Fierce advocacy when it matters most
immigration Defense Attorneys
Helping People Through the Legal Process of Coming to and Remaining in the United States.
HOW WE HELP PEOPLE
ADVOCATE- We are committed to protecting your dignity
EDUCATE - We provide individual, family, and group information sessions tailored to your needs
LITIGATE - We will zealously represent you in Immigration Court or before Federal Agencies
LEGISLATE - Helping legislators under the effect of immigration policy and regulation
COUNSEL - We help you navigate complicated systems, face crises, and determine the options that are best for you and your family
Personalized Attention
Your Story Matters and Your Future is Our Mission.
Emily Bendana
Attorney
Education
Pace University School of Law, White Plains, New York
J.D. - 2018
Honors: cum laude
Concentration in International Law
Certified Legal Specialties:
Certification in the ABA-accredited Paralegal Studies Program, Fairleigh Dickinson University, 2010
Boston College, Boston, Massachusetts
B.A., Bachelor of Arts - 2006
Honors: magna cum laude
Honors: Dean's List
Major: Psychology
Major: Communications
Biography
Emily Bendana graduated from Boston College Magna Cum Laude in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. She was on the Board of the Boston College Chapter of the Golden Key International Honor Society and worked as a research assistant for projects involving Cognitive Psychology and Interpersonal Communications.
In 2010, Ms. Bendana received a Completion of Certification in the ABA Accredited Paralegal Studies Program at Fairleigh Dickinson University, simultaneously working as a clerk in Englewood Municipal Court in Englewood, NJ. Ms. Bendana worked at Fusco and Macaluso Partners as a paralegal from 2011 - 2018 in the fields of Criminal, Administrative, Family, and Immigration Law.
Ms. Bendana graduated Cum Laude from Pace University, School of Law in White Plains, NY in 2018. While in law school, she completed her clinical work at John Jay Legal Services, Immigration Justice Clinic. Additionally, Ms. Bendana graduated with a specialization in International Law.
Ms. Bendana joined the Law Office of Salvatore Bellomo, LLC in the summer of 2018, where she worked for eight (8) years alongside her mentor, Sal Bellomo. Mr. Bellomo passed in January 2026, leaving Ms. Bendana the knowledge, courage, and strength to continue her work in immigration.
Emily Bendana opened the Law Office of Emily Bendana McHale, LLC in February 2026.
Mrs. Bendana has served on the Board of Trustees at her alma mater, the Academy of the Holy Angels in Demarest, N.J. since 2010.
Mrs. Bendana and her husband, Edward McHale have two children.
Honors
Professional:
American Bar Association, Pro Bono Champion, 2025NJ CASA Changemaker Award, 2024
Academic:
Merit Scholarship
Law School Diversity Grant
Advocacy Honor Board
President, Pace Law School Immigration Law Society
Vice President, Pace Law School Immigration Law Society
Pro-Bono Activities
Pro Bono Scholars Program - Pace Law School, 2017-2018
Immigration Justice Clinic, 2016-2018
Empire Justice Clinic Naturalization Drive Coordinator, 2014-2018
Professional Associations
American Immigration Law Association, Member, 2015 to Present, New York and New Jersey Chapters
Passaic County Bar Association
Languages
English
Spanish