Like America Our Team is a Mosaic

Each With Our Own Immigrant Story

Kirk Carter

Kirk Carter
Attorney

Kate Lebeaux

Kate Lebeaux
Attorney

Betty Akoh

Betty Akoh
Associate Attorney

Patricia Burns FIore

Patricia Burns FIore
Operations & Marketing Manager

Carrie Russo

Carrie Russo
Paralegal

Jodi Abbott

Jodi Abbott
Paralegal

Kirk Carter

Kirk Carter
Attorney

CLG founder Kirk traces his roots to 1635 when his father’s ancestors fled England to escape religious persecution. His mother’s family’s immigrant story is far more recent with Kirk’s maternal grandmother arriving at Ellis Island in the early 1900s seeking opportunity in America. Kirk learned about his immigrant roots on his Nana’s knee, including how to curse in Finnish!

The son of a Protestant minister, Kirk surprised his father by attending Boston College, a Catholic University where he studied political science and communications. Although fearful that the Jesuits would convert his son, Kirk instead gained a universalist view of philosophy, theology and government. Upon graduation from Suffolk Law School in Boston, Kirk joined the law firm of Fletcher Tilton.

At Fletcher Tilton, Kirk met his mentor, the late Alex Drapos, one of New England’s earliest immigration lawyers, who taught him how to treat every individual as though they were the most important person on the planet. Over time, Kirk built his own practice focused on helping individuals achieve their immigrant dreams and employers achieve their goal of staffing their companies with both high and lower-skilled labor.

An avid traveler, Kirk and his spouse have visited more than 30 countries over their 30 plus years together, including a pilgrimage to his Nana’s native Finland. They have visited India several times, where Kirk helped a client build an in-house immigration capability by providing training and orientation. Married without children, Kirk is the proud parent of Rafael and Ramon, the couple’s Havanese dogs, who themselves have become world travelers.

Kate Lebeaux

Kate Lebeaux
Attorney

Our managing attorney Kate traces her immigrant roots through her mother, whose ancestors migrated from England to the “Colonies” in the 17th century. Likewise, her father’s grandparents, Ashkenazi Jews from Eastern Europe and Russia migrated to the United States in the late nineteenth century seeking religious freedom and opportunity.

After completing her undergraduate studies at Bowdoin College, Kate spent two years teaching English to school children in Madrid, Spain, collecting multiple stamps in her passport as she explored Europe.

Upon return to the U.S., Kate began her legal career working as a paralegal at an immigration law firm. She later attended Boston University Law School where she volunteered at multiple immigration service organizations, served as a law clerk at the Boston Immigration Court, and after passing the bar, aided families and refugees in pursuing their immigration dreams. Kate’s work philosophy is rooted in her commitment to her clients.

When not in the office, Kate can be found corralling her three young daughters with the assistance of her husband, Gustavo, a native of Venezuela and recently naturalized U.S. Citizen. She also sings in a local chorus and enjoys gardening.

Betty Akoh

Betty Akoh
Associate Attorney

Betty is an immigration attorney specializing in business and employment-based matters. As an immigrant herself, she brings firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the professional and personal stakes involved in the immigration process.

Betty began her legal career in Nigeria before relocating to the United States, where she worked in regulatory affairs and compliance. She later transitioned into immigration law — a field that aligns with her values and allows her to make a meaningful impact on the lives and careers of her clients.

Upon immigration to the United States, Betty earned a Master of Arts (M.A.) from Brandeis University and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Northeastern University School of Law. She is admitted to the bar in both New York and Nigeria.

Today, Betty supports clients on a range of U.S. immigration matters, including immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applications for businesses and global talent. She is committed to helping clients navigate the process with confidence as they pursue professional opportunities in the United States.

Outside of work, Betty enjoys cooking for friends, staying active at the gym, and finding meaningful ways to give back to her community.

Patricia Burns FIore

Patricia Burns Fiore
Operations & Marketing Manager

Patti’s family story is rooted in the Irish and German immigrant experience. Her father’s ancestors arrived from Ireland in the late 1800s seeking new opportunities, and on her mother’s side she is of both Irish and German descent. The values carried forward by her immigrant ancestors—resilience, hard work, and optimism—shape Patti’s appreciation for the immigration journeys at the heart of Carter Law Group’s mission.

Patti holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations from Syracuse University. Before joining Carter Law Group, she spent most of her career leading a boutique marketing and design studio, serving clients from nonprofits to major corporations. She is also the creative force behind the Carter Law Group’s logo and brand identity.

As Operations and Marketing Manager, Patti brings together strategic marketing expertise and operational leadership to support the firm’s growth, strengthening internal processes and elevating the firm’s brand presence.

Outside of work, Patti enjoys summer visits to New York’s Finger Lakes, where she grew up, and tending her (usually too large) garden — including last season’s lineup of 16 tomato varieties. She also serves as Vice Chair of her town’s Tricentennial Committee, helping plan a year‑long celebration for 2027.

Carrie Russo

Carrie Russo
Paralegal

Carrie’s ancestors came to the U.S. from England in the early 1600s seeking religious freedom. Carrie’s in-laws emigrated from Italy in the early 1970s for opportunity. Her husband is a first-generation Italian-American.

After obtaining her Associate’s Degree in Legal Administration, she worked for 15 years at a Boston law firm specializing in domestic relations. During this period Carrie completed a Paralegal Studies program. Carrie joined attorney Carter in 2018 as an administrative assistant but was quickly promoted to paralegal.

When not working in the office, Carrie shuttles her son to and from his various sporting events and activities, including Cub Scouts. When not serving as chauffeur, Carrie can be found in her kitchen, baking bread, cookies and other sweets, which she shares with everyone she meets.

Jodi Abbott

Jodi Abbott
Paralegal

Our Adjustments Paralegal Jodi traces her immigrant roots to Ireland and England, where her mother departed Europe to come to the United States. Likewise, her father’s ancestors migrated from Germany to the United States. She also has Native American roots in her family tree. After completing her undergraduate studies, Jodi migrated from Wyoming to Boston where she has remained ever since.

Jodi has an extensive paralegal background in various sectors of the legal field and within the past two years has focused mainly on Immigration. When not in the office, Jodi can be found gardening, crafting, teaching art classes and going on various adventures with her husband and their dog.