Immigration is one of the most life-changing journeys a person can face, filled with stress, uncertainty, and hope. For many, the process feels overwhelming, with rules and requirements that can shape or shatter their future. Behind every form and legal step is a human story, a family trying to stay together, a professional pursuing opportunity, or someone seeking safety and freedom. It’s not just law, it’s life. And at the heart of this process are lawyers like Sergio Athanaso, who bring not only expertise but compassion, patience, and credibility to guide clients through. Real leadership in law isn’t about winning cases, it’s about serving people, even when the path is difficult.
Summary:
In this episode of Leaders Living Their Values, host Mitchell Levy speaks with Sergio Athanaso, an immigration lawyer who has built his career on integrity, empathy, and servant leadership. Sergio shares why he chose immigration law, what drives him to keep serving clients even in challenging situations, and how he balances boundaries with compassion. He discusses the emotional highs of helping clients achieve life-changing victories, as well as the struggles of working with those who resist guidance. Sergio’s story highlights how credibility, humility, and authentic care shape trust in one of the most critical areas of law.
Quotes:
* “I don’t just like what I do—I love what I do.” – Sergio Athanaso
* “Immigration is about people. It’s about serving them in one of the most important moments of their lives.” – Sergio Athanaso
* “The definition of credibility is the quality in which you’re trusted, known, and liked.” – Mitchell Levy
* “When your work becomes play, that’s when you know you’re living your purpose.” – Mitchell Levy
Takeaways:
* Redefine Work as Play: When passion meets service, work becomes joyful and fulfilling instead of draining.
* Choose Clients Wisely: Boundaries and fit matter as much as compassion; not every client is the right client.
* Credibility Builds Trust: Being trusted, known, and liked is the foundation of success in immigration law and leadership.
* Technology vs. Humanity: AI may streamline processes, but empathy and human connection remain irreplaceable in law.
Timeline:
[00:00] Mitchell introduces Sergio with humor and curiosity, setting the stage for a values-driven conversation. [02:00] “Who are you?” – Sergio describes his energy, positivity, and how people enjoy being around him. [04:00] Loving the work: Sergio reflects on how law, once an obligation, became a passion. [06:30] Why immigration law? The importance of serving people and changing lives. [08:00] A client success story that brought deep fulfillment and lasting impact. [11:45] When things don’t go as planned—clients who resist advice and lessons learned. [15:00] Boundaries and fit: How Sergio balances compassion with discernment. [18:30] Work and play: Mitchell reframes Sergio’s “overworking” as passion-driven play. [21:00] Credibility in law: trust, being known, and being liked as the keys to client success. [25:00] Long-term goals and the evolving role of AI in legal practice. [29:46] Final reflections: credibility, humility, and showing up authentically in service of others.
Conclusion:
Immigration law is about more than paperwork—it’s about people, families, and futures. Sergio Athanaso’s journey shows that true credibility in law comes from compassion, servant leadership, and living one’s values. By reframing work as play and focusing on trust, authenticity, and integrity, he demonstrates how leaders can create long-term impact in one of the most human-centered areas of law.
Links/Resources:
* Email Sergio: sergio@sergiolaw.com
* Learn more about Mitchell Levy:
https://MitchellLevy.com
* Book time directly with Mitchell: https://mitchelllevy.com/contact-us
