Licensed for 26 years

State NY

Acquired 1997

Status
Currently Registered No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Matthew L. Kolken

Immigration Attorney at Buffalo, NY

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Resume

Excellent Excellent Lawyer/person

A Blessing...

I can't say enough good things about Matthew Kolken. As a former client with a very complicated case, I can tell you that Matt is a brilliant immigration attorney. He is attentive and compassionate. I felt that he listened to me, and always had a thoughful response to my questions and concerns. In spite of his busy schedule, he has responded to my requests to meet and even took the time to speak with my extended family members to address their questions. He knows how to translate and communicate complicated legal information into plain English. He knows the law and legal system well and uses all his well-honed skills to craft a strategy for success. I respect Matt and his judgement, he knew precisely when to act in my case and his instincts were correct. I highly recommend him.

About Matthew

Learn Matthew’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

KOLKEN & KOLKEN IS A FULL-SERVICE U.S. IMMIGRATION LAW FIRM HANDLING CASES IN ALL 50 STATES.

Matthew L. Kolken has served as an elected Director of the American Immigration Lawyers Association's (AILA) Board of Governors. He is a trial lawyer with experience in all aspects of United States Immigration Law, and has been an AILA member since 1997.

Mr. Kolken has received the highest AV peer rating by Martindale-Hubbell, has been named a "Super Lawyer" in Upstate New York by Super Lawyers magazine, was listed by Business First of Buffalo as being among the “Legal Elite of Western New York," and has received a "Superb" rating and "Client's Choice" award on . The New York Law Journal has recognized him as a "Lawyer Who Leads by Example" for his work providing pro bono legal services to unaccompanied refugee children.

Mr. Kolken has appeared nationally on FOX News, MSNBC and CNN, and his legal analysis has been solicited by the Washington Post's Fact Check of the immigration statements of Secretary Hillary Clinton, Presidential candidate Donald Trump, and the immigration status of First Lady Melania Trump's parents. His opinions on immigration issues have been published in Forbes Magazine, Bloomberg, Business Insider, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, and FOX News among others. He has been an invited speaker at AILA's annual conference on grounds of removability, and is the author of the Deportation and Removal Blog on , where he is a member of the advisory board of the Immigration Daily, an online immigration news periodical with more than 35,000 readers. He is also a prominent immigration reform activist having been ranked as the most influential person on Twitter in the area of Immigration Law. You may follow him at @mkolken.

Awards

Client's Choice

2023 2021 2020 + 7 ...

Top Contributor

2013

Photos and videos

Contact Matthew

Kolken & Kolken

(716) 608-4413 Office

(716) 854-6223 Fax

135 Delaware Avenue

Suite 101

Buffalo, NY, 14202

kolkenandkolken.com/

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

112 customer reviews

5 Star

99%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Client's Choice

Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.

Posted by Gurpreet | March 17, 2017

Excellent Excellent Lawyer/person

Mr. Kolken is very dedicated and very intelligent in his field. Despite all the difficulties and challenges in my case Mr. Kolken was able to save my Green Card. Not Only the green card but he saved my family from separation by saving my Green card. I highly recommend Mr. Kolken. Keep fighting hard and keep saving the familes. You are a real hero. Thank you once again.

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Posted by Ricardo | March 3, 2017

A Blessing...

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Posted by Ivane | May 15, 2023

Excellent Experience

From beginning to end Kolken and Kolken Law firm was with my husband and I every step of the way! 10/10 recommended for any immigration process. They always answered our questions and made sure of us not to stress to leave it all to them! No how many questions, emails, phone calls they were always there to answer our question's. Kolken and Kolken Law was recommended by a family friend, we had a horrible experience with 2 prior immigration lawyers before we found out about them. Third time was a charm to say the least, because my husband received his Green Card and now we can finally breathe knowing that are family will not be separated , all Thanks to the Amazing team at Kolken Law.

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Posted by Lindsay | May 14, 2023

Knowledgeable, intelligent Attorney

Hired Mr. Kolken after getting into a sticky situation with my my immigration documents. I immediately knew after meeting him that he was the professional I needed on my case. Mr Kolken was upfront about the potential outcomes, and what to do in each scenario. His team was in contact every step of the way. They were very accessible and responsive to all contact. I highly recommend Matthew Kolken and his staff for all immigration needs. It was comforting knowing I had such a competent, intelligent attorney on my side.

