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Michael Kohler is a graduate of the State University of New York at Albany and the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and is admitted to the bar in New York and New Jersey. He is admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, Southern District of New York, and the District of New Jersey.
Mr. Kohler is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and past Chair of the Immigration Law Committee of the Nassau County Bar Association.
Mr. Kohler began his legal career researching asylum law issues for the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights. He was awarded a Ford Foundation Fellowship in Public International Law and spent time at the Ministry of Justice in Israel researching and recommending mechanisms of dispute resolution in international law.
Mr. Kohler was hired by the U.S. Department of Justice through the Attorney General Honors Program as a law clerk for the Executive Office for Immigration Review at the U.S. Immigration Court in New York. In this position, Mr. Kohler interpreted new laws and regulations and drafted decisions for numerous types of immigration law applications and petitions.
Mr. Kohler spent 7 years as an Assistant District Counsel for the Immigration and Naturalization Service representing the government in administrative exclusion, deportation and removal proceedings. Mr. Kohler was responsible for all aspects of these hearings from case preparation to trial to appeal and also served as an integral member of the office's motions team.
With the creation of the Department of Homeland Security in 2003, Mr. Kohler was selected to spearhead the creation of a new legal division within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement focusing almost exclusively on customs and other law enforcement matters. Mr. Kohler quickly became an expert in issues such as customs border search and seizure authority, specifically as it relates to the seizure and forfeiture of currency, monetary instruments, cultural property and intellectual property rights - violative merchandise.
Mr. Kohler advised on customs enforcement investigations relating to the misclassification of goods, undervaluation, transshipment/country of origin disputes, prior disclosure, NAFTA fraud, and more - and the fines, penalties and forfeitures related to such issues. The firm is equipped to assist you and your company if facing such an investigation and to ensure compliance with all laws relating to the import and export of merchandise from the United States.
Mr. Kohler is an accomplished speaker and frequently presented at continuing legal education classes, training conferences, at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and lectured on issues relating to the seizure of cultural property and antiquities at the University of Pennsylvania's Museum of Archeology and Anthropology.
Please contact the Law Offices of Michael Kohler, PLLC to see how we can assist you
1
Practice Area
30 years
We have not found any cost information for this lawyer
State: New York
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
State: New Jersey
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
445 Broadhollow Road,, Suite 25, Melville, NY, 11747-4806
longisland-immigrationlawyer.comOther places you can find Michael online.
Showing 1 - 5 of 12 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Veronica | April 02, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Immigration
Excellent Lawyer
I highly recommend Michael Kohler for any immigration needs in New York. He helped me navigate my application seamlessly. He is deeply knowledgeable about the latest policy changes and stayed on top of every detail. The communication with him was excellent—he always responded to my phone calls and em...
Posted by Hemwatie | February 18, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Immigration
Straightforward and Professional!
My husband and I had the pleasure of working with Michael, and I truly appreciate his professionalism and expertise. He was clear, concise, and straightforward throughout the entire process, making sure we understood every step as well as risks with our case. His guidance was invaluable, and his appr...
Posted by Ramish | September 09, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Immigration
Exceptional , persistent and professional!
I highly recommend Mr. Michael Kohler as a lawyer. Throughout my case, he provided invaluable assistance and guidance. He took the time to explain every detail to both me and my wife, ensuring that everything was handled meticulously and professionally. Mr. Kohler's patience and willingness to addres...
Posted by anonymous | December 02, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Immigration
MARRIAGE BASED AOS CASE BEST FAMILY IMMIGRATION LAWYER
We retained Michael for our marriage based aos case, he was always easy to get in touch with, friendly and always explained everything very thoroughly. He prepared and sent in everything very detailed and organized. He made sure we were well prepared for our interview and came with us there. We recom...
Posted by anonymous | March 18, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Immigration
Michael is excellent - we would definitely recommend!
We hired Michael towards the end of 2017 and during our initial conversations, he outlined all of our options and answered all of our (many) questions. Throughout the immigration process, Michael was very approachable and friendly and explained all the details clearly; making what is a rather compl...
"I have known Michael for over a decade. We worked together at ICE before each of us entered private practice. He's a great lawyer who knows the law and takes great care of his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Michael is a fantastic immigration lawyer! He is extremely knowledgeable about complex immigration laws. Having previously worked with the government, he has a keen sense of what to expect in a given immigration situation. Because of his previous experience, Michael is able to think from the opposing view, whereas many private immigration lawyers only think from the defense side. Michael’s ability to view a case from the government’s side is a significant benefit to his immigration clients, because the clients get a more thorough view of their case. Michael is also incredibly generous with his time for colleagues when they have questions, as I know from personal experience. He is always ready to help and give thorough advice. His clients are truly lucky to have him as their immigration lawyer! I highly recommend Michael!"
Immigration lawyer
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2022
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
New York Metro Super Lawyers, SuperLawyers
2021
New York Metro Super Lawyers, SuperLawyers
2021
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
New York Metro Super Lawyers, SuperLawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
New York Metro Super Lawyers, SuperLawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
New York Metro Super Lawyers, SuperLawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Client Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2008 - Present
Owner, Law Offices of Michael Kohler, PLLC
2003 - 2008
Associate Legal Advisor, U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement
1997 - 2003
Assistant District Counsel, U.S. Immigration & Naturalization Service
1996 - 1997
Law Clerk, Executive Office For Immigration Review
2008 - Present
American Immigration Lawyers Association
2008 - Present
Nassau County Bar Association, Nassau Academy of Law
Past Chair
1996
JD - Juris Doctor
1992
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2014
May I See Your Papers? Post-Entry Verification and Documentation Issues
2010
2010
Can They Do That To Me? Dealing with Port-Of-Entry Searches and Seizures
2010
Port of Entry Search & Seizures
2018
2017
2016
2014
2011
English
Legal Answers
Planning to travel India to get H1b Visa stamping. what all documents to be carried regarding PG 240.20 Case. Pls advice.
10 Dec 2015
I-485 Card Production Ordered Email received But NO approval decision email yet
24 Jun 2014
Will a disorderly conduct violation affect an L1 or H1 visa renewal?
18 Feb 2014