Sarah K. Chen

Founder & Principal Attorney

15+ Years of Advocacy

Compassionate counsel for life's most important legal matters.

About

Sarah K. Chen founded Chen Legal Group with a singular mission: to provide sophisticated, compassionate legal representation for individuals and families navigating life's most consequential transitions. With a career spanning over fifteen years, she has built a practice distinguished by its rigorous advocacy and genuine client care.

A graduate of Georgetown University Law Center, Sarah began her career at a premier litigation firm before establishing her own boutique practice. She has been recognized repeatedly for her work in family and immigration law, and is a frequent speaker on ethical practice and access to justice.

My Philosophy

Good lawyering is about more than winning — it is about guiding clients through complexity with clarity, integrity, and empathy. I believe that the best outcomes are achieved when legal strategy is paired with genuine human understanding.

Core Values

Integrity

Unwavering commitment to ethical practice and transparent communication with every client.

Advocacy

Fearless representation in negotiations and before the courts, always putting client interests first.

Compassion

Understanding that behind every case is a human story deserving of dignity and respect.

Precision

Meticulous attention to detail in every filing, contract, and legal strategy we develop.

Practice Areas

Focused expertise across the legal matters that matter most to you and your family.

Family Law

Divorce, child custody, spousal support, adoption, and prenuptial agreements approached with sensitivity and strategic foresight.

Immigration Law

Family-based petitions, naturalization, visas, green cards, and removal defense for clients nationwide.

🏠

Estate Planning

Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives, and probate administration tailored to each family's unique needs.

📜

Civil Litigation

Contract disputes, business torts, property disputes, and civil defense in state and federal courts.

🏛

Real Estate Law

Residential and commercial transactions, title review, lease agreements, and boundary disputes.

📄

Business Formation

LLC and corporate structuring, partnership agreements, and ongoing corporate compliance counsel.

Experience

A career built on rigorous advocacy and a deep commitment to client outcomes.

2014 – Present
Founder & Principal Attorney
Chen Legal Group — New York, NY
Founded and built a boutique practice handling complex family, immigration, and estate matters. Grew the firm to a team of six attorneys while maintaining a hands-on client relationship model.
2009 – 2014
Senior Associate
Rivers, Heller & Lowe LLP — New York, NY
Led the family law and civil litigation practice group. Managed a caseload of 40+ active matters, supervised junior associates, and served as first-chair in over 20 trials.
2007 – 2009
Associate Attorney
Sterling & Vale P.C. — Washington, D.C.
Practiced in civil litigation and immigration law. Drafted appellate briefs, argued motions, and secured asylum for clients from three countries.
2005 – 2007
Law Clerk
Hon. Margaret T. Cross, U.S. District Court — S.D.N.Y.
Judicial clerkship researching and drafting opinions on civil and constitutional matters. Developed a deep foundation in legal analysis and judicial process.

Education & Qualifications

Academic training and professional credentials that underpin every aspect of my practice.

Georgetown University Law Center

Juris Doctor, cum laude — 2005

Dean's List; Senior Editor, Georgetown Law Journal; Order of the Coif; Pro Bono Service Award.

Brown University

Bachelor of Arts, Political Science — 2001

Phi Beta Kappa; magna cum laude with honors in Political Science.

Bar Admissions

New York State Bar • District of Columbia Bar

U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit

Professional Memberships

American Bar Association • New York State Bar Association

Family Law Section • Immigration Law Section • American Immigration Lawyers Association

Landmark Cases

A selection of representative matters that reflect the depth and breadth of my advocacy.

2022

In re Rodriguez Family

Successfully obtained asylum for a family of four fleeing persecution, establishing precedent for domestic violence-based claims in the Second Circuit. Matter resolved after three years of litigation.

2019

Matter of Greenwood Estate

Represented the executor of a complex $12M estate involving contested trust provisions, multi-jurisdictional assets, and tax challenges. Achieved a favorable settlement preserving family harmony.

2016

Harper v. Harper

Led a high-net-worth divorce involving complex business valuations, forensic accounting, and custody arrangements. Secured a 50-50 parenting plan and equitable property distribution after a two-week trial.

Awards & Recognition

Professional honors reflecting a sustained commitment to excellence in legal practice.

2023

Best Lawyers in America

Family Law Lawyer of the Year — New York Metro

2020, 2024

Super Lawyers

Rising Star & Super Lawyer — Family and Immigration Law

2018

New York Law Journal

Top 40 Under 40 in New York Law

2015

Legal Aid Society

Pro Bono Publico Award for Outstanding Service

Publications

Thought leadership on the evolving landscape of family and immigration law.

New York Law Journal — May 2024

Navigating Intersection of Immigration Status and Family Court Proceedings

An analysis of how recent federal policy changes affect custody, support, and divorce outcomes for mixed-status families.

American Bar Association Journal — January 2022

The Modern Estate Plan: Digital Assets, Blended Families, and Tax Reform

A practical guide for practitioners advising clients on comprehensive estate planning in an era of changing family structures.

Journal of Civil Litigation — Fall 2019

Early Case Assessment in Complex Commercial Disputes: A Framework for Efficiency

A framework for streamlining discovery and motion practice in commercial litigation while preserving client value.

Client Testimonials

The trust my clients place in me is my most valued professional achievement.

Sarah handled our family's immigration case with extraordinary care and skill. She was always available to answer questions, and her knowledge of the process gave us confidence during an incredibly stressful time. We are forever grateful.
The Patel Family Immigration Client
Going through a divorce was the hardest thing I have ever faced. Sarah was not only a brilliant advocate — she was a steady, grounding presence throughout. She fought for my children and me, and the outcome exceeded my expectations.
Meredith T. Family Law Client
Sarah helped my family create an estate plan that truly reflects our values and protects our children's future. She took the time to understand our unique situation and explained every option with clarity and patience. Exceptional attorney.
James & Lisa K. Estate Planning Clients
0
Years of Practice
0
Cases Handled
0
Clients Served
0
Success Rate

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about working with Chen Legal Group and what to expect.

Please bring any relevant documents related to your legal matter — court filings, contracts, correspondence, or identification documents. If you are unsure what is relevant, bring what you have and we will sort through it together. The consultation is about understanding your situation, not about having everything perfect.
We offer several fee structures depending on the matter. Family law and estate planning matters are typically billed on a flat-fee basis or hourly. Immigration matters are generally flat-fee. We are transparent about costs from the outset and provide detailed engagement letters outlining all fee arrangements before any work begins.
Timelines vary significantly by case type. Family-based petitions may take 8–18 months, naturalization applications 6–12 months, and asylum cases 1–4 years depending on court backlogs. During your initial consultation, we will provide a realistic timeline estimate specific to your circumstances.
Yes. We offer consultations and ongoing client meetings via secure video conferencing. While we maintain offices in Manhattan and Brooklyn, we routinely work with clients across New York State and can handle most matters remotely when appropriate.
Every client at Chen Legal Group works directly with Sarah. There are no junior associates handling your matter without your knowledge. We combine the sophistication and resources of a larger firm with the personalized attention and flexibility of a boutique practice. Your case receives the full focus of an experienced principal attorney.

Schedule a Consultation

Reach out to discuss your legal needs. We look forward to learning how we can help.