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Posted by anonymous | April 12, 2023

The best

Matthew kolken is the best immigration attorney in town. I had a very difficult case from the outset. He gave me hope and put me at ease throughout the entire process. I’m happy to report that he was able to win my case. His associate Rob and office manager Ben were very helpful and were available to speak at any given time. Do not hesitate to reach out their law firm in regards to any immigration related matter. You will not regret.

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Posted by anonymous | March 15, 2023

Matt Kolken helped resolve my complex immigration issues

I was referred to Matt by another attorney who was not in a position to assist with my complex immigration issues and Matt and his associate Rob ultimately helped me obtain the best possible outcome. Highly recommend.

Posted by sunny | March 6, 2023

I-192 waiver applications

The service is really good! The associates gave me detail instructions how to do all the documents! After the documents were submitted to border service, they follow up with the government agency every two weeks. I had it approved faster than i expected. Really appreciated the work they provided.

Posted by anonymous | February 22, 2023

Best in town

Mathew is a great lawyer. He is the best in the business. Words such as “no,” “can’t” does not exist in his dictionary. He is extremely knowledgable and takes his profession seriously. Associate lawyer Rob & office manager Ben were really helpful and always available to speak at any given time. I highly recommend this law firm to anyone and they are the best of the best.

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Posted by Fatoumata | February 15, 2023

Excellent lawyer

Matthew Kolken had represented me at the USCIS. He helped me get a Permanent Resident status throught my US citizen husband. Working with him throught all the process has been a blessing. He has shown professionalism and knowledge. I really appreciate what he has done.

Posted by Mike | February 14, 2023

Immigration removal

Matt and his associates Robert have been great. They said they would fight until their knuckles bled. If you listen to Matt he can help you. You have to provide him with all necessary documentation. The rest is their hard work and experience.

Posted by Nicoline | January 12, 2023

Responsive, Efficient, Effective!

After a less than satisfactory experience with a different legal team in another border community, I am so grateful to have made the switch to Matthew Kolken and team. I quickly learned I could count on courteous responses within 24 hours (but often within just hours), along with an attention to detail and accuracy. The bonus: my visa renewal was approved in under a quarter of the time it had taken previously. Thank you!

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Posted by anonymous | November 23, 2022

Thank you Matt

Matt is direct with no BS, on point when he gives you his true thoughts on your situations and questions. Highly recommend if you are looking for a good attorney.

Posted by anonymous | October 3, 2022

Best

Mr. Kolken and his team are very professional, knowledgeable, precise, friendly, responsive and efficient. I came to Mr. Kolken after all hopes were lost, but he and his team rebuilt my hopes and gave me confidence that came out positive. I truly recommend this law firm to anyone who decides to start a life in the United States, you will not regret! They are the reason i have a shot at the American dream.

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Posted by Ben | February 23, 2022

Immigration Request

I cannot say enough about working with Matthew Kolken on what was an extremely important file for me. If you have immigration law needs, don't hesitate to reach out to Kolken Law.

Posted by Viet | December 9, 2021

Very good immigration lawyer

I was on the removal Procedure of my green card during 5 last years. thanks to Mr Kolken who successfully has saved my permanent resident status in US. But Working with him, it’s not easy Sometimes We had the very hard discussions and sometimes II feel do not understand him, or he doesn’t understand me. He always doubted my words and he doesn’t advice exactly how to answer for the hearing. But I always believe him a very good lawyer, he globally has a good strategy to defense my case And it’s true. Today I can ré obtain my green card and maintain my permanent resident in US. I strongly recommend everyone who needs a immigration lawyer, to see mr Kolken first. He’s very efficient and so much experience as an immigration lawyer

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Posted by Dipesh | November 21, 2021

Best Immigration Attorney

Mr. Kolken and his team are the best immigration attorneys I have worked with. We have worked with the team for many years now. Most recently Mr. Kolken was able to help me through my TN Visa process. The team is knowledgable in many different immigration issues and is highly professional. I would highly recommend this law office for your immigration needs.

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Posted by anonymous | November 16, 2021

He is the best!

