In this episode of Empire State Entrepreneurs, host David Rupp sits down with longtime friend and renowned immigration attorney Michael Serotte, founding partner of Serotte Law. Known for his deep expertise in business immigration and an entrepreneurial approach to law, Michael shares the remarkable story behind building one of the country’s most respected immigration practices—right from Buffalo, NY. Michael’s path wasn’t traditional. From accounting to entrepreneurship to mountaineering, his story is driven by curiosity, resilience, and the willingness to bet on himself. He talks candidly about getting fired from early legal jobs, discovering immigration law almost by accident, the pivotal case that shaped his future, and how a single client relationship ultimately opened doors to Silicon Valley’s startup ecosystem. Michael and David also explore: How immigration law became a strategic business opportunityThe origins of Serotte Law and its rise as a go-to firm for venture-backed foundersThe impact of AI on the legal profession—and why hospitality still winsThe importance of strategic partners, including his longtime colleague Rita RaghavanThe power of relationships and serendipity in entrepreneurshipMichael’s passion for physical fitness, mountaineering, and personal challengeThis is an inspiring, funny, and insightful conversation about risk-taking, reinvention, and building a business with intention—with plenty of Buffalo flavor, sports talk, and entrepreneurial wisdom along the way. Episode Highlights Michael’s Early Life & Buffalo Roots Comes from a three-generation legal family, though immigration wasn’t initially part of the plan.Shares a poignant memory from 1984 with his father—the lesson to “look up” and appreciate the beauty in life.Learned humility and perspective through difficult early-career experiences.Career Detours and Hard Lessons Fired from multiple early jobs, often for refusing to follow “the way things have always been done.”Spent time in accounting, real estate development, and a fascinating but short-lived consulting role in Washington, DC.Waiting tables in DC became one of his most formative professional experiences.Discovering Immigration Law Returned to Buffalo in 1992 to work with his father’s former partners in an immigration-only practice.Quickly saw the unique business model of immigration law—particularly its flat-fee structure and opportunities for process optimization.Realized that immigration law offered the perfect blend of entrepreneurial clients, federal practice freedom, and process-driven efficiency.A Precedent Case That Changed Everything Helped a client’s developmentally disabled sister obtain citizenship through a creative, unconventional approach.The case later became federal precedent—cementing Michael’s reputation for innovative problem-solving.The Breakthrough: Silicon Valley Left his firm in 1997 to start Serotte Law, beginning with five clients in a Kenmore basement.A long-term client, Lev, built and sold a telecom startup for over $1B—opening doors for Michael in the Bay Area.Represented Stanford founders, joined the StartX ecosystem, and became a go-to immigration counsel for venture-backed startups.Building a Modern Immigration Firm Grew Serotte Law to 30+ employees, serving clients nationwide.Credits much of the firm’s success to partner Rita Raghavan and her operational leadership.Believes immigration law is increasingly shaped by:AI-driven process improvementsCompetition based on service, not priceDeep client relationships and responsivenessThe importance of hospitality in legal practiceAI, the Future of Law & Empowering Underserved Clients AI raises the baseline, enabling weaker lawyers to perform better—but also pushing great lawyers to differentiate through service.Sees an opportunity to democratize high-quality immigration guidance with lower-cost, tech-enabled solutions.Life Beyond Law: Fitness, Friendship & Mountains Shares stories of his mountaineering adventures, including summiting Mount Rainier.Training now to climb Pico de Orizaba (18,500 ft) in Mexico.Believes physical challenge fuels mental clarity, discipline, and resilience.What’s Next Remains energized by business challenges, problem-solving, and serving the next generation of immigrant entrepreneurs.Envisions a future where immigration knowledge becomes more accessible and more affordable through technology.
