Managing Partner Michael Wildes and Senior Attorney Caroline Gabela-Monteiro are proud to announce the approval of the O-1 petition filed on behalf of renowned executive chef Felipe Giraldo.
Mr. Giraldo is a highly accomplished Colombian chef recognized for his distinctive culinary style and his contributions to Bogotá’s contemporary dining scene. His work is defined by a refined approach to cuisine that emphasizes creativity, technical precision, and cultural depth, resulting in dining experiences that extend beyond traditional expectations. Rather than functioning solely as a kitchen operator, Mr. Giraldo has built his reputation on his ability to conceptualize and execute original menus that reflect a clear and elevated culinary identity.
As Executive Chef within Mile High Hospitality Group, Mr. Giraldo has led the development and execution of culinary programs across multiple prominent restaurants, creating innovative menus that blend Colombian influences with international techniques. Through concepts such as Tremé and Adriano Casa República, he has demonstrated a unique ability to craft distinctive culinary identities while maintaining exceptional standards of quality, consistency, and creativity. His concept-driven approach to cuisine, combined with his expertise in menu design, team leadership, and culinary execution, has established him as an influential figure in contemporary gastronomy whose work continues to elevate the dining experiences of diverse audiences.
Wildes & Weinberg was founded in 1960 by Senior Partner, Leon Wildes. He was best known for his successful representation of former Beatle John Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono as they fought the Nixon Administration during a five year bitterly contested Deportation Proceeding. Nearly three quarters of a century later, the firm continues to concentrate its practice in all aspects of U.S. immigration and nationality law, servicing the immigration requirements of prominent American and International firms, banks, industrial, financial, and manufacturing concerns, as well as law firms in connection with the personnel needs of their foreign national employees.
In addition, the firm has a distinguished clientele and has done substantial immigration work for performing artists, directors, writers, models, actors/actresses, athletes, fine artists, art dealers, curators, and literary agents. Most notable was Leon Wildes’ successful representation of former Beatle John Lennon and his artist wife, Yoko Ono in their deportation proceedings, the basis of which has inspired legislation, and has been portrayed in films, plays, and literary works worldwide. Some of the firm’s other distinguished clients include scholar Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks (z”l), as well as soccer icon Pele and Karim Benzema, Master Chef Jean-Georges, musicians Joe Cocker, Sinead O’ Connor and Boy George, as well as First Lady Melania Trump and her family.
Michael Wildes, the firm’s Managing Partner, is also currently serving his fifth term as Mayor of Englewood, New Jersey, is the author of Safe Haven in America: Battles to Open the Golden Door (which draws on over a quarter of a century of his practice in the immigration field), is an Adjunct Professor at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York, and serves as Counsel to Lincoln Center and several international/corporate law firms.
Despite difficulties currently being encountered in dealing with U.S. immigration authorities, the firm has maintained an extraordinary track record for success in its cases. The firm’s litigation group has expanded its efforts in filing Mandamus Actions and other Actions in Federal Courts throughout the nation.
In addition, Wildes & Weinberg’s multilingual staff is spread throughout its offices in New York City, Englewood, New Jersey, Miami, Florida, and by appointment only in Los Angeles, California and Tel Aviv, Israel, and are known for their experience and special expertise in processing each foreign national’s case with nothing less than the highest level of professionalism.
For more information on our firm please visit www.wildeslaw.com or contact Michael Wildes at michael@wildeslaw.com.