We help people move to or stay in the United States for work, family, or other personal reasons.
Nadia Yakoob, our founding attorney, has been working on behalf of immigrants and refugees since 1994 and practicing U.S. immigration law since 2000. She has extensive expertise in temporary and permanent employment-based visas, family-based immigration, asylum, removal relief, and citizenship.
Many of us at NY&A have personally lived the immigrant experience. We understand how stressful and confusing the process can be. We bring this understanding and experience to how we work with our clients. We are responsive and sensitive to each and every request.
Nadia Yakoob
Managing Attorney
Nadia has been practicing immigration law since 2000. She began her career as an associate at the world’s largest immigration law firm, where she spent eight years and worked in the firm’s New York, Brussels, and San Francisco offices. She then joined the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco as a staff attorney in the Court's immigration group. There, she reviewed challenges to final orders of removal and made recommendations to a panel of three federal judges each month on how these cases should be decided. After five years at the Court, Nadia returned to private practice, and has been working primarily with startups, emerging companies, investors and entrepreneurs.
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Nadia is a graduate of the Georgetown University Law Center (2000), where she was the Editor-in-Chief of the Georgetown Immigration Law Journal. She received a M.Sc. from the London School of Economics (1998), and a B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles. She also was a Fulbright scholar at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France.
In addition to her professional and educational background, Nadia’s personal experiences shape her approach to her work and her clients. She immigrated to the U.S. with her family at the age of ten after living in Singapore, Malaysia, the UK and France. As an adult, she studied, interned, and worked abroad on different occasions and in different countries. She understands the challenges of migration and enjoys helping others through it.
Contact
510.422.2295
nadia@nadiayakooblaw.com
Kenza Djamaa
Case Manager
Kenza graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in Biology and Biomedical Ethics.
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During her time in San Diego, she worked as a resident advisor as well as an assistant at a publishing press. Kenza’s interest in immigration law stems from her passion in research and writing coupled with her family’s experience with immigration.
In her free time, Kenza enjoys reading, playing water polo and traveling internationally.Description text goes here
In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and yoga.
Contact
510.422.2252
kenza@nadiayakooblaw.com
Leyla Mostafavi
Of Counsel
Leyla Mostafavi is a California-licensed attorney who has practiced U.S. immigration law since 2019.
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She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto, a Master’s degree from the London School of Economics, a Juris Doctor from the University of Ottawa, and an LL.M. in International Law from the University of California, Berkeley. Leyla is also a licensed lawyer in Canada, where she began her legal career at a leading litigation firm in Toronto. Over the years, she has developed a diverse professional background, including experience in a fast-paced startup environment. Having personally navigated the complexities of immigration, she approaches each case with empathy and a deep understanding of her clients’ journeys.Description text goes here
Contact
510.422.2252
leyla@nadiayakooblaw.com
Tamerlan Turdaliyev
Legal Operations Coordinator
Tamer holds a degree in Political Science from the University of California, Riverside.
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While at UCR, he served as the Finance Vice President for Alpha Phi Omega, a national service fraternity. He also gained professional experience as a Community Consultant at AvalonBay Communities.
Having immigrated to the United States with his family at an early age, Tamer is passionate about immigration law.
Outside of work, he enjoys working out, traveling, and discovering new local coffee shops!
Contact
510.422.2252
tamerlan@nadiayakooblaw.com
Genevieve Lee
Senior Legal Assistant
Genevieve graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a degree in Political Science.
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At UCSB, she served as the Director of Public Relations and Director of Professional Development for her sorority, Delta Gamma. She also was a member of the pre-law fraternity, Phi Alpha Delta.
Genevieve comes from a family of immigrants, making her first generation, which inspired her to work in immigration law.
In her free time, she enjoys trying new recipes, spending time with her two dogs and DJing recreationally!
Contact
510.422.2252
genevieve@nadiayakooblaw.com
Zhenee Presa
Legal Assistant
Zhenee Presa holds a degree in Political Science and Ethnic Studies from the University of California, San Diego.
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Her academic background motivated her to pursue a career that bridges her compassion with her strengths in writing and research. At UCSD, she worked as a research assistant on a project investigating political activity in the U.S. carceral state. Now, she is the first person in her immigrant family to pursue a legal career.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Zhenee enjoys reading, playing trivia with her friends, and trying new coffee shops.
Contact
510.422.2252
zhenee@nadiayakooblaw.com
Yanka Wong
Legal Intern
Yanka is a sophomore studying Comparative Literature at the University of California, Berkeley.
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She is a member of Cal Mock Trial, where she developed an interest in trial advocacy and the role of language in legal argument. Her interests lie in social justice and human rights work, particularly in supporting marginalized communities and advancing AAPI representation within the legal field. As an international student from Hong Kong, she is drawn to immigration law through firsthand experience navigating legal and institutional systems across borders.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Yanka is a competitive dancer and enjoys traveling!
Contact
510.422.2252
yanka@nadiayakooblaw.com
Sabrina Bahadosingh
Legal Intern
Sabrina is a senior double-majoring in Legal Studies and Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley.
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She works as an Administrative Assistant at PATH to Care, an on-campus organization aimed at creating a community free of sexual violence and harassment. Additionally, she assists the Authenticity and Perception lab at Berkeley Haas and is a member of the Berkeley Women in Business organization.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Sabrina enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants with friends, and yoga.
Contact
510.422.2252
sabrina@nadiayakooblaw.com
Memberships & Position
Immigration Editorial Advisory Board Member
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