Firms To Watch: Immigration

At Thompson Hine LLP, the immigration group sits within the firm’s broader employment practice and is led by Sarah Flannery in Cleveland. The team advises large blue-chip clients on global talent acquisition, immigrant and non-immigrant visa work, and compliance matters. Employee transfers to the US for Fortune500 companies has been a recent area of activity, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Immigration in United States

BAL

BAL remains a market leader in this space and has a national presence, continuing to advise leading names in the industry, including global blue-chip clients on complex business immigration matters. Led out of Texas by managing partner Jeremy Fudge, the group works closely with its government strategies team to handle global policy issues and advise federal agencies. Roberto Caballero   heads the Houston, Austin and New York offices and has a focus on corporate immigration policies for energy and technology sector clients. Kortney Gibson in Texas is the key name for non-immigrant visa applications and has been spearheading the firm’s expansion in the Rocky Mountain region. Maggie Murphy joined the team in Austin from Jackson Lewis P.C. in January 2021 and specializes in employment-based immigration. On the West Coast, Frieda Garcia  manages the San Francisco office and has over two decades of global immigration expertise, particularly on strategic solutions for companies. Core members there include family-based immigration expert Delya Ghosh  and Nassim Mahzoon in Santa Clara who holds various leading tech companies as key clients. In Washington DC, Lynden Melmed  is highlighted for his ‘exceptional expertise’ in navigating federal agencies including DHS and DOL compliance. Senior associate Tiffany Martinez advises on non-immigrant and immigrant visa matters. The team further bolstered its practice with the June 2021 lateral hire of Leslie Rohrbacker in New York from Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy. Founding partner David Berry has retired from active practice.

Practice head(s):

Jeremy Fudge

Other key lawyers:

Robert Caballero; Kortney Gibson; Maggie Murphy; Frieda Garcia; Delya Ghosh; Nassim Mahzoon; Lynden Melmed; Tiffany Martinez; Leslie Rohrbacker

Testimonials

‘Berry Appleman’s government affairs team excels at providing current, accurate and critical regulatory activity risks and advocacy support. As well, Berry Appleman is a leader in collaboration and technology innovation to address and meet new interpretations of regulatory requirements, more so than any other immigration law firm.’

‘Lynden Melmed, Eileen Lohmann, Steve Plastrik, and Tiffany Derentz have exceptional expertise that has been of a great benefit to our company and our leadership. Lynden’s expertise in DHS and DOL compliance, Eileen’s regulatory and legislative expertise, Steve’s DHS USCIS legal analysis and adjudicatory understanding.’

“Tiffany’s Department of State/ Consular level insight exceeds that of other firms, and of information/ guidance that we have obtained through other means, such as advocacy groups and other legal advisors. They all go the extra length to provide legal advisory for issues that are often unique and different than standard immigration related matters.’

‘What makes Berry Appleman & Leiden unique in the legal market is their collaborative approach and their firmwide pursuit of the exceptional. They are always open to exploring new ways to partner together, maintain compliance, improve our program, and improve the immigration experience for our foreign national employees.’

‘The BAL government affairs team is exceptional. They proactively inform us of news developments that could impact our immigration program, and strategies to navigate any changes or challenges. In terms of quality, our BAL team rarely makes critical errors. Our approval rates for filings are very high.’

‘Our legal team at BAL is led by partner Nassim Mahzoon, and supported by senior associate attorneys Michael Miguel and Lynn Bonnello, and associate attorney Kevin Pham.

‘Nassim Mahzoon is a delight to work with, and has been a critical, valued thought partner supporting our immigration program for over 5 years. Nassim is thoughtful, proactive, and I feel confident having her as our lead partner. She is knowledgeable and responsive, especially on critical matters, at all hours, weekends, and even by text message.’

Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP

Based in New York, the full-service business immigration practice at Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP is highlighted for its sector strength in the advertising and fashion and luxury consumer products sector. The team advises leading clients on both immigrant and non-immigrant visa matters, global employee transfers, contentious matters, and workplace strategies, and holds Facebook (now known at Meta Platforms)as a key client. Mark Koestler jointly manages the group with Matthew Dunn who advises corporates on investigations and audits by federal agencies including ICE and the Department of Labor. Counsel Allison D. Gray  represents higher education institutions and marketing companies and has an active pro-bono practice handling asylum cases. Also in the core team is experienced associate Scott A. Gorski  who advises multinational corporations, startups, and nonprofits.

Practice head(s):

Mark Koestler; Matthew Dunn

Other key lawyers:

Allison D. Gray; Scott A. Gorski

Testimonials

‘If you follow their advice, you will have the outcomes you are looking for. They are incredibly precise and thorough. I always know, that working with them will be worth every penny!’

‘Mark and Allison are a force of nature…in a good way.’

‘Kramer Levin really has an eye for strong cases, and also finding solutions for challenging situations. They easily work through many of the given challenges such as the pandemic, advising on travel, and opening new cases for new employees.