Mr Kolken is a great immigration lawyer. He is straight forward, honest and confident. Just trust him and do what he tells you to do. I have worked with several immigration lawyers and spent thousands of dollars and all they did was nothing. I can’t even compare Mr Kolken and his team with other immigration lawyers.

Posted by anonymous | November 15, 2021

Excellent Lawyer

Mr. Matthew Kolken is a brilliant lawyer, we have been referred to him when we moved to Buffalo. We are so grateful for his passion, dedication, and professionalism. Mr. Kolken is one of the best immigration lawyers. Thank you so much! My husband and I really appreciate all the hard work he did for us. My husband had a complicated case, he was in removal proceedings and it took many years. Mr. Kolken worked very hard and saved my husband’s green card.

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Posted by anonymous | August 24, 2021

Immigration

Mr. Matthew L. Kolken is a Knowledgeable Lawyer. He was the third Lawyer my wife and I were in contact after our removal proceeding. His legal expertise was indispensable. It was a very long battle, but we had a fortunate outcome. Thanks to you and to your staffs.

Posted by anonymous | May 28, 2021

TN Lawyer Visa Application

I retained both Matt Kolken and Rob Mietlicki for my TN Visa Application. I am a lawyer in Toronto who accepted her dream job in New York. I was having difficulty navigating the immigration process on my own and their firm came well recommended by my legal colleagues. I was respected and consulted throughout the process. It was seamless. I could not be happier and got the exact result I wanted. Thank you!

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Immigration Lawyer
Kolken & Kolken
1996 - Present

Education

Western Michigan University - Thomas M. Cooley Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1996

University of the Pacific
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1993

Legal Cases

Deportation Prevented for Missing Soldier's Undocumented Wife
Deportation prevented, Green Card issued.

Associations

American Immigration Lawyers Association
Member
1997 - Present

Bar Association of Erie County
Member
1997 - Present

New York State Bar Association
Member
1997 - Present

Federal Bar Association
Member
2015 - 2016

View all associations

Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

Best Lawyer - Immigration Law
Best Lawyers in America
2019

Client's Choice
Avvo
2018

Legal Elite
Buffalo Law Journal
2018

The Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award
Marquis Who's Who in American Law
2018

Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers Magazine
2018

Top Rated Lawyer in Immigration Law
Martindale-Hubbell
2017

Champion of Justice - Immigration Law
Erie County Bar Association
2017

Legal Elite
Buffalo Business First
2017

Client's Choice
Avvo
2017

Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers Magazine
2017

Clients' Choice
Avvo.com
2016

Top Rated Immigration Lawyer
Super Lawyers Magazine
2016

Peter J. Murrett Pro Bono Award
American Immigration Lawyers Association (Upstate New York Chapter)
2015

Legal Elite
Buffalo Business First
2015

Lawyers who Lead by Example
New York Law Journal
2015

Clients' Choice
Avvo.com
2015

Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers Magazine
2015

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2015

Clients' Choice
Avvo.com
2014

Pro Bono Champion
American Immigration Lawyers Association
2014

Pro Bono Guardian
American Immigration Lawyers Association
2013

IMMI
Nation of Immigrators
2013

Legal Elite
Buffalo Business First
2013

Clients' Choice
Avvo.com
2013

Super Lawyer
New York Super Lawyers
2013

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Publications

The Guardian
Defense contractors shouldn't be in the childcare business. Must that be said?
2018

Fox News Corp
Why Isn’t President Obama Protecting Refugee Children With A Stroke Of His Pen?
2014

Fox News Corp
President Obama’s Immigration Wait And See Looks To Maximize Political Impact
2014

Fox News Corp
On Immigration Reform, President Obama Is Betting On The Guys In The Black Hats
2014

Fox News Corp
A Special Path To Citizenship Is Not Necessary
2014

American Immigration, LLC (ILW.com)
Caught Between a Deportation Impasse and a Hard Place
2014

American Immigration, LLC (ILW.com)
Rep. Gutierrez Advises Individuals to Visit His Office for Immigration Advice
2014

Fox News Latino
The Legacy of the DREAM 9
2013

LA Times
Obama immigration plan: Advocates offer mixed reactions
2012

The Christian Science Monitor
Allowed to stay, Miami student becomes face of Obama immigration policy
2012

