Michael Gurfinkel Law Office

For many residents across California, especially those with family or professional ties internationally, navigating the complex world of U.S. immigration law is a crucial and often life-changing endeavor. Whether you're aspiring to obtain a green card, secure a visa, become a U.S. citizen, or are facing challenges related to your immigration status, the need for experienced and knowledgeable legal guidance is paramount. This is where the Michael Gurfinkel Law Office steps in, serving as a prominent legal resource for individuals throughout California, particularly from their San Francisco location. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of the Michael Gurfinkel Law Office, highlighting their specialized services and how they aim to assist local Californians from their perspective as local users.

The Michael Gurfinkel Law Office is a well-known name in the field of U.S. immigration law, recognized for its focus on assisting individuals and families with a wide array of immigration-related matters. For Californians, a state with a diverse population and significant international connections, understanding the intricacies of immigration law is vital. The firm's dedication to this specific area of law means they are well-versed in the ever-evolving regulations, policies, and procedures governing immigration in the United States. This specialization allows them to offer targeted and effective legal strategies, ensuring clients receive informed and practical advice on their unique situations.

The firm’s mission, as stated on their website, is to help clients achieve their dreams of living and succeeding in the United States. This client-centric approach emphasizes a commitment to supporting individuals no matter their immigration issue or problem. From obtaining various types of visas to pursuing green cards and U.S. citizenship, and even offering defense against deportation or appeals of denials, the Michael Gurfinkel Law Office strives to provide comprehensive legal services. While some public feedback suggests concerns regarding initial consultations and direct advice, the firm’s long-standing presence and extensive offerings in the immigration sector indicate a broad capacity to handle diverse cases. It's important for prospective clients to engage directly with the firm to assess if their specific needs align with the firm's approach and services.

The Law Offices of Michael J. Gurfinkel, Inc. maintains a presence in multiple locations, including San Francisco, catering to a wide client base. This accessibility is particularly beneficial for those in California who might otherwise struggle to find specialized immigration legal support close to home. Their commitment extends to providing thoroughly prepared cases, aiming for top-quality service as cornerstones of their legal practice.

The Michael Gurfinkel Law Office in San Francisco is conveniently located at 966 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA. This central downtown San Francisco address provides significant advantages for accessibility, making it a viable option for clients across the Bay Area and beyond who are seeking immigration legal assistance.

For those relying on public transportation, the office is situated in a highly connected part of the city. It is within walking distance of major transit hubs, including BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) and Muni (San Francisco Municipal Railway) lines. The Powell Street BART/Muni Metro station, a key interchange, is typically just a few blocks away, providing seamless connections from various neighborhoods in San Francisco and surrounding counties like Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Mateo. Numerous Muni bus lines also operate along Mission Street and nearby thoroughfares, ensuring easy access from almost any part of the city. This robust public transportation network minimizes the need for private vehicle use, which can be particularly advantageous in a dense urban environment like downtown San Francisco where parking can be challenging and expensive.

For clients who prefer to drive, while parking in downtown San Francisco requires planning, there are public parking garages available in the vicinity. The 5th & Mission Parking Garage is noted as the nearest hourly parking option to the office. It is advisable for those driving to utilize parking applications or websites to check real-time availability and rates, and potentially reserve a spot in advance to ensure a smoother visit. The location on Mission Street is part of a busy commercial district, providing a vibrant urban backdrop for the office. The overall accessibility of this San Francisco office helps to ensure that individuals seeking immigration legal assistance can reach the Michael Gurfinkel Law Office with relative ease.

• Immigrant Visas / Adjustment of Status: Assistance with processes for obtaining permanent residency (green cards), whether through consular processing abroad or adjustment of status within the U.S.
• Family-Based Petitions: Guiding U.S. citizens and green card holders through the process of petitioning for their relatives, including spouses, children (under 21, aged-out, adult single, married), parents, and siblings, under various preference categories (F-1, F-2A, F-2B, F-3, F-4).
• Non-Immigrant Visas: Support for obtaining temporary visas such as K-1 (fiancée) visas, O-1 (Extraordinary Ability) visas for entertainers and professionals, and P-1 (Group Entertainers and Athletes) visas.
• Removal / Deportation Defense: Providing legal representation for individuals facing deportation or removal proceedings, exploring strategies such as asylum, cancellation of removal, or voluntary departure.
• Appeals and Waivers: Handling appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), Administrative Appeals Office (AAO), and U.S. Courts of Appeals, as well as assisting with various waivers, including provisional waivers, fraud waivers, and waivers for unlawful presence.
• Employment-Based Petitions: Assisting foreign nationals and employers with various employment-based immigration categories, including Multinational Executives (EB-1), Persons of Extraordinary Ability (EB-1), Outstanding Professors or Researchers (EB-1), Professionals with Advanced Degrees (EB-2), Persons with Exceptional Ability/National Interest Waiver (EB-2), Skilled Workers (EB-3), and Religious Workers (EB-4).
• Naturalization: Guiding eligible green card holders through the process of applying for U.S. citizenship.
• Legal Consultation: Offering general legal consultations to discuss immigration issues and potential solutions.
• Evaluation of Immigration Consequences for Crimes/Convictions: Advising on how past criminal records may impact immigration status and eligibility.

