Immigration matters can be complex with little or no margin for error. They can also be stressful and frustrating. We hear you! And, we are here to help. Hughes Law Group is dedicated exclusively to immigration law matters. Immigration law is so complex that we limit our practice area so that we can stay up to date on all of the changes in the law and policy. Our focus is on providing high quality legal services and outstanding client support. We work with our clients to achieve their goals and dreams. With over a decade of experience and having helped hundreds of clients, we understand the ins and outs and how to best help alleviate your stress. We answer all of your questions and guide you each step of the way.
CRISTINA HUGHES
OWNER/ATTORNEY
I graduated from the Florida State University College of Law in Tallahassee, Florida. At the same time I received my Juris Doctorate (JD), I also completed the Florida State University College of Business MBA program. Upon graduation from law school, I traveled throughout Australia and South East Asia to expand my knowledge and appreciation of other countries, cultures, and people.
Why Immigration Law?
Two generations ago, my grandparents immigrated to the US from Italy. Growing up hearing a second language around the dinner table was normal for me. It instilled in me an appreciation and a curiosity about other cultures. This, combined with my extensive international travels and studies, is what attracted me to Immigration law. With our country being founded by immigrants, I believe that the tradition of welcoming immigrants should continue. I work tirelessly to advocate for immigrants, not only in my local community, but across the United States.
I began practicing immigration law in July 2010. I am a member of the California State Bar and the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). I am a native English speaker and can fluently speak, read, and write in Spanish.
When I’m not advocating for clients, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling internationally, and enjoying outdoor activities such as biking and skiing.
In addition to running this practice I also coach other solo immigration attorneys on growing their businesses.
Meet Our Team
Kathryn Maceri
Immigration attorney
Kathryn Maceri is an immigration attorney with more than a decade of experience representing individuals and families in removal proceedings and humanitarian immigration matters. She brings her thoughtful advocacy, strong litigation skills, and steady, client-centered approach to
her work at the Hughes Law Group.
Prior to joining the Hughes Law Group, Kathryn built and led a large removal defense immigration practice, representing clients before immigration courts nationwide. Kathryn’s practice focused on asylum, cancellation of removal and adjustment of status applications before the court as well as on strategies for collateral relief, including Special Immigrant Juvenile visas, U-visas, and I-751 petitions. Kathryn also recently served as an appellate administrative judge
with the Tennessee Department of TennCare.
Kathryn earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, magna cum laude. She is a founding board member of Advocates for Immigrant Rights, a Tennessee-based nonprofit that provides direct legal
representation to immigrants.
Outside of work, Kathryn enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and dogs and taking road trips, along with renovating her 120-year-old farmhouse in Illinois.
Casper Schlemp
Paralegal
Casper works as a paralegal for Hughes Law Group PC. He studied Spanish and Global Studies at the University of Vermont. Upon graduating, he worked as an English teacher in the greater Nashville area, working primarily with immigrant and refugee students. He then went on to teach English in Temuco, Chile and in Querétaro, Mexico before starting work as a paralegal.
Casper is passionate about languages, and he speaks English, Spanish, and German. In his free time, Casper enjoys listening to music and playing the piano.
Violeta Estrada
Paralegal
Violeta Estrada was born in San Francisco CA., and spent most of her summer and winter vacations in Durango, Mexico, her parents’ hometown.She has many fond memories of her childhood in Durango, Mexico and San Francisco, CA.
Violeta, attended the Paralegal Program at DeAnza College in Cupertino, CA. She has worked in the legal field for over 20 years. Also, she started her career working as a file clerk for a big law firm in Silicon Valley and worked her way up to paralegal. One of her goals as a paralegal is to help people like her parents who immigrated to the US for a better life.
Alejandra García
Virtual Assistant
Meet Alejandra, a seasoned professional in Social Communication with a wealth of experience in customer service, organizational communication, administrative assistance, and media writing. With a knack for impeccable human relations, leadership, and teamwork, Alejandra is dedicated to delivering top-notch customer service. Her organizational skills, discipline, and perseverance make her an invaluable asset in corporate communication.
As your virtual assistant, Alejandra takes pride in managing and ensuring the satisfaction of all members and clients. With her expertise, she is poised to support you every step of the way in your journey.
Cristina García
Receptionist
I’m currently pursuing my studies at Western Nevada College, where I’m focused on building a strong foundation in the legal system. Since working at Hughes Law Group, I have gained valuable hands-on experience that has allowed me to grow in both my academic and professional life.
Outside of my studies and work, I enjoy spending my time outdoors, especially hiking with my dog, Lucky.
Claudia Hincapié
Administrative Assistant
Claudia M. Hincapié works as a virtual assistant for Hughes Law Group PC. She’s a Colombian professional in international business and she’s an experienced translator and Spanish interpreter.
After completing her undergraduate degree, she started a two-year journey around the world, living in different countries such as India, England, United States, and Spain. She’s the first person you will have contact with when you call our office. She takes pride in providing the best customer service possible to our clients. She has a positive attitude and is always willing to hear our clients’ needs.
She enjoys using her skills to contribute to the success of all our client’s cases. In her free time, she enjoys doing yoga, taking long walks under the sun, and watching online series.
Learn how our team can assist you.
COACHING
In addition to advocating for immigration clients, I love mentoring law firm owners who are ready to grow firms that support real freedom.
If you’re a couple of years into firm ownership, you likely already know how to handle cases and serve clients well. The next stage is learning how to build a firm that scales with you, not one that requires you to carry everything alone.
I work with women who want to live the life they envisioned when they started their firm, including:
- more time and flexibility
- stronger systems and support
- increased revenue without constant urgency
- leadership that feels grounded and confident
I’m an immigration attorney with an MBA, and I started my practice in 2011 from zero. Today, I lead a team of attorneys, paralegals, and administrative assistants. I’ve built my firm while solo parenting, traveling internationally 12+ weeks per year, and (for several years) racing bikes semi-professionally.
Through trial and error, and with the support of coaches and mentors, I learned how to build a firm with structure, support, and real leverage.
Now I offer 1:1 coaching for women law firm owners who are ready to step into their power and build a firm that supports their dream life.
Click Learn More to explore my 1:1 coaching options.
