Immigration Counsel (Americas)

TKO; Stamford (CT); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sports and entertainment company in Stamford is seeking a qualified lawyer to advise on immigration matters, prepare visa applications, and manage various legal tasks related to employee mobility in the Americas. The ideal candidate will have over three years of experience, a strong background in US immigration law, and exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to navigate complex immigration processes. This is a full-time role at the mid-senior level with competitive opportunities within the vibrant sports and entertainment industry.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in immigration matters, specifically in media and entertainment.
• Strong ability to prioritize and manage a heavy workload.
• Excellent communication skills to explain complex concepts simply.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice on immigration strategy for assigned TKO businesses.
• Prepare applications for visas for employees and talent.
• Advise on immigration aspects of mergers and acquisitions.

Skills

Knowledge of US immigration law

Interpersonal skills

Negotiation skills

Attention to detail

Education

US qualified lawyer

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO) is a premium sports and entertainment company. TKO owns iconic properties including UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization; WWE, the global leader in sports entertainment; and PBR, the world’s premier bull riding organization. Together, these properties reach 210 countries and territories and organize more than 500 live events year‑round, attracting more than three million fans. TKO also services and partners with major sports rights holders through IMG, an industry‑leading global sports marketing agency; and On Location, a global leader in premium experiential hospitality.

Summary:

• Provide advice on Americas immigration strategy for employees, talent and other Americas immigration matters for assigned TKO businesses.
• Prepare applications for employees and talent for the Americas region.
• Liaise with external counsel on strategy and the preparation of applications for employees and talent.
• Pro‑actively manage and track visa milestones and manage the visa petition timeline.
• Assist with responding to requests for evidence or immigration appeals.
• Coordinate with TKO offices internationally regarding visa requirements for employees and talent.
• Work closely with the global mobility team on employee moves worldwide.
• Liaise with TKO businesses to provide commercial, pragmatic and salient advice and guidance on business opportunities.
• Advise on immigration aspects of mergers, acquisitions and divestitures.
• Provide internal updates on the status of Visa processing. Keep all relevant stakeholders informed of any delays in the Visa process.
• Responsible for resolving any concerns regarding the Visa process and escalates to the Vice President, Head of Immigration immediately when necessary
• Advise the businesses on right to work requirements and prevention of illegal working for the Americas region, including I-9 compliance.
• Assist with the creation and implementation of immigration compliance processes, including immigration policies.
• Undertake and manage legal audit tasks, including the maintenance of documentation for inspection, including public access files.
• Ensure immigration case information for assigned TKO businesses in the Americas region is maintained on INS ZOOM immigration platform.
• Develop, implement and conduct training on immigration policies and programs to the businesses.
• Conduct legal research.
• Lead and oversee immigration and paralegals for the assigned TKO businesses in the Americas region, ensuring that all processing for their assigned events are completed accurately and timely.
• Other legal group administrative tasks, including maintaining schedules and databases and providing ad hoc support to VP/Head of Immigration.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• US qualified lawyer who has worked in a commercial environment.
• Strong knowledge of US immigration law and work authorization issues.
• Working knowledge of immigration laws and work authorization issues for the Americas
• 3+ years of experience in immigration matters, with previous experience in media, sport and entertainment immigration matters preferable.
• Previous experience of global immigration matters preferable.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize a varied and heavy workload with the ability to plan ahead.
• Able to work to deadlines with efficiency and accuracy.
• Able to communicate clearly and concisely with clients of all levels both internally and externally.
• Ability to take responsibility and show initiative.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; must be able to interact with a range of personalities and styles in a fast‑paced environment and explain complex concepts to clients and colleagues without legal knowledge and with limited time and patience.
• Outstanding negotiation, drafting, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage global compliance specialists, case managers and paralegals.
• A proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Legal

Industries

• Entertainment Providers and Spectator Sports