Key clients

Facebook, Inc. (now known as Meta Platforms, Inc.)

Work highlights

  • Represented Facebook (FB) in an unprecedented lawsuit brought by the U.S. Department of Justice alleging that it had engaged in discrimination against US workers by failing to consider and hire them for positions that it recruited for as part of the green card process.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP‘s immigration and global mobility practice is based in Washington, DC, and has expertise acting for corporate clients across employment-based immigration work, compliance, and transactional mandates. Eleanor Pelta jointly manages the team with Shannon Donnelly, offering strength in federal litigation for clients challenging immigration decisions related to visa denials, as well as handling contentious investigations before the Department of Justice and Homeland Security. The group continues to be instructed by leading names in the technology, pharmaceuticals, and financial services sectors. Eric Bord leads the immigration compliance practice and advises clients on I-9 and E-Verify issues. In San Francisco, James Vazquez-Azpiri advises corporate clients on business immigration matters including employee transfers, foreign resident worker visas, and restructurings. Also on the West Coast is counsel Christina Gonzaga who maintains an active pro-bono practice representing clients on family-based immigration issues, asylum, and deportation. Laura Garvin is in Miami and acts predominantly for high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs. The department works cross-border across Europe and Asia.

Practice head(s):

Eleanor Pelta; Shannon Donnelly

Other key lawyers:

Eric Bord; James Vazquez-Azpiri; Christina Gonzaga; Laura Garvin

Testimonials

‘This is a top immigration practice with some of the best-known individual contributors (Eleanor Pelta, Eric Bord, Shannon Donnelly).’

‘Great rapport with clients. Truly dedicated to understanding and serving client needs.’

Key clients

Ameriprise Financial

CooperVision

DHL

Extreme Networks

Fujitsu

Nutanix

Proofpoint

Samsung Research America

TIBCO Software

ZEISS

Work highlights

  • Representing Nutanix, a provider of technology infrastructure, on an ongoing basis and with a wide range of complex immigration matters (work and residence permits, visit visas, permanent residence permits, etc.) around the globe.
  • Advised DHL on all aspects of immigration law, from compliance counseling to managing the company’s robust rotational assignment program with the support of a blanket L and E registration. Also assisted with global immigration, including US-Canada transfers.
  • Represented various clients in federal litigation of adverse USCIS decisions as a cost-effective remedy where clients are in danger of losing key foreign talent.

Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Seyfarth Shaw LLP has an ‘exceptional’ immigration practice and continues to be a market leader in business immigration matters for corporates and blue-chip companies. The group has an integrated department spanning employment law and litigation, handling several investigations before federal agencies. Fielding a team of experts across six locations and jointly managed by senior partners Russell Swapp in Boston and Atlanta-based James King; the core group comprises Leon Rodriguez who is singled out for immigration regulatory and policy advice, having been the former director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services until 2017. Also in Washington DC is counsel Dawn Lurie who is noted for EB-5 investment work. Dyann DelVecchio Hilbern in Boston advises corporations, non-profit organizations, and education institutions on F-1 visas, permanent residence, and other US visa work. Sharon Cook and Gabriel Mozes in Atlanta are key members of the team specializing in foreign talent retention and visa issues, respectively. Over in the West Coast, Angelo Paparelli remains a pre-eminent practitioner, handling government investigations.

Practice head(s):

Russell Swapp; James King

Other key lawyers:

Leon Rodriguez ; Dawn Lurie; Dyann DelVecchio Hilbern; Sharon Cook ; Gabriel Mozes; Angelo Paparelli

Testimonials

‘Our account team at Seyfarth is exceptional – they provide a tailored experience to all our employees who greatly value from the legal advice they are given. Seyfarth is a professional firm and provides incredible service through the use of advanced technology and reporting features.’

‘I have worked with this team consistently for years and the people are what stand out the most. The attorneys and paralegals who work on our account team are dedicated individuals who truly value high client service. Gabriel Mozes is our lead attorney and has devoted a large majority of his personal time to servicing our account. We would have a very different looking team without Gabe.’

Work highlights

  • Advised Society For Human Resource Management on employment policy and immigration compliance.
  • Advised clients on a high volume of H-1B Requests for Evidence (RFEs).

Akerman LLP

Akerman LLP’s practice is predominantly led out of Miami and handles business immigration matters for large companies, particularly those in the healthcare and hospitality sectors. Practice head Maria Casablanca has extensive experience in US immigration work and is noted for EB-1 and EB-5 immigrant visas. She also has experience representing employers before ICE audits. Co-chair Denise Gavica Perez handles family-based immigration matters and represents clients before federal agencies including the Department of Labor and Department of State, counting various hospitals and healthcare institutions as key clients. On the employment side, Eric Gordon in West Palm Beach now leads the employment practice and is recommended for litigation and compliance issues. Associate Rachel Perez remains a core part of the team and advises on global transfer of employees.

