Editorial: Corporate Immigration in Georgia

01 April 2007

Only one firm has more than a sole representative on the following pages – Paul Hastings Janofsky & Walker LLP. One of its four nominees ranks at the top of our research: the “very strong” Daryl Buffenstein, chair of the national immigration group and a former president and general counsel of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). Sources noted that he is “well regarded both locally and nationally” and “the leader of the Georgia Immigration Bar”. The “extremely competent” Deborah Marlowe co-chairs the global immigration practice group and was consistently recommended to researchers. Marlowe has a broad practice representing multinationals and internationally active companies before the Department of Labor with regard to immigration issues such as alien employment certification. The “exceptional” Karen Koenig was desribed as “young and talented”. Koenig is experienced in representing clients at US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices throughout the US and at American Consulates abroad. She currently co-chairs the immigration committee of the American Bar Association’s section of labour and employment law. Kyle Sherman is particularly knowledgeable on the immigration issues surrounding corporate reorganisations as well as mergers and acquisitions. Sherman chairs AILA’s Atlanta chapter and forms part of what one respondent called “an exceptionally strong group”.

Charles Kuck of Kuck Casablanca LLC is “very well known in the field” and he maintains an extremely diverse practice. The firm has handled numerous cases in Federal District Court regarding mandamus of naturalisation cases alongside labour certifications, H-1B visas, L-1 and, E-2 investment visas. The firm also recently assisted, on the US side, in the creation of a new international consultancy with a little-used L-1 blanket petition for such firms. The “softly spoken and exceptionally talented” Robert Banta, of immigration specialist Banta Immigration Law, was also consistently endorsed by some of the practice area’s leading lights. The firm’s diverse client base ranges from start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations. Dale Schwartz, who has his own firm, is praised as having “started the practice of corporate immigration in Georgia and is the dean of the state’s immigration bar”. Schwartz maintains a diverse client base from the manufacturing, finance, textiles, and shipping and transportation industries. The “phenomenal” Jay Solomon runs “an excellent boutique” with a strong focus on the IT and software industries. A “highly competent” practitioner, he is “very computer-savvy and does a great job for his clients” according to one source.

Mark Newman, of Troutman Sanders LLP (“the guy I call when I need information,” according to one source; and “extremely competent” according to another), served as lead counsel in federal class action proceedings to acquire lawful permanent residence for over 100,000 Cubans. Myron Kramer of Kramer & Alfano PC was variously described as “very competent”, “decent” and “outstanding”. Kramer emerges as one of the leaders in the state, with one respondent noting “I most admire Kramer and Associates as they are extremely sensitive to their clients’ needs and provide excellent legal counsel. Myron knows the law in depth but is also very practical. They treat people with respect and honesty.”

The “fantastic” Romy Kapoor founded Kapoor & Associates in 1998 and has built a reputation as an “outstanding attorney”. The firm maintains a diverse client base working for corporations and start-ups from the professional and IT sectors. Teri Simmons represents Arnall Golden Gregory LLP and directs the firm’s international/ immigration practice team. Simmons’s practice has a German dimension thanks to years spent living and working in the country. Joycelyn Fleming manages the business immigration department at Ford & Harrison and is similarly well regarded. Fleming represents US and international corporations in the transfer of foreign employees as well as outbound visas for other countries, and was also recommended for her knowledge of the immigration implications of M&A transactions. Clients come from sectors such as industry, technology and health care. Sharon Cook Poorak comes recommended as an experienced practitioner and practises at the firm Frazier Soloway & Poorak PC.

Alston & Bird LLP’s immigration group consists of three lawyers and 11 paralegals, representing The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, UPS, The New York Mets, gategourmet, Bertelsmann and BMG Music to name but a few. With good corporate credentials, the “exceptionally sharp” Eileen Scofield is well-resourced to advise on M&A-related immigration issues; and our research indicates that she is one of the leaders in the state. The firm’s practice primarily deals with the flow of individuals in and out of the US. Over the years they have helped send employees to Spain, Canada, Ireland, England, Brazil and Mexico. The firm was also recommended for its knowledge of I-9 government audits.

Rebecca Sigmund is “well regarded” as practice group leader of the immigration team at Powell Goldstein LLP. Sigmund represents US and foreign corporations as well as individuals, and has a strong practice advising clients on compliance procedures. David Whitlock, who practises in the Atlanta office of labour firm Fisher & Phillips LLP, is recommended as a “sound operator”, working exclusively in business immigration (with strong visa and I-9 compliance practices). Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak & Stewart PC is another firm with a renowned labour and employment practice. Robert Johnson is rated as “young and very good” – he currently represents over 100 multinational US companies with regard to their business visa requirements. George Lee of Lee Immigration Law Group is primarily known for his business immigration practice but is also recommended for family and deportation work. Lee maintains a broad client base, which includes a Canadian telecoms company, a German electronics company and a Japanese steak house. Beryl Farris runs her own firm in the city of Atlanta. Recommended as “an exceptional practitioner”, her practice covers a full array of immigration-related advice.

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