Immigration Attorney - Employment-Based (Automotive)

At Ellis Porter, our goal is to improve the immigration experience for employers and individuals so they can thrive in a smaller world. To do this, we've built a team of dedicated immigration professionals (we call them Porters) who believe passionately in the economic and cultural benefits that immigration provides to America, and who excel at providing our clients with refreshingly clear guidance, uniquely creative strategies and remarkably responsive service, all with genuine empathy and a personal touch.

Immigration law is very complex and full of constant challenges, but the Ellis Porter team embraces the grind because we love what we do, and who we do it with, and we find great satisfaction in knowing that our work positively, and intimately, impacts our clients.

As a result of our unique approach to delivering immigration legal services, we continue to experience considerable growth, so this is a very exciting time to join the Ellis Porter Team!

Our Culture:

We're also very proud of (and protective of) our culture at Ellis Porter. It's not what you would expect from a typical law firm, because we're not a typical law firm. We take our work seriously, but not ourselves. We don't tolerate drama, and jerks are not allowed. We strive to create an inspiring, authentic, comfortable, and flexible work environment where you are respected, encouraged to bring your whole self to work, and challenged to continue your growth as an immigration professional.

The Position:

As an Employment-based Immigration Attorney on our Automotive team, you will be part of a team of Attorneys and Case Managers that help our corporate automotive clients navigate nonimmigrant work visa issues for their international employees. You will work with employers and employees within the automotive, engineering, manufacturing, and industrial industries to help them seize exciting opportunities in today’s evolving economy - it's truly rewarding work.

You can choose to be based in our Troy, MI or Ann Arbor, MI office, with hybrid remote arrangements also available.

What you will be doing:

• Under the direction of the practice team Director, you'll work with employers and their international employees to develop and implement legal strategies for nonimmigrant work visa matters, including L-1, TN, H-1B, E-1, E-2 and E-3 visas
• Advise clients on the impact to immigration based on current events, changes in the law or government policy, or changes in clients’ corporate structure
• Advise clients on B-1 business visitor issues and travel issues
• Advise clients on the F-1 OPT and CPT issues
• Conduct in-depth conversations with clients to explain nonimmigrant work visa application processes and coordinate with clients to gather detailed supporting information and evidence
• Answer client questions about nonimmigrant work visa application process steps, timelines, and costs
• Prepare and file nonimmigrant work visa applications with the appropriate government offices, in collaboration with fellow Attorneys and Case Managers (paralegals)
• Prepare responses to Requests for Evidence issued by government agencies
• Research legal issues related to nonimmigrant work visa applications and stay informed on the latest immigration law developments
• Provide training to clients related to nonimmigrant work visa and compliance issues
• Review and sign off on employment-based immigration filings before submission to the appropriate government agency

What skills and experience you will bring with you:

• 2 years of experience working in the employment-based immigration field as an attorney, including experience preparing nonimmigrant work visa applications and petitions
• Familiarity with the interplay between the concepts of PERM Labor Certification, nonimmigrant status, and I-140/Adjustment of Status and Immigrant Visas, and each’s impact on the other
• Ability to prioritize and manage a busy caseload in an efficient manner and consistent with numerous inflexible legal deadlines
• Ability to collaborate professionally and effectively with team members
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to break down complex legal concepts into language that is easy for clients to understand
• Patience to conduct frequent, and sometimes somewhat repetitive, educational correspondence and/or calls with clients summarizing their application processes and answering their questions
• High level of attention to detail, emotional intelligence, and empathy
• Pride in delivering highly responsive and proactive client service

What we will provide to you:

• An opportunity to do challenging and highly rewarding work at a fast-growing firm with an inspiring mission
• An opportunity to work with smart, creative, dedicated, and supportive immigration professionals who are quality human beings and enjoyable to be around
• A firm culture that embraces diversity and celebrates international cultures
• People-centered workplace policies and flexible work schedules, including remote work opportunities
• Competitive compensation, health/dental/vision/life insurance benefits, a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions, and a generous paid time off policy
• Casual attire, lots of free food and regular opportunities for exposure to international cuisine and culture

Does this position, and our culture, seem like a good fit for you? If so, we would love to speak with you about joining the Ellis Porter team!

Ellis Porter provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.