Practice head(s):

Maria Casablanca; Denise Gavica Perez

Other key lawyers:

Eric Gordon; Rachel Perez

Testimonials

‘Excellent accessibility to our attorney. Very responsive. Goes above and beyond to help us and our clients.’

‘Our attorney really cares about the nurses that we recruit. She takes extra time to speak with them individually if necessary. She is always available when needed. We love working with Denise Gavica Perez and her team.’

Key clients

Sofidel America Corp

Work highlights

  • Represented various hospitals and healthcare entities nationwide in filling vacant medical professional positions, including transferring hundreds of registered nurses to the U.S. in an effort to help hospitals combat the spread of COVID-19.
  • Represented Sofidal America Corp. in filing several requests for consideration by the U.S. consulates/embassies in Italy to consider and grant national interest exceptions for the issuance of L-1A visas to several high level executives and managers of Sofidel America.
  • Represented a Czech national in obtaining an investor visa.

Duane Morris LLP

The team at Duane Morris LLP is led from the West Coast by Lisa Speigel, who handles employment-based immigration matters. The group is active in litigation and government compliance matters, representing companies in a wide range of industry’s including technology, telecommunications and healthcare. In Washington DC, Denyse Sabagh handles immigrant and non-immigrant visas for large corporate including EB-1, EB-5 investor and PERMs. Over on the East Coast, Pierre Bonnefil represents clients before the US Department of Homeland Security. Also in New York is business immigration expert Ted Chiappari who advises on temporary work permits and citizenship matters. The team has an active pro-bono practice.

Practice head(s):

Lisa Spiegel

Other key lawyers:

Denyse Sabagh; Pierre Bonnefil; Ted Chiappari

Testimonials

‘Excellent personal service. Knowledgeable on the legal issues.’

‘Very accessible whenever needed. Always follow through.’

‘They give special attention to each immigration matter. Since immigration tends to run high emotions, their sincerity to every detail enhances employee satisfaction.’

Key clients

Consumer Reports Inc.

International Medical Corps

Maury Bravo (pro bono)

World Resources Institute

Nodal Exchange, LLC

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Inova

Ewing Cole

Migration Policy Institute

PowerTrunk

Consumer Reports Inc.

International Medical Corps

Maury Bravo (pro bono)

World Resources Institute

Nodal Exchange, LLC

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Inova

Ewing Cole

Migration Policy Institute

PowerTrunk

Work highlights

  • Advised World Resources Institute on including difficult cases, compliance and consular processing.
  • Advised Carnegie Endowment for International Peace’s immigration work, including difficult cases, Hs, TNs, Extraordinary Ability and Outstanding Researchers, and consular issues.

Foster LLP

Foster LLP’s Texas-based immigration team provides a comprehensive offering to regional and international clients, managed by Charles Foster. The team has extensive experience in global immigration matters, compliance, and temporary and long-term work visas. In Houston, John Meyer leads on EB-5 investor visa for multinational companies and Avalyn Langemeier handles non-immigrant work visas particularly, H-1B and J-1 waivers. Green card applications are dealt with by Jose PerezNestor Rosin focuses on employee mobility issues and corporate compliance – he also handles immigration litigation. The team also advises on corporate reorganizations and M&A related issues. Managing partner of the Austin office Robert Loughran represents high-net-worth clients, large corporates and finance start-ups, whilst Ryan Chargois leads the firm’s global immigration practice.

Practice head(s):

Charles Foster; Robert Loughran; John Meyer; José Pérez; Nestor Rosin

Other key lawyers:

Avalyn Langemeier; Ryan Chargois

Work highlights

  • Represented over 60 German employers over the last 12 months to assist employees to obtain U.S. work visas at the U.S. Consulates in Germany.
  • Representing a leading international IT company and helps it successfully manage a robust immigration program including the preparation and submission of over 75 PERM labor certification cases for existing foreign national employees and over 100 H-1B change of employer petitions.
  • Advised a number of executives and specialized technical workers in securing National Interest Exceptions and Essential Worker approvals to travel to the U.S. to perform critical installation work for various industries.

Greenberg Traurig LLP

The business immigration practice at Greenberg Traurig LLP focuses on employment-related immigration matters and is led by experienced practitioners Laura Reiff in Washington, DC and Ian R. Macdonaldin Atlanta. The team is well-versed in US work visas, compliance and worksite enforcements and investigations for domestic and regional organizations. Co-chair of the group Kristen Ng in Washington DC handles citizenship issues related to the acquisition and retention offoreign talent for employers whilst Martha Schoonover is the name for naturalization issues. In the New York office, key contacts include Kate Kalmykov who handles EB-5 investor programs for large corporations and Nataliya Rymer who focuses on compliance matters, particularly I-9, H-1B and LCA. Other core members of the group include Jennifer Hermansky in Philadelphia who is regularly instructed by healthcare and pharmaceutical sector clients. The team also has an experienced bench of associates dotted around New York and Atlanta.

