Our Team
Our team of experts has a wealth of experience in handling all kinds of immigration cases, and we will provide you with the guidance and support you need. We understand how complicated and stressful the immigration process can be, and we're here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can serve you.
Aron Mandl, Esq.
Founder & Managing Attorney
With an unwavering dedication to helping individuals from around the world secure legal status in the USA, Attorney Aron Mandl stands as our most seasoned legal professional. Since his admission to the Florida state bar in 1999, he has been a guiding force, assisting thousands in navigating the complex pathways of immigration law.
A native of Canada, Attorney Mandl grew up in the heartland of Kansas City before embarking on an illustrious academic journey. He earned his degree with honors from the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League institution, and further honed his legal acumen at Yeshiva University’s esteemed Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.
Recognizing the pressing need for adept legal representation for foreign nationals in South Florida, Attorney Mandl established the Immigration Law Center in Miami in 2000. Through his diligent efforts, countless individuals in Miami achieved their dreams of securing visas, green cards, and ultimately, United States citizenship.
In 2006, Attorney Mandl’s vision extended to Houston, Texas, where he strategically expanded his practice. Today, Mandl.Law is headquartered in Houston and continues to thrive under his visionary leadership.
Led by Attorney Aron Mandl, Mandl.Law boasts an exceptional team of legal professionals dedicated to providing unparalleled representation for foreign nationals and their families seeking legal status in the USA. Our diverse clientele, spanning across Texas, numerous states within the USA, and worldwide, including both individuals and companies, benefit from our unwavering commitment to excellence.
Experience the pinnacle of legal advocacy for immigration matters – join us at Mandl.Law and let us guide you toward a future of possibilities on American soil.
Elizabeth Ellis, Esq.
Senior Immigration Attorney
Elizabeth Ellis is a Senior Attorney at Mandl.Law Immigration where she handles matters related to Immigration Law. Attorney Ellis immigrated from Mexico at the age of 3, and it is her immigration experience that sparked her passion for Immigration Law and what drives her advocacy for her clients. Attorney Ellis’ passion solidified when she participated in the University of Houston’s Immigration Clinic in the spring of 2011. Since her time there, Attorney Ellis has continued to focus on Immigration Law and has handled naturalizations, employment-based immigration, family-based immigration, investment-based immigration, humanitarian-based immigration, and removal work. Attorney Ellis is fluent in Spanish, and handles many of our consultations, and immigration interviews. Attorney Ellis was Secretary of the Fort Bend County Bar Association in 2014 and 2015. In her free time, Attorney Ellis enjoys running, and spending time with her family, which includes her husband, son and daughter.
Hila Kaplan, Esq.
Immigration attorney
I was born and raised in Israel and proudly served in the IDF as a class commander.
After obtaining my law degree from IDC Herzliya and a MBA from the Hebrew University at Jerusalem, I practiced in Israel as a tax lawyer, until relocated to the US in 2014.
While living in New Jersey, I completed the New York state bar exams and became a New York attorney.
Currently living in Houston Texas with my better half and amazing four kids.
Being a family who went through the immigration process, including work permit, green cards and ultimately citizenship, I can relate to the mixed emotions, uncertainty feelings and the need for a professional lawyer to lead the process.
As an an Israeli and native Hebrew speaker, my clients feel at home. Additionally, my life journey, my experience as well as my law and business education, are a true benefit to my clients in achieving their personal and business goals.
Meet you at home…
Aron Mandl Esq.
Senior Immigration Attorney
For more than 20 years, Aron Mandl has helped immigrants achieve their dream of becoming a U.S. citizen. His outside-the-box thinking and creative problem-solving have enabled clients from all walks of life to get their green cards despite seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Hila Kaplan Esq.
Immigration attorney
I was born and raised in Israel and proudly served in the IDF as a class commander.
After obtaining my law degree from IDC Herzliya and a MBA from the Hebrew University at Jerusalem, I practiced in Israel as a tax lawyer, until relocated to the US in 2014.
