. “People call me in panic, afraid of deportation,” Julia says. While she supports legal accountability for serious offenders, she’s concerned about the climate of fear. “There are promising policy ideas, but it will take years of legal effort to bring real change.”
Final Thoughts
Julia Lowenfeld’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and a fierce dedication to justice. Whether advocating for an abused mother or helping a scientist secure a visa, she approaches each case with care and humanity.
Her mission remains clear: to help as many people as she can—one case at a time.