Practice head(s):

Laura Reiff; Ian R Macdonald; Kristen Ng

Other key lawyers:

Martha Schoonover; Kate Kalmykov

Testimonials

‘The team is hands on and uses out of the box thinking to find solutions.’

‘Laura Reiff is a Partner with a deep understanding of the changing immigration legal landscape. She is also very solution-oriented.’

‘Having worked with five immigration firms, what I find unique about our current relationship with Greenberg Traurig (GT) is the scalability of where our employment projections were when we entered an agreement versus how quickly they exploded in the past 16 months.’

Key clients

City of Miami

Silverstein Properties

Swire Properties US Inc.

Extell New York Regional Center

Odessa Technologies, Inc.

American Business Immigration Coalition (“ABIC”)/Illinois Business Immigration Coalition (“IBIC”)

Swire Pacific Holdings Inc. d/b/a Swire Coca-Cola USA

Silverstein Properties

Work highlights

  • Advised Swire Coca-Cola USA on the transfer of workforce to the United States and related compliance issues.
  • Represented Silverstein Properties in raising EB-5 funds for their Four Seasons downtown project, a $930m hotel and condo project in New York City.
  • Advised Extell New York Regional Center on several high profile corporate real estate projects in New York City structuring more than $500m in EB-5 financing.

Mayer Brown

Mayer Brown’s global mobility and immigration practice group maintains an excellent track record handling complex federal litigation and investigations. The Washington DC based team is active across employment law and advises leading clients on temporary work visas and employee transfers, and has also been assisting on asylum cases and evacuation efforts from Afghanistan on a pro-bono basis. Practice head Elizabeth Espín Stern has extensive experience acting for multinational corporations in the telecommunications sector on immigration policies and mobility. Grace Shie  holds various global banks and financial services companies as key clients. Additions to the team include Carl Risch, who previously served as the Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs and is recommended for nationality law, and counsel Morgan Bailey, who joined from US Citizenship & Immigration Services.

Practice head(s):

Elizabeth Espín Stern; Grace Shie

Other key lawyers:

Carl Risch; Morgan Bailey; Max Del Rey

Testimonials

‘The team is absolutely first-rate. They have unparalleled subject-matter expertise, and a ‘can do’ approach to everything that they do. The team is able to take complex material and simplify it to meet client needs.’

‘Elizabeth Stern is a a marvelous attorney. Liz brings great clarity of thought, wisdom, and an infectious enthusiasm to all that she does. Max Del Rey is a wonderful foil to Liz, is on top of his subject and has a very good style. Other members of the team also provide strong support. The team is also fun to deal with!’

Key clients

Altice

American Credit Association

Schneider Electric

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)

CoStar Group

Leidos

Live Nation Entertainment

International Air Transport Association (IATA)

Northern Trust

Sotheby’s

TP-ICAP

Work highlights

  • Advised Live Nation Entertainment on visa strategy and secured travel clearance for international artists and musicians.
  • Advised Leidos on extraordinary travel solutions, including securing special travel ban exemptions to mitigate the impact of pandemic-related travel bans and border closures.
  • Advising  leading technology company’s senior executives from across global regions on various immigration issues as an ‘executive desk’ service.

Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.

Based in Boston, the immigration group at Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C. has extensive experience advising corporates on business immigration matters. Jointly managed by experienced practitioners Susan Cohen and John Quill, the team handles visa work, particularly H-1B and EB-5 visas for foreign investors, and has seen an increase in activity in national interest exceptions. Special counsel Angel Feng remains a key name in the group and focuses on non-immigrant and employment-based immigrant visas, and compliance matters. Nationality law matters are dealt with by William Coffman, and Douglas Hauer is the authority on the EB-5 investor program. The team maintains an active pro-bono practice and has been involved in securing visas in the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

Practice head(s):

John Quill; Susan Cohen

Other key lawyers:

Angel Feng; William Coffman; Douglas Hauer

Testimonials

‘Mintz is an outstanding firm. Our experience has always been very positive; however, during a recent crisis situation, the firm truly showed their support and how much they care about their clients. We are incredibly grateful to the Mintz team for their invaluable assistance.’

‘I have worked with Doug Hauer and have had a fantastic experience. I cannot express in words the level of support and commitment that my organization has received from Doug. He has been outstanding and has gone far beyond the call of duty. Doug is very experienced, knowledgeable, responsive, smart, creative, well-connected and a wonderful, very decent human being. He is also extremely efficient and uses common sense to advice clients on what their best options are. I would recommend Doug Hauer to anyone.’

Key clients

Various Pro-Bono Afghanistan Parolee Clients

InterActiveCorp (IAC)

Thomson Reuters

Acquia, Inc.

LumiraDx, Inc.

Algorand, Inc.

Tracelink, Inc.