While living in New Jersey, I completed the New York state bar exams and became a New York attorney.
Currently living in Houston Texas with my better half and amazing four kids.
Being a family who went through the immigration process, including work permit, green cards and ultimately citizenship, I can relate to the mixed emotions, uncertainty feelings and the need for a professional lawyer to lead the process.
As an an Israeli and native Hebrew speaker, my clients feel at home. Additionally, my life journey, my experience as well as my law and business education, are a true benefit to my clients in achieving their personal and business goals.
Meet you at home…
Leah Mandl
General Manager
Although I am previously trained as a physician, I love business, and entrepreneurship. I work with our small business owners to craft an application packet that clearly explains what they do in a way that is easy for USCIS to process (and hopefully approve!) I love that our motto is “when we play, we play to win”. If there are setbacks in a case, we always look for ways to strategize and move the case forward to success. I also use my background in psychology to conduct our mock marriage interviews and help our couples feel more prepared for their USCIS interviews, so they can relax and move through the process feeling more confident and at ease.
Jenna Papadopulos
Operations manager
I’ve lived here in Houston Texas for the past six years. I have over 12 years of administrative and financial experience with expertise in management systems and office procedures. My passion for client interaction and satisfaction make me a valuable asset to this amazing team.
I work with our clients, finding affordable pay structures that best fit their needs. I enjoy getting to know each of our clients and am committed to maintaining a high level of professionalism and communication throughout this important journey with our firm. Your win, is our win.
Carlos de la Riva
Administrator
As an Administrator of Mandl.Law Immigration Carlos de la Riva brings 20+ years of experience in leading operational improvements within small and mid-sized businesses & Law Firms, using his acute attention to detail to succeed in those arenas. Carlos studied at the University of Houston and specializes in organizational processes. Importantly for the Firm and its clients, Carlos understands, from personal experience, the immigration process that individuals and families endure. He was born in Mexico City, immigrated to the United States, & is now a proud United States Citizen. Carlos is the son of an immigrant from Spain. His father, along with his whole family, was forced to flee from Spain during the Spanish Civil War. His parents, Jorge, and Socorro, fell in love and married in Mexico, and later moved their entire family, including Carlos and his six siblings, to Houston, Texas A dedicated family man, Carlos strongly believes that families that stay together are stronger. Carlos is happily married to his beautiful wife, Carol Lantz de la Riva, and has two amazing sons, Andres & Daniel. Carlos remains passionate about helping immigrants live out their American Dream, and is proud to fight for immigrants everyday with Mandl.Law Immigration.
Masha Belles
Senior Editor
When it comes to immigration law, precise language is critical. And for immigrants who are often not fluent in English, the task of providing the necessary information — particularly when it involves long-form writing — can be intimidating. That’s where my role at Mandl.Law comes in. I head up the firm’s editing efforts, which means that I review every document that goes out the door, from affidavits and applications to motions and briefs.
Beyond the task of correcting spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors, I fix issues related to sentence structure and readability. My goal is to help clients get their message across in a clear, concise, and compelling way to maximize their chances of securing their home in the United States.
Fernando de la Riva
Paralegal
Fernando de la Riva, a seasoned legal professional with a strong background in Immigration law. Drawing from my unique cultural heritage as the child of a Mexican mother and Spanish father, as well as my personal experience navigating the naturalization process to become a U.S. citizen, I am deeply passionate about assisting our clients in achieving their immigration goals. My unique cultural background has provided me with a distinct perspective and a profound appreciation for the challenges faced by individuals seeking to navigate the immigration process.
For the past ten years, I have embraced an enhanced level of responsibility in supporting clients. I have worked closely with attorneys, conducting extensive research and preparing legal documents in Family law, Personal Injury, and Immigration Law.
I hope to use the skills I’ve developed in my personal and professional life along with my desire to make a positive difference in our client’s lives by helping them build a brighter future in the United States.
