In 2005, Rosanna Berardi did the unthinkable: she left a highly-coveted big-firm job to hang a shingle for herself in the legal world. Starting with only one client and an office desk in a tiny apartment, Rosanna has managed to grow her practice into an award-winning, multinational, full-service immigration law firm with thousands of clients around the world spanning countless industries. Armed with a staff of skilled lawyers, paralegals, and invaluable professionals, Rosanna and her team have become unstoppable.
Rosanna, a first-generation Italian-American, built her practice with the vision of becoming “the Disney of Immigration Law.” That is, she is committed to maximizing “the client experience” by providing impeccable customer service and treating each client with genuine appreciation. It also means anticipating a client’s needs well in advance of their arrival to each stage of the immigration process. In addition, Rosanna built a unique culture at Berardi Immigration Law. With strong core values, the team lives and breathes teamwork and has been awarded the coveted “Best Places to Work” award twice by Buffalo Business First.
Rosanna’s multi-dimensional immigration experience also gives her an edge over other lawyers. She started her career as an Immigration Inspector for the former Immigration & Naturalization Service (INS), at the Peace Bridge while attending law school. She quickly climbed the ranks at INS, eventually being hired as a full-time Immigration Trial Attorney in the New York City office. She then went on to work at the State University of New York at Buffalo in the International Student & Scholar Services Office as Immigration Counsel where she prepared hundreds of submissions on behalf of the University’s faculty and staff. Rosanna entered private law practice in 1998 when she joined Buffalo’s largest law firm as an Immigration Associate. Today, as Managing Partner of Berardi Immigration Law, Rosanna continues to identify emerging trends in adjudication procedures and leverages that knowledge for the benefit of her clients. She’s also a sought-after speaker and media source on immigration-related issues.
Today, Berardi Immigration Law is certified by New York State as a woman-owned business enterprise. Additionally, in March 2020, Rosanna was awarded Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, a national award presented by Women Owned Law (WOL), an organization dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs in the field of law.
Despite being the Managing Partner of a robust practice, Rosanna believes balance is key. She never skimps on time with her son, Salvatore, and husband, Jack, and sweet Havanese, Lola. She also enjoys planning vacations and parties, as well as reading, journaling, and paper crafting.
Education
• Juris Doctor, State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law, Buffalo, NY, 1997
• Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude, Canisius College, Buffalo, NY, 1994
Affiliations
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) –Customs & Border Protection Liaison Committee – Chairperson
- Admitted to practice in New York. Member of the Bars of New Jersey and District of Columbia
- Member, New York State Committee on Women in the Law
- Member & Mentor, SUNY Buffalo Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Mastery Forum
- Member, EO (Entrepreneurs Organization), Western New York chapter
Rosanna’s Story