Associate | Business Immigration

Ellenoff Grossman and Schole LLP; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP in New York is seeking a Business Immigration Associate with 2–3 years of relevant experience to handle nonimmigrant and immigrant petitions for corporate clients.

The role involves collaboration with the Immigration Partner and team, managing diverse matters, and staying current on immigration policy and guidance. Hybrid schedule with in-office requirements.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice in New York.
• 2-3 years of relevant business immigration experience.
• Some family-based immigration experience, including marriage-based applications, and naturalization applications.
• Strong research and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Draft and assemble employer-sponsored nonimmigrant and immigrant visa petitions and applications, including responses to Requests for Evidence and motions.
• Nonimmigrant matters: H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN, B-1, E-1/E-2, F-1.
• Immigrant matters: PERM, NIW, EB-1A, EB-1C, EB-1B.
• Support the PERM Labor Certification process with the U.S. Department of Labor.
• Prepare first drafts of client communications to support senior associates and partners.

Skills

Legal research

Analytical thinking

Written communication

Oral communication

Time management

Client service mindset

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Tools

Case management software

Job description

Job Title: BusinessImmigration Associate

Department/Group: L&E/Immigration

Reports to: Immigration Partner

FLSA Type: Exempt

Hours: 40 hours plus; 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Office Attendance: Hybrid; mandatory three days in the office per week, including Monday. The schedule and any additional in-office attendance will be determined by the Firm or Department Head or may be required based on client needs.

Years of Experience: 2-3years

Compensation: $145-$160,000 depending on class year and experience, plus a discretionary bonus.

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Immigration Associate to join our dynamic legal team. The ideal candidate will have 2-3 years of business immigration experience, including both nonimmigrant and immigrant petitions, and will work closely with the Immigration Partner and team to manage a broad range of matters for corporate clients.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Draft and assemble employer-sponsored nonimmigrant and immigrant visa petitions and applications, including responses to Requests for Evidence and motions.
• Nonimmigrant matters: Specialty Occupation Workers (H-1B), Intracompany Transferees (L-1), Extraordinary Ability (O-1), USMCA Professionals (TN), Business Visitors (B-1), Treaty Traders/Investors (E-1/E-2), Students (F-1).
• Immigrant matters: PERM Labor Certification, National Interest Waiver (NIW), Extraordinary Ability (EB-1A), Multinational Managers/Executives (EB-1C), Outstanding Researchers and Professors (EB-1B).
• Support the PERM Labor Certification process with the U.S. Department of Labor.
• Prepare first drafts of client communications to support senior associates and partners in day-to-day client counseling.
• Track and analyze documentation provided by clients to assess whether it meets the evidentiary standards applicable to nonimmigrant and immigrant matters.
• Assist with family-based immigration matters, including marriage-based applications, and naturalization applications.
• Provide guidance on I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification compliance.
• Manage multiple assignments and deadlines using internal case management tools.
• Stay current on agency guidance, policy changes, and emerging immigration legislation, and assess the impact on client businesses.
• Support client presentations.
• Other ad hoc projects and assignments as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The following qualifications and experience are required to perform this job:

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice in New York.
• 2-3 years of relevant business immigration experience.
• Some family-based immigration experience, including marriage-based applications, and naturalization applications.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with an ability to interpret and apply complex legal concepts.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts to clients and colleagues.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Client service mindset and team oriented.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

COMPETENCIES

The following competencies describe the skills, knowledge, and behaviors required to perform this job:

• Ethics – Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• Interpersonal Skills – Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Judgment – Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Project/Assignment Management – Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and within budget; Manages project team activities.
• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem-solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Analytical – Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
• Customer Service – Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
• Dependability – Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies the appropriate person with an alternate plan.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Continually required to sit.
• Occasionally required to stand.
• Occasionally required to walk.
• Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity.
• Frequently required to talk and hear.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• A fast-paced environment determined by projects to be completed.
• Variances of noise and temperature.
• Possible stress and mental fatigue due to the speed of the office tasks.
• This position is a hybrid position based in our New York office, with three days on-site (currently Monday through Wednesday), and additional in-office or in-person attendance as needed.

SALARY RANGE

$145-$160,000, depending on class year and experience, plus a discretionary bonus.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.