Staff
Staff
Mabel Pluas-Vaitzman
Office Manager
Mabel Pluas-Vaitzman is an experienced professional who brings over a decade of legal and administrative experience to her role as Office Manager for the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC. Mabel joined the firm in 2017, after serving as an office manager in a prominent Federal Criminal Defense practice.
As the Office Manager, Mabel oversees the firm’s daily operations, including but not limited to, human resources, client management, billing and bookkeeping functions. Mabel ensures the smooth operations of the firm, using an unmatched level of compassion and understanding for clients who are facing serious criminal charges, immigration consequences, and family law related complications.
Mabel completed undergraduate studies at Touro College in 2010, graduating with Cum Laude distinction , receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science.
Mabel is a native Spanish speaker, she was born in Ecuador and migrated to the United States in 1985. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children.
Pei Zhang
Senior Immigration Paralegal
Pei Zhang joined The Law Offices of Robert Tsigler in 2016 and serves as the firm’s Senior Immigration Paralegal. Pei is responsible for the preparation of Nonimmigrant and Immigration Petitions, including, but not limited to, Adjustments of status, Family-based Petitions, Naturalizations, Renewal Petitions of Visas and Green Cards, Deportation Defense Petitions, and Political Asylum Petitions.
At the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, Pei provides support to the firm’s immigration attorneys, assists with consultations, acts as liaison by and between clients, attorneys, and courts and engages in high volume written and telephonic communication with immigration courts and USCIS.
Prior to joining the firm, Pei held an immigration paralegal position at a prominent New York City-based immigration law firm for five years. In 2010, Pei graduated from Montana State University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering.
In 2007, Pei migrated to the United States from China. As such, he is fluent in the Mandarin language and therefore handles the firm’s high-volume Chinese-immigration case load. Pei brings an unmatched level of knowledge and skill into his work, and assists the firm’s immigration attorneys in securing the best results for their clients.
JERRY VASQUEZ
Senior Paralegal
Jerry Vasquez is a paralegal at the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, with decades of criminal law experience. Jerry is devoted to assisting the attorneys in all phases of criminal defense litigation, including but not limited to communicating with clients, reviewing discovery, communicating with the courts and preparing for trial.
He is a graduate of New York Law School, attended the prestigious Trial Practice Institute at the National Criminal Defense College in Macon, Georgia and has appeared as a guest commentator on the original Court TV cable television channel, offering analysis of prominent criminal cases. Previously, Jerry has presented lectures at seminars to attorneys throughout New York State on wide-ranging topics in criminal law and trial advocacy.
As part of his Paralegal responsibilities, Jerry functions as liaison by and between clients, attorneys, and courts and engages in extensive written and telephonic communication with criminal courts, law enforcement agencies and client advocacy services. Having operated as a sole-practitioner for 15 years, Jerry brings valued insight, organizational and client-related experience to the legal team.
Violetta Murdock
Immigration Paralegal
Violetta Murdock joined The Law Offices of Robert Tsigler in 2019 and serves as the firm’s immigration Paralegal. She is responsible for assisting with Nonimmigrant and Immigrant Petitions, including, but not limited to, Adjustments of status, Family-based Petitions, Naturalizations, and Renewal Petitions of Visas and Green Cards as well as deportation defense matters.
At the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, Violetta provides support to the firm’s immigration attorneys, manages clients, coordinates schedules, and corresponds with immigration courts and USCIS.
Prior to joining the firm, Violetta held an immigration paralegal position at a prominent Queens-based immigration law firm for 14 years. Violetta has extensive knowledge and experience in immigration since 2004. She graduated from Interboro Institute in 2004 where she obtained an Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies and from John Jay College in 2014, where she acquired a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice.
Having immigrated from Uzbekistan herself, in 2000, Violetta is a native Russian speaker and often acts as a translator by and between clients and attorneys. Violetta brings her own experiences as an immigrant into her day-to-day client management responsibilities, resulting in her compassionate and understanding nature. Violetta is a Notary Public.
Emily Zarceno
Paralegal
Emily joined the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC in 2022, as a Front Desk Receptionist where she provided guidance, translation, and assistance to our clients with enthusiasm and compassion. Emily ensured that clients felt at ease during what can be a stressful time in their lives and excelled in her responsibilities, which resulted in her promotion to Paralegal. Emily now assists clients navigate their criminal defense cases with ease and compassion. She also supports our attorneys to help them obtain the best possible outcome for our clients.
Emily graduated from Monroe College in 2022, with Honors, receiving her Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Criminal Justice. Emily plans to attend Law School, and is currently studying for the LSAT. Born in Guatemala, Emily is a native Spanish speaker who migrated to the United States in 2011. In her spare time, Emily enjoys spending time with her family and friends, trying new restaurants and binge-watching her favorite TV series.
Lauren Loop
Executive Assistant
Lauren Loop serves as Executive Assistant to the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler. In this role, Lauren works closely with the executive team to ensure smooth daily operations. She also communicates with clients and determines what level of support they need while offering polite, professional service. Lauren brings over a decade of customer service experience and is passionate about ensuring the success of the firm.
Prior to joining the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, Lauren shared her expertise and love of coffee as a leader within both the Operational and Events Teams at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery located in the Meatpacking District.
Lauren is a native of Erie, Pennsylvania. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Gannon University in 2015, she fulfilled her childhood dream of relocating to New York City.
Alam Polanco
Billing Specialist
Alam Polanco is an experienced professional who brings a great deal of administrative, billing, and office support expertise to his role as Billing Specialist to the Law Offices of Robert Tsiger, PLLC. Alam joined the firm in 2022, after serving as Accounts Receivable clerk at a reputable New York law firm.
As the Billing Specialist, Alam creates and distributes client invoices, collects payments, keeps accurate records of client accounts and addresses any outstanding balances. Alam has excellent communication, organizational, and time management skills. Alam’s optimism, calm demeanor and good energy helps the clients feel more at ease while facing these legal difficulties.
Alam obtained his Associates degree from CUNY Hostos College in 2020 graduating Magna Cum Laude and he is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s degree Organizational Leadership at Colorado State University – Global. Alam is native from New York City, both of his parents migrated from the Dominican Republic. Alam is a Spanish speaker. In his spare time, Alam enjoys sports (mostly UFC and Basketball), working out, relaxing with family and friends.
