Kelsey Hatfield, Esq.

The immigrant population has always been near and dear to my heart. This holds true in the figurative sense, but also in the most literal sense, as I spent most of my childhood running through Cheektowaga, getting into hijinks with two Polish immigrants - my grandmother and her sister.

My work with Buffalo's new generation of immigrants began by chance in 2014. My undergraduate alma mater, Canisius College, required “service learning” credits to graduate. All who know me can attest - I’m transparent to a fault. My first reaction to discovering this requirement wasn’t exactly positive. Between working full time and a full course load, I was less than enthusiastic to squeeze yet another obligation into my schedule.

I stumbled upon an opportunity which softened my sour attitude - tutoring Somali Bantu children. As it goes, my original role as “tutor” morphed. Before I knew it, I was fully immersed in Buffalo’s growing immigrant community. I got to know the childrens’ families, communities, culture, religions, struggles, and joys. Most importantly, I saw firsthand the unbearable stress of navigating the complex, contradictory, underfunded U.S. immigration system, and the dire lack of legal representation available to immigrants.

As a first generation college graduate, working toward a degree in Political Science and English, the obvious question (repeatedly reiterated by aforementioned Polish immigrants) was “what the heck are you going to do with that?” A belief I hold fast and true - ask and the universe answers. My service learning requirement made it clear that my calling was to serve the immigrant population of Buffalo. 

From my first year of law school, I've dedicated my legal practice to immigration, beginning at a nonprofit organization, then in the private sector as my practice shifted toward court work, and now as a solo practitioner. 

My practice adheres to the core values of honesty, transparency, and trust, with an emphasis on trauma informed lawyering. Buffalo is the city of good neighbors, and I see that in each and every one of my clients. I am honored to be part of their stories, and to welcome my new neighbors to a city I love so dearly.

Please don't hesitate to reach out with all inquiries at kelsey@khsimmigration.com