Trupti Patel graduated from the University of London, United Kingdom and after completing the Solicitor's Final Exam at the College of Law, Guildford, U.K. she was admitted to practice as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of U.K. In 1998 Attorney Patel was admitted to the New York Bar. Attorney Patel's practice is limited to U.S. Immigration Law in which she has represented individuals and corporations throughout the United States since 1998.

Attorney Patel is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and is an immigration attorney in the Law offices of Ralph A. Donabed. Born in India and raised in Uganda, Africa and U.K, Trupti brings a wide spectrum of cultural experiences to her practice. She feels a great sense of pride and satisfaction in her job. A mother of three wonderful boys, she talked to Lokvani about her life and work.

Lokvani:Why did you choose law - immigration law in particular for a career?

Trupti Patel: On an average most of us work about 75% of our life. I believe the career we choose should be something we enjoy doing. Law is something that grabbed my interest. I studied law in the United Kingdom and I practiced litigation and probate law. Marriage brought me to the United States. I got a job in a company where I began to work on immigration. I really enjoyed it. Later Ralph Donabed offered me a position. I have been working here for the three years and I love every minute of it.

Lokvani:What makes your job so exciting?

Trupti Patel: I think immigration law provides lawyers an opportunity to help people with a process that is not always easy. It is a long and often very difficult process. It does cause a lot of suffering. I take each case very personally. When my clients get their legal status it really is a very exciting moment for me. The feeling of helping ease someone's pain is great.

Lokvani:Since 9-11 are there more restrictions on immigration?

Trupti Patel: No. I think the difference is that in the attention that is being paid to detail. We get more queries now than we did in the past. The paperwork needs to be thorough. We cannot make mistakes.

Lokvani:Do you think the loss of jobs due to outsourcing will encourage the government to impose more restrictions on immigration in the future?

Trupti Patel: I do not think that will happen. If they make the immigration process difficult, jobs will go to other countries. Immigration is extremely important if we need to stay competitive and keep the jobs here. Bringing talented young people into the country is good for the economy.

Lokvani:Does every case need an immigration attorney?

Trupti Patel: No. If you have a crystal clear case and you are able to comprehend and do all the paperwork that the government needs, you have no need for an attorney. Since 9-11, with the tightening of the laws one needs to be very careful in doing the paperwork. Sometimes we get cases where people have done things on their own and when things go wrong they come to us. At that point it is very difficult to undo the mistakes.

Lokvani:Being a woman have you encountered any barriers in your career?

Trupti Patel: No. I have not encountered any barriers. Having said that I should add that I have met women lawyers who do feel that they were not allowed to achieve their full potential. Either I have been lucky or maybe I do not choose to see the discrimination and continue to work hard to achieve success.

Lokvani:Any tips for those who may choose Law as a career?

Trupti Patel: Like any career choice, I think you need to focus and spend time to achieve success. Law involves a lot of reading, attention to detail and dealing with people who are in difficult situations. It is a very satisfying career. You have an opportunity to help people. It is financially rewarding as well.

Lokvani:You were born in Uganda. Do you remember that country?

Trupti Patel: Yes I do. I remember it as a very beautiful place. We had to leave the country suddenly during Idi Amin’s time. I remember that journey to India. That was a difficult time. I visited Uganda recently and it has changed a lot from what I remember.

Lokvani:You have three children eight, five and three and a very hectic job. How do you cope with all this?

Trupti Patel: That is a good question. When I am home I devote myself completely to the children and when I am at work I am completely dedicated to my work. I think this compartmentalization has helped me. I take the train to and from work. On the way to work I focus on the cases I have and by the time I am here, I am ready to start work right away. On the way back I shift the focus back to the family. The travel time allows me to leave my work behind. By the time I am home I am ready for my family and enjoy my time with my husband and the children.

Lokvani: What are your goals for the future?

Trupti Patel: I would like to continue working in the area of immigration. When my children are a little older I hope I can make some time for community service.

Lokvani: Thanks so much for your time.

Trupti Patel: Thank you.

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