Individuals

Individual, Global Insurance and Financial Services Company

Vimeo

Work highlights

  • Represented various pro-bono Afghanistan parolee clients, and other entities including Senator Ed Markey’s office in response to the immigration challenges caused by the dire humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
  • Represented Acquia as the lead plaintiff in proceedings against USCIS to get the agency to correct erroneous rejections of H-1B petitions.
  • Advised Vimeo on on all immigration challenges brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic, including ensuring that it is able to gain and retain vital talent.

Pryor Cashman LLP

The team at Pryor Cashman LLP is led out of New York by Colleen Caden and has demonstrable strength acting for multinational clients across the pharmaceuticals and entertainment industry. The team handles global mobility issues and advises clients on audits before federal agencies. Maria Fernanda Gandarez remains a key member of the group and has over three decades of experience handling international matters for businesses. Counsel Dina Weinstein is recommended.

Practice head(s):

Colleen Caden

Other key lawyers:

Dina Weinstein; Maria Ganderez

Baker McKenzie LLP

Led out of Chicago, Baker McKenzie LLP leverages its strength across employment and corporate law to provide a full-service to major multinational clients. The team has industry strength in the pharmaceuticals, finance and energy sectors and represents them global mobility matters, international employee transfers and visa permits. Practice head Betsy Morgan retains her expertise in employment-based immigration advice and personnel transfers and also manages the firm’s pro-bono group. Also in the team is Ginger Partee , who focuses on internal audits and worksite inspections by federal agencies, with various engineering and technology companies as key clients. Melissa Allchin handles corporate immigration matters. In Washington DC, associate Matthew Gorman advises on work visa issues, permanent residence and employment certification, with a strong record in acting for pro bono clients before the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. David Serwer departed in early 2022.

Practice head(s):

Betsy Stelle Morgan

Other key lawyers:

Ginger Partee; Matthew Gorman; Melissa Allchin

Key clients

Guardian Media Group

AGCO

Caterpillar

Mozilla Corporation

Veracode

Servier

Work highlights

  • Advising Guardian Media Group on immigration issues including transfers to the US, compliance efforts and regularly provided strategic advice.
  • Representing long-term client AGCO on high level issues related to corporate immigration compliance and day to day advice regarding employment sponsored work permit / visa filings for intracompany assignees and new hires in the US, China, France, Morocco, South Africa and Zambia.
  • Advising Caterpillar on domestic US immigration matters, including end-to-end immigration processes for multiple executives (including c-suite executives).

Cozen O'Connor

Cozen O'Connor handles both immigrant and no-immigrant visa work for domestic and international corporations and businesses. EB-5 investor programs and E-Verify compliance are also key areas of expertise. Scott Bettridge in Miami leads the team which is active in employment-based immigration matters, family-based sponsorship and compliance work. Frances Rayer in Philadelphia advises multinationals on temporary and permanent work visas for foreign nationals. Associate Daniela Barshel is a core member of the group.

Practice head(s):

Scott Bettridge

Other key lawyers:

Frances Rayder; Daniela Barshel

Key clients

Banco Itau International

CONCACAF, Inc.

Plaza Construction

European-American Chamber of Commerce

TMF Group

Rizing

Avison Young

Nordex USA, Inc.

Magic Memories

Costa Farms

Work highlights

  • Advised Banco Itau International, the largest bank in the Southern Hemisphere, and their U.S. subsidiaries on immigration services.
  • Representing TMF Group, the leading provider of critical compliance and administrative services, in supporting their clients with global immigration solutions covering over 80 plus jurisdictions.
  • Advising a wind energy company on over 30 applications for L-1 visas for intracompany transferees, so that they were able to take on staff for a significant new wind farm projects in the United States.

Fisher & Phillips

At Fisher & Phillips, the team has extensive experience advising on global mobility matters and employment-based immigration work. Jointly managed by Seattle-based Davis Bae and Shanon Stevenson in Atlanta, the practice advises on all temporary work visas including H-1B and E-1/E-2, and on the recruitment of foreign talent for multinationals, particularly tech companies and in the hospitality industry. Regional managing partner David Jones in Memphis represents clients in enforcement proceedings before the Department of Justice and the Department of Labor whilst Jocelyn Campanaro in Denver is the key contact for internal audits and government investigations. Over in Atlanta, Jessica Cook Handles I-9 and E-Verify compliance work. The team also has a specialism in National Interest Waiver cases.Up-and-coming partner Ralph Hua in Seattle focuses on business immigration matters and advises on humanitarian relief.

Practice head(s):

Davis Bae; Shanon Stevenson

Other key lawyers:

David Jones; Ralph Hua; Jocelyn Campanaro

Testimonials

‘In the past, I have worked with David Jones and Davis Bae and have enjoyed my collaborations with them. David is always the first person I turn to for advice on complicated immigration issues.’

