Free Consultation: (845) 535-4023Tap to Call This Lawyer
PREMIUM
Vince F. Sykes

Vince F. Sykes

Fearless, determined and always prepared to represent the aggrieved.
  • Civil Rights, Employment Law, Personal Injury
  • New York
Badges
Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&ALII GoldSocial Media
Biography

Attorney Vince Sykes is a veteran of the United States Air Force, where he served on active duty, as an enlisted, and earned several distinguished medals to include Good Conduct Medal and Overseas Tour of Duty.

Following military service, Vince obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (B.S.E.E.) from SUNY, Stony Brook, NY; a Masters in Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Pepperdine University, CA.; and a Juris Doctorate Degree (J.D.), Cum Laude, from Pace Law School, NY.

Vince’s career spans engineering positions in Silicon Valley where he worked for high-tech companies such as Cisco Systems, Bay Networks, Alcatel-Lucent, and various technology start-ups. Vince was a member of the Alcatel-Lucent team that designed and developed AT&T’s 4G cellular network.

Born in Washington DC to diplomat parents but a citizen of Ghana, Vince grew up in various countries to include Moscow, London and Ghana. His multicultural background is reflected in his work as an attorney. While engineering was Vince's childhood passion, he developed a deeper appreciation for criminal justice and civil rights after relocating to the United States.

Law was a logical next step, which today allows Vince to confront social injustices and disparities within our criminal justice system. As a victims' advocate--civil rights, personal injury--Vince will go to the edge of the law to right wrongs and fight vigorously for the underdog.

Education
Elisabeth Haub School of Law - Pace University
J.D. | Law
Honors: Cum Laude
Placeholder image for education.
Pepperdine University
MBA (2002) | Masters of Business Administration
-
Pepperdine University Logo
State University of New York - Stony Brook
B.S. | Electrical Engineering
-
State University of New York - Stony Brook Logo
Professional Experience
Founder/Partner
Sykes & Associates Law Firm
- Current
Launched my own law practice right after graduating from law school. Heavy focus on criminal defense and immigration defense. I have conducted over 10 jury trials, and 100s of federal immigration defense trials. My practice has evolved over the years, to civil rights litigation, particularly police brutality and excessive force cases, race discrimination and employment discrimination cases. I am admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States, Court of International Trade, New York Southern District and Eastern District Courts.
Awards
Good Conduct Medal
U.S. Air Force
Professional Associations
New York State Bar Association
Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
Westchester County Bar Association
Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
Federal Bar Association
Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
New York
New York State Office of Court Administration
ID Number: 4974275
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
2nd Circuit
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
U.S. Court of International Trade
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
U.S. Supreme Court
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
Fees
  • Free Consultation
    Free consultation on any case, up to 1 hour.
  • Credit Cards Accepted
  • Contingent Fees
Practice Areas
Civil Rights
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Discrimination, Employment, Police Misconduct
Employment Law
Employment Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Whistleblower, Wrongful Termination
Personal Injury
Animal & Dog Bites, Car Accidents, Construction Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death
Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
  • Spanish: Spoken, Written
Legal Answers
Q. I want to rescind my sponsor of my sister's I130 petition. It was approved and sent to NVC. What is the process?
A: The I-130 is step 1 of a multi-phase process. The I-130 in essence simply validates the legal sibling relationship between you and your sister--that you and your sister are indeed sisters--and nothing more. If you do nothing further, NVC will eventually cancel out the process; if no activity after 1 year.

The I-864 can't exist by itself. If you cancel out the I-130 there's no effect to the I-864. Yes, another family member or friend can become a joint sponsor on the I-864, but again, if I-130 goes away (rescind, revoked, denied, inactive, canceled, etc.) then the I-864 becomes meaningless.
Q. Can an asylum applicant (who has SSN and Employment Authorization because of it) legally buy a gun?
A: You need to get a permit; whether you can legally purchase or not. Work permit and SS number don’t confer you status. In fact you have no status, but perhaps refugee seeking to remain in the US. And any weapons offense could negatively impact your asylum application.
Q. De-Scheduled Naturalization Interview
A: You basically have to wait. But check the online info site periodically to see if there are any updates. Communication with USCIS is on a simplex basis, so requires patience.
View More Answers
Websites & Blogs
Website
Vince F. Sykes' Website Profile
Website
Sykes & Associates Law Firm Website
Blog
Sykes & Associates Law Firm
Contact & Map
Sykes & Associates Law Firm
Main Office
95 N Main St
Spring Valley, NY 10977
Telephone: (845) 535-4023
Monday: 10 AM - 7 PM
Tuesday: 10 AM - 7 PM (Today)
Wednesday: 10 AM - 7 PM
Thursday: 10 AM - 7 PM
Friday: 10 AM - 7 PM
Saturday: 10 AM - 7 PM
Sunday: Closed
Notice: Free Consultation
Sykes & Associates Law Firm
New York Office
2248 Broadway
#1192
New York, NY 10024
Telephone: (845) 535-4023