Senior In-House Immigration Counsel

Description:

Position Summary:
The Company is seeking a senior-level, hands-on In-House Immigration Attorney to directly manage a high-volume, employment-based immigration program. This role has primary responsibility for H-1B, L-1, and related nonimmigrant visa categories and supports a workforce with a significant population of foreign national employees, including Chinese nationals.

This is an operational in-house role, not a policy-only or oversight position. The attorney will personally handle day-to-day immigration matters while coordinating closely with Human Resources, Talent Acquisition, and business leadership to ensure timely, compliant, and business-aligned outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Immigration Case Management (Hands-On)
• Personally manage end-to-end employment-based immigration matters, including:
• H-1B (cap and cap-exempt filings, extensions, amendments, and RFEs)
• L-1A and L-1B (new petitions, blanket filings, extensions, and changes of employer)
• Other nonimmigrant categories such as TN, E-3, O-1, and F-1 OPT/STEM, as needed
• Advise business and HR partners on visa strategy, timing, and risk in a high-volume environment.
• Support and manage employment-based permanent residence matters, including PERM, I-140, and I-485 filings, as applicable. The PERM program is expected to be moderate in volume and business driven.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable USCIS, Department of Labor, and Department of State regulations.
• Maintain and oversee Public Access Files and related immigration recordkeeping.
• Partner with Human Resources on I-9 and E-Verify compliance; HR retains primary ownership of the I-9 process, with Legal providing guidance, audit support, and risk mitigation.
• Manage government audits, site visits, RFEs, NOIDs, and other agency inquiries.
• Monitor changes in immigration law, policy, and adjudication trends and advise leadership accordingly.

Stakeholder and Cross-Functional Support

• Work closely with Human Resources, Talent Acquisition, and other business leaders on workforce planning and immigration support needs.
• Provide clear, practical guidance to managers and employees regarding immigration processes, timelines, and expectations.
• Advise on travel, visa stamping, and change-of-status considerations for foreign national employees.

Vendor and Program Oversight

• Coordinate with outside immigration counsel and vendors as appropriate.
• Ensure high-quality, cost-effective service delivery and alignment with business needs.
• Develop and maintain internal immigration policies, procedures, and tracking systems.

Required Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited U.S. law school.
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of employment-based immigration experience.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience managing high-volume H-1B and L-1 programs.
• Experience supporting immigration needs for a workforce with a significant foreign national population.
• Strong working knowledge of USCIS, Department of Labor, and Department of State processes.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, on-site business environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior in-house immigration experience strongly preferred.
• Experience in manufacturing, technology, or industrial environments.
• Experience managing government audits or site inspections.
• Familiarity with immigration case management systems.
• Mandarin language skills are a plus but are not required.

Compensation:
The anticipated base salary range for this position is $175,000 to $215,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and internal equity. This role is eligible for participation in the Company's bonus and benefits programs.

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