Associate-Business Immigration

JOB TITLE:
Business Immigration Associate

LOCATION: Lexington

STATUS: Exempt

SUMMARY:
As a Business Immigration Associate in Stoll Keenon Ogden's immigration law practice, you will have the opportunity to assist corporate clients navigate complex immigration issues in an ever-changing legal field. In this role, Associates support other attorneys and Members of the Firm in delivering outstanding legal services to the Firm's clients. The ideal Associate will have a strong background and interest in employment-based immigration law, including immigrant and nonimmigrant employment immigration matters, regulation, drafting, and counseling skills, and possess strong verbal and written communication skills.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee and mentor case managers in the preparation and filing of the immigrant (PERM, EB1A, B & C, EB-2, EB-3, I-140, and I-485) and nonimmigrant (H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-2, E-3) petitions and applications with government agencies and consulates.
• Provide strategic guidance to corporate clients on complex immigration matters (e.g., PERM labor certification, I-9 and E-Verify compliance).
• Utilize platforms such as AILA, AILALINK, Lexis Nexis, and West Law to retrieve and analyze legal materials relevant to provide clear, concise summaries of legal research findings to clients and internal teams.
• Maintain excellent and punctual communication with clients, attorneys, and government agencies (e.g., USCIS).
• Utilize and maintain proficiency with immigration-specific case management systems (e.g., Law Logix and USCIS Online Account).
• Stay current on immigration news and developments as they relate to the practice.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ability to demonstrate outstanding legal research, analysis, and written/oral communication skills on a consistent basis.
• Maintain demand for his/her services sufficient to maintain minimum required goals through excellent and responsive work product.
• Demonstrate ability to maintain and enhance existing client relationships, evidenced by requests from Firm Members and Firm clients for his/her services.
• Assist the Firm in helping to generate new client relationships through research, written work product, presentations, and other specific tasks upon request.
• Provide compassionate and culturally competent client service.
• Satisfaction of continuing legal educational requirements.
• Maintain a professional attitude and appearance with clients, other attorneys, administrative agencies, and anyone associated with a specific client matter.
• Maintain good practice hygiene, including entering time on a daily basis and reviewing any prebills or invoices in a timely manner consistent with the Firm's practices.
• Active participation in immigration law sections of relevant bar associations.
• Attendance at relevant Firm and Practice Group meetings.
• Attendance at law student and associate recruiting events upon request.
• Follow all personnel policies and procedures of the Firm.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• A minimum of three years practicing immigration law.
• Prior experience in employment-based immigration law strongly preferred.
• Understanding of Nonimmigrant categories, including but not limited to H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN, O-1, E-2 and E-3.
• Knowledge of employment-based immigrant processes: PERM labor certification, National Interest Waiver, EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, and consular processing preferred.
• Experience advising on I-9 and related employment eligibility issues preferred.
• Consistently demonstrate personal qualities of honesty, character, leadership, integrity, maturity, and Firm loyalty.
• Proper treatment of attorneys and other team members within the Firm.
• Ability to effectively leverage support team.
• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to multitask.
• Exceptional writing and legal drafting skills.
• Some travel may be required, including the possibility of overnight stays.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with the team and clients.
• Willingness to own mistakes, accept constructive feedback, and work towards progress.
• Admission to state bar association and in good standing.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position requires sitting for the majority of the workday. May lift up to 5 - 10 lbs.

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:

• Assigning attorneys and the Immigration Practice Leader.

The statements contained in this job description are not necessarily all-inclusive; additional duties may be assigned, and requirements may vary from time to time.