Regina Kane had a dream of owning her own law practice 14 years ago. At that time, she was a Captain on active duty with the United States Air Force and had recently completed a master's degree in Management. Though she had dabbled in real estate and even entered into a partnership in a coin operated laundry, those ventures were not enough to satisfy her desire for career independence. In August 1990 she separated for the military to attend law school. Upon graduation, three years later, she worked as an environment attorney with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Since moving to Virginia, she has worked with the Social Security Administration and most recently with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (formerly known as the INS). It was during this time with Immigration services that she decided to experience career independence and began contemplating how to make it happen.

She needed financial support and decided to check with the Small Business Administration to determine what was available to her. She was referred to Mr. Nalin Jain, Director of the Arlington Small Business Development Center. His advice and assistance was instrumental in the successful launch of her law practice. Nalin discussed with the steps in applying for a small business loan. He also explained the financial options and the importance of developing a sound business plan. Once Ms. Regina Kane had a solid grasp on what she had to do and how she wanted to proceed, Mr. Jain put her in contact with a loan officer from M&T Bank, Marisa Vergel De Dios.

"Marisa is the most conscientious and efficient loan officer I have ever encountered. She thoroughly reviewed my business plan and questioned every detail. Her meticulous review forced me to evaluate my business plan with objectivity and make necessary adjustments. I cannot say enough about the assistance I received from Nalin and Marisa. Their advice and guidance enabled me to submit a quality product to the Bank's underwriter and secure the financial backing to start my law office".

Today, Regina Kane is the sole proprietor of the Law Office of Regina Y. Kane, located at 1717 K Street, NW - Suite 600, Washington, D.C., and she's on the web: theimmigrationexpert.net. The law practice currently specializes in Immigration and Naturalization Law, but has plans of expanding to other areas of law.