Attorney Biographies

Jonathan A. Grode

Email:  jagrode@goldhess.com

Competency & Expertise: Jonathan is an Associate Attorney at Goldblum & Hess with over 12 years of immigration experience and currently heads Goldblum & Hess’ Nonimmigrant Team (encompassing H-1B, H-2B, J-1, L-1, O-1 and TN matters) and possesses significant experience dealing with DOL and DHS enforcement actions as well as EB-5 regional centers. Jonathan, who is Co-Chair of ABA’s Labor and Employment Law Immigration Committee and Co-Chair of the New Members Division of AILA’s Philadelphia Chapter, teaches both Business Immigration Law and Advising Global Corporations as an Adjunct Professor at Temple University’s Beasley School of Law.  He has published extensively and is a regular presenter at national and international ABA conferences as well as at local AILA seminars and meetings. In addition, Jonathan has distinguished himself (and Goldblum & Hess) through his work as the Case Author and a Presiding Judge for the Pennsylvania Statewide Mock Trial Competition, where he has written the past 6 state cases as well as the 2010 and 2012 national cases.

Education & Other Relevant Experience and Qualifications: Jonathan has worked continuously in the business immigration law field since graduating magna cum laude from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio in 1999. Prior to joining Goldblum & Hess as a Law Clerk in 2004, Jonathan worked at immigration law firms in New York, Cleveland and London. Jonathan graduated first in his class from the Temple University Beasley School of Law in 2008, and received numerous awards, including the prestigious Albert J. Bricklin Award (given to the student with the highest GPA in the evening division).

Yuah Jessica Choi

Email: jessica@goldblumhess.com

Competency & Expertise: Jessica has been an Associate with Goldblum & Hess since 2006, and currently handles employment-based nonimmigrant and immigrant cases, including EB-5 Investor Visas, as well as family–based cases. She is currently the Vice President of AILA’s Philadelphia Chapter, and previously served as the Secretary, New Members Division Chair, Annual CLE Conference Co-Chair, and CLE Liaison. In addition, Jessica has lectured on business immigration topics and has been published extensively in Korean daily newspapers in the Philadelphia area. Furthermore, Jessica has co-authored articles pertaining to business immigration law including, “Foreign Worker-Related Issues to Spot Before Commencing a PERM Case”. Jessica is fluent in Korean.

Education & Other Relevant Experience and Qualifications: Prior to joining Goldblum & Hess, Jessica gained legal experience interning at the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Honolulu, Hawaii, as well as at various law firms in Hawaii and New York. In addition, Jessica worked as the Executive Assistant to the Korean Ambassador to the United Nations before attending law school. While completing her J.D., she assisted the Foreign Student Advisors at the University of Hawaii in immigration matters. Jessica is currently an officer of the Korean American Association of Greater Philadelphia. She received her J.D. from the William S. Richardson School of Law of the University of Hawaii in 2005, where she was the Editor-in-Chief of the Asian-Pacific Law & Policy Journal, and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Karen Pollins

Email: kpollins@goldblumhess.com

Competency & Expertise: Karen, who has been recognized as a Rising Star in the immigration field (www.superlawyers.com), heads Goldblum & Hess’ Medical and Research Team and, in such capacity, regularly prepares H-1B Petitions, O-1 Petitions, Special Recruitment and regular PERM Applications, EB-1 Petitions for Outstanding Researchers, National Interest Waivers for Post-Doctorate Scientists, and J-1 Waivers of the Foreign Residency Requirement. Karen has co-authored articles and given presentations pertaining to immigration options for physicians and researchers including: "Practical and Planning Issues in Populous Conrad 30 States: The King Solomon J-1 Waiver Approach" and "Alien-Related Issues to Spot Before Commencing a PERM Case".

Education & Other Relevant Experience and Qualifications: Karen holds a Bachelor's degree in International Relations and Spanish / Latin American Studies from American University and a J.D. from Temple University School of Law. In recognition of Karen’s exceptional work in the immigration field while attending law school at Temple, she received the Beth Cross Graduation Award from Temple University and further accolades from the Philadelphia Bar Association. After obtaining her J.D. degree in 2006, Karen began practicing immigration law in Philadelphia. In 2008, Karen joined Goldblum & Hess.

Maria P. Fritzinger

Email: maria@goldblumhess.com

Competency & Expertise: Maria heads Goldblum & Hess’ University Team and, in such capacity, manages all Immigrant Matters affecting our university clients. Maria oversees the preparation and filing of Special Recruitment/PERM cases, EB-1 Petitions for Outstanding Professors/Researchers, and EB-2 National Interest Waivers. Maria has co-authored several key articles including: Special Recruitment: "The Advantageous PERM Process for College and University Teachers…and Others"; "Immigration Options for Academics and Researchers; "Employer-Related Issues to Spot Before Commencing a PERM Case"; and "The Alien Labor Certification Process for Physicians". Maria is fluent in Spanish, Catalan and French.

Education & Other Relevant Experience and Qualifications: Maria received her J.D. degree from Temple University’s Beasley School of Law in 2007 and her Bachelor's degree from American University. In 2009 & 2010, Maria served as Co-Chair of AILA Philadelphia’s New Member Division and, in such capacity, oversaw Continuing Legal Education programs.