The Huffington Post
Americans Married To Immigrants Push For Reform
2011

Christian Science Monitor
Are Obama deportations truly aimed at 'criminals'?
2011

The Daily Beast
Immigration Lawyers Say Enforcement of Deportation Memo Falls Short
2011

CBS News
Missing Soldier's Wife Faces Deportation
2007

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

Removal For Experts
Removal Ground and Defenses
2013

ILW.com Seminar Series
Comprehensive Immigration Reform
2013

Hard Line Talk Radio
Immigration Reform
2013

AILA Media Training
Ethics and Professionalism Questions When Dealing with the Media
2013

AILA Education Department Seminar
Seeking Remedies from ICE Post-removal Order
2013

Huffington Post Live
More Immigrants, Please
2012

AILA's Annual Conference
Grounds of Inadmissibility
2009

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (23)

Given (31)

Endorse Matthew

Carl Shusterman

Immigration Attorney | Mar 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Matt Kolken is a knowledgeable and experienced immigration attorney. He stands up for the rights of immigrants and is unafraid to challenge the Federal Government when they wrongly deny an immigration benefit to one of his clients. I strongly endorse him."

Charles Kuck

Immigration Attorney | Mar 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Matt Kolken has distinguished himself as a tenacious, eloquent and clear thinking attorney who is unafraid to take on the federal government in the most difficult of immigration matters. He is a fierce defender of our constitution and exactly the type of lawyer you will need at your side when ICE wants to deport you. I am proud to call him a colleague and a friend."

Elliot Rahimi

Immigration Attorney | Dec 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Molly Full

Unknown Attorney | Jul 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Sunil Patel

Immigration Attorney | May 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Matthew Borowski

Immigration Attorney | Aug 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I proudly endorse Mr. Kolken for his excellent work fighting for the rights of immigrants. I respect him for all the hard work he puts into giving back to the community, from taking on pro bono matters to standing up and crying foul when immigration authorities exercise their powers in unjust ways. Mr. Kolken is an asset to the immigration bar in Buffalo."

Sean Cleary

Immigration Attorney | Apr 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. A brilliant and highly respected attorney in the legal community."

John Fotopoulos

Immigration Attorney | Oct 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Brad Micklin

Administrative law Attorney | Sep 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Matthew Lindsay Kolken is an experienced attorney whose participation and comments in Avvo show his commitment to serving clients as well as his level of experience. He is an excellent attorney that I recommend wholeheartedly."

Susan Bond

Immigration Attorney | Jul 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Matthew is very well respected by the legal community, is an excellent immigration attorney and contributes a great deal to our practice area both as an outstanding member of the bar and a mentor."

Tatiana Kadetskaya

Unknown Attorney | Jul 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Excellent lawyer. Very well respected."

Joshua Lippes

Immigration Attorney | May 29
Relationship: Friend

"I have known Matt for many years, he has always conducted himself as a knowledgeable professional. I refer all my clients with immigration matters to him. I endorse Matthew Kolken."

Neil Lewis

Immigration Attorney | Mar 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Matthew Kolken is leader among immigration lawyers. His grasp of the law and regulations is incredible."

Susan Pai

Immigration Attorney | Mar 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Kolken is a passionate advocate for his clients and has a national reputation for excellence. He is at the forefront of cutting edge immigration issues."

Ana Schwartz

Immigration Attorney | Mar 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Extremely knowledgeable, hard working, and effective immigration attorney."

Pieter Weinrieb

Immigration Attorney | Mar 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Wendy Whitt

Immigration Attorney | Jan 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Matthew is a sharp, hardworking and caring attorney. He is a zealous advocate for his clients and the immigration law professional as a whole."

Scott Pollock

Immigration Attorney | Jan 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Meredith Brown

Immigration Attorney | Jan 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. It is hard to find attys who really go to bat for their clients, but Matthew is one of those lawyers."

Laurel Scott

Immigration Attorney | Jan 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Matt is personable and professional at the same time, in addition to being highly comptent on immigration matters. He is respected in the community and is asked to speak at conference and write in professional publications. Matt's passion for immigrants' rights is well known."

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