Key clients

RSM USA

Kiewit Corporation

Fist Technology Federal Credit Union

Work highlights

  • Represented RSM US on more than 300 immigration matters this past year, including H-1Bs, L-1s, E-3s, TNs, PERMs, NIEs and more.
  • Represented Kiewit Corporation on nearly 300 immigration matters this past year. The majority of the work done is related to green card filings (PERMs), but we have also handled H-1Bs, EB-1,2,3s, NIEs and H-4 visa applications.
  • Represented a national staffing company in an ICE audit.

Grossman Young & Hammond

Grossman Young & Hammond is singled out for its handling of complex employment and family-based immigration matters and asylum seeker work, for private individuals and prominent industry leaders. Led by seasoned practitioner Becki Young, the team handles immigration related federal litigation, visa work and international recruitment, as well as a niche in Interpol defense matters for which co-head Sandra Grossman is the key contact. Senior counsel Denise Hammond has extensive experience in compliance issues. Also in the core group is Meg Hobbins who focuses on humanitarian and family-based immigration matters before federal courts. The team has strengthened its offering with several hires including Nikki Whetstone from Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & LoewyRochelle Dramesi from Maggio + Kattar and counsel Amanda Greenwold Wise, who joined from an in-house position.

Practice head(s):

Becki Young; Sandra Grossman

Other key lawyers:

Meg Hobbins; Nikki Whetstone; Rochelle Dramesi; Amanda Greenwold Wise

Testimonials

‘Grossman and Hammond has established a national reputation for excellent immigration work. Their client base is broad with a particular focus on the hospitality industry. They have also created a great niche in Interpol expertise and counseling.’

Sandra Grossman is an expert in Interpol and has testified before Congress as an expert in her field. Denise Hammond is an immigration institution. Becki Young is very knowledgeable and respected in immigration law.’

Working with Sandra and her team was a delightful experience specially if your case is more complicated and takes years. They have treated me with care rather than just being another case for them. They were always on time and on top of every new immigration policy and changes and let me know how it may affect my case. Sandra and her team were very easy to reach out anytime I faced emergency issues to address in a time sensitive way. Their current tech system regarding billing, calls and updates worked great for me.’

Key clients

Thelma Aldana

Quince Pacific

Keswick Hall

A Modo Mio, Inc. dba Et Voila!

Artsy

Verato Inc.

The Dinex Group

Juan Francisco Sandoval

Perfect Sense, Inc.

Fabio Trabocchi Management, LLC

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

Led out of its Washington DC office, the team at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP handles global immigration mandates, sponsorship issues and compliance work for domestic and international corporates. Jointly managed by veteran professional Ian Band and business immigration expert Adam Rosser; the team is active in the healthcare, pharmaceuticals and retail sectors, advising clients on temporary work visas, including H-1B, O-1, and permanent residence matters through PERM. Counsel Suzan Kern handles green card applications for employers and maintains a busy pro-bono immigration practice. At the associate level, Sara Harlow advises on family-based immigration matters whilst Lieselot Whitbeck in Miami is the contact for global workforce transfers.

Practice head(s):

Ian Band; Adam Rosser

Testimonials

‘The team assigned to our account is doing an extraordinary job, especially in the current context. They have all stepped up to provide advice and recommendations needed for our immigration matters, in a very efficient way. The online Tracker system has been a great tool supporting our internal reporting.’

‘Adam Rosser, Helena Abebe and Courtland Witherup are providing an outstanding level of customer service to our employees. They provide clear explanations, help improve our internal processes and address urgent issues in a very timely manner. Their expertise is very appreciated from all our partners.’

Key clients

Ahold Delhaize USA

Arcellx, Inc.

ChildFund International, USA

Form Technologies, Inc.

Ideal Semiconductor Devices Corp

LifeHouse Health Services, LLC

Macrogenics, Inc.

Mediacom Communications Corporation

Neuraly, Inc.

Pyxus International, Inc.

Rapt Studio

Ruffian LLC

Telefonica S.A.

Telxius Cable USA, Inc.

Terumo Medical Corp.

Tombras Group, The

WH Smith PLC

Whole Foods Market Group, Inc.

Laura Devine Attorneys LLC

New-York based immigration specialists Laura Devine Attorneys LLC handles an assortment of multi-jurisdictional matters. Overseen by managing partner Jennifer Stevens , the team has a proven track record spanning over fifteen years advising corporates and industry leaders on staff transfers, sponsored immigration application and post-Brexit advice, remaining a specialist in UK nationality law. Murty Gollakota  was elevated to the partnership in December 2021.

Practice head(s):

Jennifer Stevens

Other key lawyers:

Murty Gollakata

Testimonials

‘They are most importantly very attentive to details and creative in exploring the best scenario for the case in question.’

‘They offer open & friendly communication with options to overcoming challenges.’

‘A powerhouse in the UK – US space. Key strength is seamless coordination of global practices. Very responsive and attuned to client needs. Jennifer Stevens is a strong advocate sensitive to client needs and effective in collaborating with outside counsel.’

