Shortly after graduating from Suffolk University Law School in 1984, he began representing individuals who were fleeing the civil wars then raging in Central America. He was a partner for ten years in the Boston Immigration firm of Ross, Martel and Silverman. As a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, he mentors newer practitioners. He is the pro bono legal advisor to the accredited representatives who provide low cost immigration services through the East Boston Ecumenical Community Council and Agencia ALPHA — Immigration Advocates Network.