About
Stephen E Bandar
My name is Stephen E Bandar and I am the principal of the Law Offices of Stephen E Bandar. I have been practicing law for 23 years, having started as a clerk for a local law office in MA almost 30 years ago and finally transitioning to establishing my own practice in Cambridge in 2004. I attended Suffolk University in Boston where I obtained dual degrees in business and law. I graduated from Suffolk University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree and furthermore obtained my Juris Doctor degree and Masters in Business in 1999. Early in my career, I worked in diverse areas of the law, ranging from real estate transactions and Zoning Board of Appeal representation to mediation, the latter of which I practiced for 3 years while employed at the mediation firm ADR Equimar. When it came time to set up my own practice, I chose immigration law as the main focus of my law practice, in large part as a result of my own personal experience of immigrating to the United States as a child, so that my family and I could escape regional civil war. It is a significant privilege and responsibility for me to help clients navigate the complexities of today's immigration law landscape in the United States. I believe that any immigrant should be treated with dignity and respect and my staff and I are committed to being here for our clients and serving not only as their source of expert legal advice but a being sympathetic ear and true counsel throughout their journey of seeking legal status in the United States. In addition to immigration law, our practice is proud to offer assistance in family- (such as divorce) matters as well as personal injury cases and in select criminal matters.
Meet the team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Attorney
George Hyder, Esquire
Attorney George Hyder represents clients in Removal Proceedings and Asylum cases. He also represents clients charged with a variety of crimes in Massachusetts. His areas of practice are Immigration, Criminal defense, civil litigation, workers compensation and family laws. Attorney Hyder joined the Law Offices Of Stephen E Bandar in 2022 after passing the bar in 2021. Mr. Hyder has successfully represented clients here in Burlington nearby courts.
Attorney Hyder has experience litigating and winning Asylum cases as well as against OUI, assault and battery, larceny and violent crimes. Since joining the Law Offices Of Stephen E Bandar, he has successfully defended clients in immigration courts, district courts, motion hearings, and favorable negotiations. Mr. Hyder is dedicated to his clients and protecting their rights. He loves alternative music, movies, and outdoor activities.
Attorney
David Teich
Attorney David Teich graduated from the State University of Oswego in New York in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He attended New York Law School in New York City and graduated with a law degree in 1997. Between 1997 and 2021 he worked in the financial services field in Boston for various companies in a non-attorney capacity, while at the same time practicing immigration law on a part-time basis. He began practicing immigration law full time in 2022. Attorney David Teich is very passionate about immigration law and enjoys assisting people in fighting for their legal rights in the United States. Although not fluent, he speaks Spanish and is currently learning Portuguese. Attorney David Teich feels a strong sense of responsibility for each client he represents.
Attorney
Paula Bacci
Attorney Paula Bacci loves winning cases for our clients in the areas of asylum and cancellation of removal (42B)! She returned to her home state of Massachusetts recently after living for many years in California. She attended University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, California, and thereafter pursued her passion of fighting for justice for others. She passed the California bar in 1992, but she worked for lawyers since high school, gaining experience in the many areas of law, including civil, criminal, family, probate and insurance defense. Ms. Bacci joined our law firm in 2023. She is already speaking Portuguese and speaks fluent Spanish, having lived for several years in Mexico. Ms. Bacci loves to study the Bible, teach, write, and engage in humanitarian projects. She has traveled to many countries, including Brazil.
Attorney
Amelia Ritenour
Oi! Tudo bem? My name is Amelia Ritenour. I grew up in Central Florida, beekeeping and helping my mother with my 3 younger siblings. As a teacher, my mother taught me the importance of helping people. After moving to Virginia for undergraduate, I came to Boston for Law School. There, I took an immigration course on a whim and fell in love with this field of law. I became an attorney on November 18, 2022 and started working here at the Law Offices of Stephen E Bandar on June 19, 2023. In my free time I paint, read and learn Portuguese. I look forward to working with you and helping you through the asylum process. Tchau!
Juris Doctorate
Hiliana Santos
My name is Hiliana Santos. I attended Massachusetts School of Law in Andover. It took me 4 years to finish the program because I am a single mother and I worked full-time. I have been working with Immigration for 5 years. I decided on Immigration because of a childhood friend I have, who has a very sad story. I remember telling her that when I grew up, I was going to fix her situation and get her legal in this country. I am proud to say that I was able to accomplish what I promised her with the help of some colleagues. This is one of the proudest moments in my life and it makes me love my job even more.Working now at the Law Office of Stephen Bandar has taught me so much more. I love the knowledge I have gained and continue to gain under the Attorney's guidance.
Attorney
Samsom Kefei
Samsom Kefei is a distinguished immigration attorney licensed to practice in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Samsom's journey began with a solid education. He graduated from Plymouth State University with a major in criminal justice and a minor in psychology, setting the stage for his future success in the field of immigration law. He further honed his legal skills at the Massachusetts School of Law. In 2015, Samsom embarked on his career in immigration law, and he has been an unwavering advocate for his clients ever since. His primary focus lies in family-based visas, where he navigates the complexities of immigration regulations to unite families and bring loved ones together. Additionally, Samsom understands various employment-based visas, expanding his reach to assist individuals and companies in achieving their immigration goals. Samsom serves as a dedicated trial attorney, representing clients in removal proceedings. He's earned a reputation for his unwavering commitment to the rights of immigrants facing deportation. Samsom has shown a passion for giving back to the community. He has taken on the role of an educator, teaching citizenship classes to those who aspire to become citizens of the United States. His journey continues to make a significant impact in the lives of immigrants and the broader legal community, and he remains a beacon of hope for those seeking a better life in the United States.