• Specialized in Immigration Law: The firm's dedicated focus on U.S. immigration law ensures deep expertise and a comprehensive understanding of federal regulations, policies, and procedures, which are critical for navigating this complex field.
• Comprehensive Service Range: They offer a wide spectrum of immigration services, from visa applications and family petitions to complex deportation defense and appeals, catering to diverse client needs.
• Multiple Office Locations: While based in San Francisco for California clients, the firm has other U.S. and international offices, demonstrating a broad reach and capacity to serve a wide clientele.
• Published Legal Information: Michael Gurfinkel is known for hosting the television show "Citizen Pinoy" and writing the "Immigration Corner" column, both of which aim to provide public education on U.S. immigration laws, issues, and procedures, indicating a commitment to informing the immigrant community.
• Experienced Legal Team: The firm emphasizes having knowledgeable attorneys and staff, with a focus on thorough case preparation to support clients effectively.

While specific, ongoing promotional offers are not publicly detailed for the Michael Gurfinkel Law Office beyond their general pricing structure, it is standard practice for legal firms specializing in immigration law to offer initial consultations. This consultation typically involves a fee, as indicated by public reviews ($350 mentioned in one review, though current rates should be confirmed directly). During this initial meeting, potential clients can discuss their immigration matter, understand their options, and learn about the firm's approach and estimated legal fees. The firm's website indicates that after an initial attorney consultation, their pricing department discusses fees and payment plans, requiring a signed retainer agreement before services commence. It is highly recommended to contact the Michael Gurfinkel Law Office directly via their phone numbers to inquire about their current consultation process, any specific fees for initial assessments, or details regarding payment plans. This direct communication will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding their services and costs.

Address: 966 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA

Phone: (818) 543-5800

Mobile Phone: +1 818-543-5800

Please note that the primary phone number provided for the San Francisco office leads to a general contact line for the firm, which may be located in their main Glendale office. For the most accurate information on business hours, specific procedures for consultations at the San Francisco location, or to schedule an appointment, it is always best to contact the Michael Gurfinkel Law Office directly using the phone numbers provided. Their website also notes that calls can be made to (866) GURFINKEL.

For locals across California, particularly those within the San Francisco Bay Area who are navigating the often-complex landscape of U.S. immigration law, the Michael Gurfinkel Law Office offers a suitable and accessible legal resource. Their strategic location at 966 Mission Street in downtown San Francisco provides excellent accessibility via the city's extensive public transportation network. Being within walking distance of major BART and Muni stations means that clients from diverse communities throughout San Francisco and the wider Bay Area can reach the office conveniently, minimizing travel challenges. This accessibility is crucial for individuals who may need repeated consultations or appearances related to their immigration cases.

The firm’s suitability for locals is also rooted in its dedicated specialization in U.S. immigration law. In a state like California, which is home to a vast and diverse immigrant population, having legal counsel deeply familiar with federal immigration statutes, policies, and procedures is essential. The Michael Gurfinkel Law Office offers a comprehensive range of immigration services, from assisting with various visa types and green card applications to handling complex deportation defense cases and appeals. This broad spectrum of services means that local Californians, whether they are new arrivals or long-term residents seeking to regularize their status or bring family members, can find assistance for their specific needs under one roof.

Furthermore, for a community that often relies on informed and accessible legal information, Michael Gurfinkel's public outreach through programs like "Citizen Pinoy" demonstrates a commitment to educating the immigrant community. While initial consultation experiences may vary as per some public feedback, the firm's general focus on supporting clients through the often-stressful immigration process underscores their dedication to empowering individuals. For local Californians facing immigration challenges, the Michael Gurfinkel Law Office stands as an established and specialized legal entity in San Francisco, providing a vital point of contact for expert immigration legal assistance.