Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP, a global business law firm, is seeking an experienced Senior Business Immigration Specialist to support its Immigration Department and work closely with attorneys on a wide range of complex employment-based immigration matters. The ideal candidate will bring strong business immigration experience and the ability to independently manage a high-volume caseload in a fast-paced law firm environment. This role will also assist immigration attorneys in assessing immigration options for corporate clients, obtaining U.S. work authorization for foreign nationals, and maintaining valid visa status for clients’ foreign national populations.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and manage employment-based immigration petitions and applications, including:
- PERM
- I-140 immigrant petitions
- Adjustment of Status (AOS) and Consular Processing (CP)
- H-1B
- L-1
- E-1/E-2
- TN
- Other nonimmigrant and immigrant employment-based matters
- Prepare responses to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and other government correspondence
- Independently manage assigned caseloads and ensure timely completion of filings and case milestones
- Prepare labor certification documents and oversee the labor certification recruitment process
- Prepare letters in support of visa petitions
- Collect, review, and organize supporting evidence and visa documentation from clients
- Communicate professionally with clients regarding case status, documentation, and filing requirements
- Maintain correspondence with clients and provide regular status updates
- Conduct case audits to ensure accuracy and compliance
- Maintain contact with government agencies, including USCIS, DOL, and U.S. consulates/embassies
- Research visa application procedures, requirements, and changes in immigration laws, policies, and procedures
- Maintain accurate case records and client databases, including tracking approval and validity dates of visa petitions
- Utilize immigration case management and tracking systems to manage workflow and documentation
- Assist attorneys and team members with additional immigration-related projects
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree preferred
- 5+ years of U.S. employment-based immigration experience, preferably in a law firm or corporate immigration practice
- Strong experience handling complex business immigration matters from initiation through filing
- Experience in temporary work visas (including but not limited to L-1A, L-1B, E-2, E-1, H-1B, O-1), PERM labor certifications, employment-based immigrant visas, consular representation, adjustment of status applications, and U.S. citizenship
- Ability to independently manage a high-volume caseload with minimal supervision
- Strong attention to detail and highly analytical
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organization skills with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Professional client-service mindset and ability to work collaboratively with attorneys and support staff
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Experience with immigration tracking and case management systems
- Ability to be onsite every day; no remote
Salary is commensurate with experience.