McDermott Will & Emery LLP

At McDermott Will & Emery LLP, the immigration practice works closely with the firm’s private client practice to offer an extensive offering across employment law, cross-border trusts and tax work to its corporate clients. The team also represents several German companies operating in the US. Led by Joan-Elisse Carpentier in New York, the group handles non-immigrant and immigrant visa work, compliance matters and employee transfers. Malati Lal is a core member of the team as is associate Abigail Kagan who conducts internal investigations.

Practice head(s):

Joan-Elisse Carpentier

Other key lawyers:

Malati Lal; Abigail Kagan

Key clients

CBS Corporation

CUPIRE

DevelopOnBox

Enstar

Espuña

GMS Solutions

tesa tape

Volunteer Lawyers for The Arts

Wildlife Conservation Society

Bracewell LLP

Bracewell LLP, the immigration practice is led by highly rated Victoria Garcia in San Antonio and has experience acting for both domestic and large multinational companies. The group advises on visa issues, particularly visas for Canada, Mexico and Peru, investigations by the Department of Homeland Security and employment related business immigration work, alongside asylum and refugee issues. The team also advises domestic and international clients on EB-5 investor programs.

Practice head(s):

Victoria Garcia

Testimonials

‘This practice group is proactive – keeping us updated on trends and actions by the USCIS and Executive Orders. I appreciate their diversity of backgrounds and the efficiencies they have developed on billing. I also appreciated being able to use DocuSign during this year – it really made a difference!’

‘Bracewell LLP is very hands-on in all aspects of the Immigrant Employment and Permanent Residence processes. No question is too small or simple for the team to take the time to answer. The amount of Immigration expertise possessed by the legal team quickly establishes credibility and confidence in their recommendations for our company and employees. With the many changes that were made throughout the global pandemic and amid the administration change, Bracewell LLP did an amazing job of keeping us aware of the impact these changes would have on our company and our employees, and how best to address them.’

‘Victoria Garcia – One of Victoria’s many strengths is to take extremely complex legal decisions and explain them in terms that both the employee and employer representatives can understand. Mrs. Garcia is incredibly flexible with her schedule and makes herself available with very short notice for calls with our sponsored employees.’

Key clients

Valero Energy Corporation

NuStar Services Company, LLC

Calpine Corporation

City of San Antonio Acting by and through City Public Service Board (CPS Energy)

Southeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Sirius Computer Solutions

Circle K (formerly CST Services LLC and Valero Retail Holdings Inc.)

Phalanx International (USA), Inc.

Food Safety Net Services, Ltd.

LiquidPower Specialty Products Inc.

Valero Energy Corporation

NuStar Services Company, LLC

Calpine Corporation

City of San Antonio Acting by and through City Public Service Board (CPS Energy)

Southeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Sirius Computer Solutions

Circle K (formerly CST Services LLC and Valero Retail Holdings Inc.)

Phalanx International (USA), Inc.

Food Safety Net Services, Ltd.

LiquidPower Specialty Products Inc.

Work highlights

  • Representing Valero Energy Corporation in all matters related to immigration.
  • Representing NuStar Services Company, LLC in all matters related to immigration.
  • Representing Sirius Computer Solutions in all matters related to immigration.

Dentons

Dentons Cohen & Grigsby’s immigration practice leverages its firm wide capabilities across employment law and corporate to offer multinationals a full-service offering. Based out of Pittsburgh, the team advises on business immigration work and short and long-term visas issues. Lawrence Lebowitz is the key name for family-based immigration matters and has a strong record advising on US citizenship issues, whilst Alexa Forte focuses on compliance. Also in Pittsburgh is co-chair Alexander Castrodale who handles immigrant and non-immigrant visa, particularly EB-1 visas. The team also has a presence on the West Coast with Silicon Valley co-head Matthew Schulz being the key contact for global mobility issues.

Practice head(s):

Lawrence Lebowitz; Matthew Schulz; Alexa Forte; Alexander Castrodale

Other key lawyers:

Mengci Shao; Lori Chesser; Elizabeth Van Arkel; Natalie Riveria; Eli Dotson

Testimonials

Mengci Shao is very responsible and knowledgable, she is able to give solutions to any difficult immigration matters.’

‘They are less expensive than other area firms, they are incredibly responsive and knowledgeable, and they do a great job sharing work among non-attorneys (who charge less than the attorneys for their time) when possible. They’re easy to work with, creative, and flexible. Can’t say enough good things about this team!’

‘Lori Chesser is incredibly smart and well-connected. She stays abreast of emerging trends and issues and proactively advises us about them. She has a great network, so when new issues arise she can bring questions to her network and get answers. She’s wonderful to work with!

‘The immigration team at Dentons Cohen & Grigsby led by Lawrence Lebowitz combines technical expertise with a high level of service at affordable rates. And now that they are part of the Dentons group, they are also able to leverage the greater resources of the wider firm to support our needs as a multinational business.’

