Attorneys
Judith Wood, Esq.
I stand on the shoulders of my spiritual ancestors; Jesus, Ghandi, Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa.
I hold hands with my brothers and sisters in the struggle for Immigrant’s Rights, including members of American Immigration Lawyers Association, The National Lawyers, Guild, and many more valiant and brave attorneys who have advocated for the rights of the immigrant community for many years.
I have been enriched by the tenacity and faith of my clients, who I have had the privilege to serve for more than 35 years. They have become a part of my own extended family. It is my hope and belief that together we will ”welcome the stranger as an angel in our midst.”
Federica Dell’Orto, Esq.
I was born in Milan, Italy, and came to the United States to complete an L.L.M. in Public International Law. I have been admitted to the California Bar and hold admission to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. I specialize in the fields of international Law, Human Rights Law, and Immigration Law. Additionally, I currently serve as past Chair of the International Law Section of the Federal Bar Association.
Being a strong advocate for civil and constitutional rights, actively promoting the development of domestic policies aimed at their protection, I join Attorney Wood in her unwavering commitment to her clients.
Gregory Russell, Esq.
He specializes in the most difficult immigration cases, which often involve an immigrant who has some criminal history.
He has represented clients in over 1,000 immigration hearings, mostly involving asylum, 42B cancellation of removal, and bond hearings at various federal immigration courts including San Diego, Otay Mesa, Calexico, Los Angeles, Santa Ana, Adelanto, Fresno, and San Francisco. He is accepted to practice in both the Ninth and Tenth Circuit Courts of Appeal.
Paralegals & Staff
Dennis Semenov
I am a Senior Paralegal in The Law Office of Judith L. Wood and am responsible for all employment-based and all nonimmigrant Visa cases.
My areas of expertise also include family-based immigration, humanitarian cases (VAWA and U visas), asylum, adjustment of status, detention and removal, waivers, and consular processing. I am bi-lingual in Russian and Spanish.
Margot d’Andigné
Born in Paris, France, my area of expertise lies in International and European Human Rights Law. The work I do is driven by a deep-rooted passion for international human rights and international humanitarian law, with a particular focus on safeguarding innocent civilians during times of armed conflict. My academic pursuits have solidified my expertise in this domain, and my fluency in three languages, coupled with the acquisition of two master's degrees in France, has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of diverse legal systems.
As a legal professional, my time at UCLA University paved the way for me to explore various avenues, including the captivating realm of immigration law. Since August 2019, I have been working with the prestigious Law Office of Judith L. Wood, where I find the legal aspects of immigration law to be incredibly intriguing. The fact that immigration law is anchored in several international legal issues adds complexity to the field and further fuels my passion for this dynamic domain.
Natalia Rasulova
I was born in Moscow, Russia. I have been practicing law since I graduated from law school in 2008. My long path through family law, business law and contract law has finally lead me to human rights law.
My experience in the various areas of law has helped my realize my calling to protect human rights. After moving to the USA, I continued pursuing my career as a lawyer. I am currently studying at American Law School and am working at the Law Offices of Judith L. Wood fighting for immigrants’ rights and freedoms.
As an immigrant myself I understand the hardships they are going through during immigration processes. I’m happy to help people achieve their dreams.
Besides law, I love to spend time outside hiking, dancing and snowboarding. These activities fill me with positive energy, confidence and strong desire to make others happy.
Artis Leftage
II work as an immigration law researcher with the Law Offices of Judith L. Wood. I started 12 years ago developing fund raisers and events for the Human Rights Project. I am proud to say I am still here and I enjoy the day to day challenge and helping others who are in need.
I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I am a veteran entertainment executive working for Warner Brothers and Arista Records in promotion for 12 years. I am also founder and creator of LA’s longest running and one of its most successful night club – Paradise 24 (1985-2000).
I am a proud father of 2 sons and 5 grandsons.In my spare time I enjoy going to new and old music spots and project development.
Victoria Torres
I was born in Ecuador, I have lived in Los Angeles California since 1998 and I have worked in the Law Offices of Judith L. Woods for 6 years as an immigration law clerk.
I work part time as a clerk for the office and am honored to work for Ms. Wood. I love my job having the pleasure of helping and being in contact with our clients.
I am happily married to Guillermo Torres and have 2 sons and one grandson. In my spare time, I enjoy listening to music, dancing and discovering new places throughout Los Angeles and beyond.
Desiree Kesherim
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. and graduated from Santa Monica College with an AA. I also have a BA in Communications from Cal State University, Northridge.
I now work as a law clerk at the Law Offices of Judith L. Wood in Los Angeles.
Amelia Patterson
I am from Philadelphia, PA. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Cheyney State University, Cheyney PA.
After college my career began with working in Marketing for oil and Gas Companies in Pennsylvania. I Came to California and worked for over 30 years in marketing and management in music and professional boxing, extensively working with the “Who’s Who” in that arena. Simultaneously, I developed instructional fitness classes for women over 40, which I have successfully continued for over two decades.
I have worked for the Law Firm of Judith L. Wood for the past 16 years starting from receptionist up to my current position as Project Coordinator for the Human Rights Project, through which I orchestrate fund raisers for immigrant women who live under the umbrella of fear, to help deflect legal immigration costs.
Inconjunction with the HRP, I am also a staff Law Clerk/Paralegal and feel that this has been my most rewarding career thus far.