Vanessa Orta
Receptionist & Client Liaison
Vanessa was born and raised in Houston, Texas, where she developed a strong sense of community and pride in her roots. Coming from hardworking immigrant parents, she understands the value of determination and perseverance.
As a proud First Generation Latina, Vanessa has broken barriers within her own family. She became the first member to graduate from high school and pursue a college education. Currently, she is attending the University of North Texas with the goal of becoming a doctor or surgeon in the future.
Vanessa’s passion for medicine is fueled not only by her academic pursuits but also by her desire to help others. She believes in providing the best possible care to anyone in need. Having witnessed her parents’ journey through the immigration process, she has gained firsthand knowledge and empathy for the challenges faced by immigrants.
“To be called a refugee is the opposite of an insult; it is a badge of strength, courage, and victory,” Vanessa believes. She embraces her heritage and understands the importance of supporting and empowering individuals who have gone through similar experiences.
With her dedication, resilience, and compassionate nature, Vanessa is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of others. She aspires to contribute to the field of medicine and serve as a source of inspiration for future generations.
In addition to her aspirations in the medical field, Vanessa is thrilled to be part of the team at Mandl.Law Immigration, where she can assist clients in obtaining their immigration papers. She finds great satisfaction in being able to use her knowledge and personal experiences to guide and support individuals through the complex immigration process.
With her bilingual skills, cultural understanding, and empathetic approach, Vanessa strives to make the immigration journey smoother for clients. She believes that everyone deserves a fair chance and is committed to helping individuals achieve their dreams of a better future in the United States.
Vanessa’s personal experiences and her commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset to the Mandl.Law Immigration team. She is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the success of clients and to be part of a firm that shares her values and dedication.
Jennifer Peña
Law CLERK
Jennifer was born and raised in McAllen, Texas, a city located at the southern tip of the state in the Rio Grande Valley. Jennifer graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas at Austin in 2018. She is a first-generation college graduate and will now be the first in her family to graduate from professional school. Jennifer is currently in her 3rd year of law school and will graduate with her J.D. in 2024.
After completing her undergraduate studies, Jennifer gained legal experience by working at a personal injury firm and a criminal defense firm. As a law student, Jennifer’s interest in immigration law deepened when she participated in a legal clinic that provided pro-bono services to the immigrant community.
Jennifer’s exposure to these legal fields along with her experience growing up in a border city led her to join Mandl.Law Immigration Lawyers. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys working out, reading, and spending time with her family.
Vanessa Orta
Nelly Parras
Legal Secretary
I was born in Tamaulipas, Mexico, raised in Houston since I was 9 months old. I’ve been an overachiever all my life. From graduating with honors, to attending college while in high school, all to make my immigrant parents proud.
I have always felt like I had to prove myself because I wasn’t “lucky” enough to be born here. But as years went by, I realized that I am more than lucky. I’m blessed.
Im blessed because I get to speak two languages. I get to call home two countries. And last but not least, I get to represent two beautiful countries. I’m just lucky enough to call America my home, our home.
Masha Belles
Editor in Chief
When it comes to immigration law, precise language is critical. And for immigrants who are often not fluent in English, the task of providing the necessary information — particularly when it involves long-form writing — can be intimidating. That’s where my role at Mandl.Law comes in. I head up the firm’s editing efforts, which means that I review every document that goes out the door, from affidavits and applications to motions and briefs.
Beyond the task of correcting spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors, I fix issues related to sentence structure and readability. My goal is to help clients get their message across in a clear, concise, and compelling way to maximize their chances of securing their home in the United States.
Nelly
Legal Secretary
I am an all-American girl, born and raised. I think in the past I didn’t really appreciate how lucky I am to be an American citizen living in freedom in this country, until seeing our clients work so hard for the privilege of living here and hopefully become citizens. When I see clients have a dream and pursue it, and succeed, that is really inspiring to me. I love how everyone in the office really cares about our clients and how we all cheer when a client gets approved for a green card or a work permit, or citizenship. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that the work you are doing is important, and know that we are able to really affect lives in such an important way.