The Honorable Alberto J. Riefkohl is widely regarded as one of the nation’s most respected scholars and jurists in immigration law and removal litigation. His legal career spans nearly five decades. It reflects an extraordinary commitment to public service. He is known for rigorous adjudication and the principled development of immigration jurisprudence.
Judge Riefkohl began his distinguished career in 1975. He served as General Attorney in the Litigation Division of the former Immigration and Naturalization Service. For nearly two decades, he represented individuals, families, employers, and multinational organizations. He earned recognition for his ability to navigate the most complex and consequential immigration matters.
In March 1995, then–Attorney General Janet Reno appointed Judge Riefkohl to the federal bench. This appointment made him one of a select number of immigration judges nationwide. He served for approximately thirty years at the Immigration Court in Newark, New Jersey.
During this time, he adjudicated tens of thousands of cases. Many of his decisions were affirmed on appeal by the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. This highlights the legal soundness and durability of his judicial reasoning.
Born in Puerto Rico, Judge Riefkohl developed an early and enduring dedication to law and public adjudication. He pursued his undergraduate education at the University of Puerto Rico. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1968. Later, he obtained his Juris Doctor in 1974. These academic foundations shaped a career defined by intellectual rigor and public responsibility.
While pursuing his legal education, Judge Riefkohl served in the United States Air Force. He was part of the Air National Guard from 1968 to 1974. His military service reflected a profound commitment to discipline, service, and civic duty—values that would later characterize his judicial tenure.
Throughout his time on the bench, Judge Riefkohl earned a reputation for meticulous, balanced, and humane adjudication. Immigration court reporting data from fiscal years 2020 through 2025 show he adjudicated 485 asylum claims on the merits. He granted asylum or other forms of relief in approximately 88 percent of cases. This rate is well above national averages. His comparatively low denial rate shows his careful, individualized approach to asylum law. It also demonstrates his deep understanding of its humanitarian underpinnings.
Judge Riefkohl’s rulings have contributed meaningfully to the evolution of immigration law. They have been reviewed in multiple appellate proceedings before the United States Courts of Appeals, particularly the Third Circuit. His judicial record includes decisions that attracted national attention. This includes early rulings involving same-sex couples during periods of evolving federal immigration policy. These decisions demonstrate both legal foresight and principled restraint.
Judge Riefkohl’s career represents a rare synthesis of legal scholarship, military service, and judicial leadership. His work spans from government litigation and private practice to decades on the federal bench. It has shaped the outcomes of countless lives. It has also contributed enduringly to the interpretation and administration of United States immigration law. His legacy remains one of integrity, intellectual distinction, and lasting influence on immigration jurisprudence.
Judge Riefkolf changed the immigration law landscape while on the bench. His work has been reviewed by immigration scholars and academics. Today, Judge Riefkolf serves as Of-Counsel to Lahoud Law Group, P.C.
A prestigious and nationally recognized immigration attorney, Judge Riefkolf operates at the intersection of law, strategy, and human consequence. He delivers advocacy that is both technically masterful and deeply consequential. His work demands more than familiarity with statutes and regulations. It requires command of a constantly evolving legal landscape. Insight into federal agency practice is essential. He must have the judgment to navigate high-stakes matters where outcomes can alter lives, families, and enterprises.
Judge Riefkolf brings exceptional depth to complex immigration matters. These range from sophisticated employment-based petitions and investor visas to removal defense. He also handles waivers and federal court litigation. He analyzes cases with surgical precision. He anticipates legal obstacles before they arise. He crafts strategies that are not only compliant, but persuasive to adjudicators at every level. This includes USCIS, the Department of Labor, the Department of State, and the immigration courts. Judge Riefkolf’s filings are meticulous and well-documented. They are legally compelling and reflect a standard of excellence. This standard commands respect from government agencies and peers alike.
Judge Riefkolf gained national recognition by consistently achieving results in difficult cases. He demonstrated thought leadership. He earned the trust of clients whose futures depend on exceptional advocacy. He is often sought out for precedent-setting matters. People turn to him for urgent crises. Others seek his expertise in cases deemed too complex or unlikely to succeed. Judge Riefkolf combines analytical rigor with creativity—finding lawful pathways where none seem obvious—and is known for transforming uncertainty into viable legal solutions.
Judge Riefkolf is a counselor and advocate. He understands the personal and commercial stakes involved. He approaches each matter with discretion, clarity, and resolve. He communicate with authority and empathy, guiding clients through daunting processes while remaining unflinching in negotiations and litigation. Their reputation is built not only on legal acumen, but on integrity, credibility, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
In every aspect of his practice, Judge Riefkolf sets the benchmark for the profession. He delivers results that shape individual lives. His work strengthens organizations and contributes meaningfully to the rule of law.