‘The willingness to invest in a long term relationship with a strong understanding of our business. I also appreciate their ability to speak directly with employees in Spanish to explain complicated immigration matters that have significant personal impacts for these employees.’

‘Elizabeth Van Arkel, Lori Chesser, Natalie Riveria, and (more recently) Eli Dotson have provided for us topnotch support, information, and legal expertise during increasingly difficult and complicated immigration processes. They are very responsive, have done in depth research, communicate in an excellent fashion with our pastors, and churches, and with me. In addition to these persons, the support staff at Dentons Davis Brown have gone beyond what I would consider excellent service and support, helping us in the Iowa Annual Conference to understand and make the appropriate decisions in all of our immigration cases.’

Key clients

Driscoll’s Strawberry Associates

Alphonso, Inc.

Yewno

Rockwool

Global Linked Asia

BootstrapLabs

EB-5 Impact Capital Regional Center

ABS-CBN International

GCL New Energy Inc.

Naked Wines

Work highlights

  • Advising Driscoll Strawberry Associates, Inc., – a global agribusiness based in California – global immigration needs in the US, Mexico, China, Australia and Europe.
  • AdvisingRokwool on developing immigration practices to bring key personnel from Europe to the US to open a $220m new manufacturing facility, as well as operate existing US factories.
  • Advised Global Linked Asia on innovative corporate and immigration strategies for companies and high net worth individuals in Vietnam to expand their business presence in the United States.

Greenspoon Marder LLP

Based in New York, the immigration and naturalization practice group at Greenspoon Marder LLP handles the full scope of business immigration matters including visa work and global mobility issues. The team is jointly managed by Nandini P. Nair  in New Jersey and Patricia Gannon in New York, and has seen an increase in activity amidst the pandemic in securing various immigration visas including labor certificates, foreign national visas, and I-9 compliance. Other key team members include Marcela Bermudez  who is the main contact for Spanish and Latin American clients, and senior counsel Michael Schewe, who focuses on corporate business immigration work and employment law.

Practice head(s):

Nandini P. Nair; Patricia Gannon

Work highlights

  • Advising clients on global policy changes, work visas, and international travel bansbecause of COVID-19.
  • Advising clients on securing immigration visas and continuing to represent foreign nationals and workers in obtaining various types of visas, including H-1B, L-1, TN, H-1B1, and E-3 visas.

Husch Blackwell LLP

Husch Blackwell LLP’s business immigration practice is housed in Kansas City, and has a national scope of matters including immigration-related investigations, audits, and visa work. The group is jointly managed by Kelli Meilink and Christine Fabin, and is highlighted for its national interest exemptions work, which has seen an increase of activity during the Covid-19 pandemic. Counsel Toni Blackwood has experience representing employers in compliance audits and investigations by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, whilst senior counsel Carrie Claiborne provides employment law expertise. The team works closely with its Washington DC based government solutions group to handle high-stakes investigations and contentious work.

Practice head(s):

Kelli Meilink; Christine Fabin

Other key lawyers:

Toni Blackwood; Carrie Clairborne

Key clients

Lindt & Sprüngli

Christensen Farms and Feedlots, Inc.

Northwest Missouri State University

Frontmatec

DataChat

Work highlights

  • Assisted DataChat with H-1B Cap cases.

Jackson Lewis P.C.

At Jackson Lewis P.C. team has experience advising on non-immigrant and immigrant visa matters and regulatory compliance work. The team is jointly managed by Omaha-based Amy Peck who handles employment-based immigration law and business immigration expert Otieno Ombok in New York. In Washington DC, co-head of the group Michael H. Neifach advises on border security matters and represent employers in investigations by the Department of Homeland Security. He is supported by Brenda Oliver who joined from Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy in September 2021. Also in DC is Minnie Fu, who co-leads the international employment practice group and is the key contact for employment visas. The team also advises on travel restrictions, particularly amidst the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Practice head(s):

Amy Peck; Michael Neifach; Otieno Ombok

Other key lawyers:

Minnie Fu; Brenda Oliver

Work highlights

  • Represented a company in processing multiple intracompany transferee visa petitions, which in turn established the company’s eligibility to pursue a blanket visa petition.
  • Advised a foreign national employee and his spouse on an approval of adjustment of status.

Polsinelli PC

The immigration team at Polsinelli PC is led out of Kansas City by practice head Jeffrey Bell and has experience advising national and regional healthcare and education sector clients on compliance issues. The team handles global mobility issues, foreign investor matters and work visas. Co-head of the team Denise Drake leads on employment related issues, as does Carlos Ortiz in Chicago who focuses on work visas for foreign employees.

Practice head(s):

Jeffrey Bell; Denise Drake

Other key lawyers:

Carlos Ortiz

Work highlights

  • Advising national and regional health care systems on obtaining hundreds of J-1 visa waivers for health care clients ranging from national and regional health care systems, community hospitals, to private practice groups.
  • Advising a large U.S. non-profit on its immigration visa program.