THE FIRM This global corporate immigration firm is one of the largest of its kind in the Western USA. Originating in San Francisco, the firm continues to be a leading market player in Texas from its offices in Dallas and Houston. The group has been adding to its already impressive list of Fortune 500 and Global 500 clients this year, having undertaken work for a major oil company, construction and engineering companies and other clients in the energy, semiconductor and telecoms sectors.
Sources Say: “This group is impressive not only in terms of size, but also for its dedicated practitioners.”
KEY INDIVIDUALS Steven Ladik is managing partner of the Dallas office and a past president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). A recognized authority in the sector, he remains a primary adviser on legislative developments to the International Business Council of the Dallas Chamber of Commerce. Paige Taylor serves on the Nebraska Service Center Liaison Committee for the AILA and focuses on technology, electronics, telecoms and engineering.
THE FIRM The merger in early 2009 of Houston-based immigration boutiques Tindall & Foster and Quan Burdette & Perez has created one of the largest corporate immigration firms in the USA. The newly formed group combines a strong outbound global immigration practice and sterling patented I-9 auditing expertise with excellent litigation capabilities.
Sources Say: “Extraordinarily efficient, thorough in its service and extremely client-oriented.”
KEY INDIVIDUALS Firm cochair Charles Foster is considered a pioneer in this field and remains a highly respected immigration lawyer. Fellow cochair Gordon Quan is similarly esteemed for her immigration expertise, both in Texas and nationally. Judy Lee is a leading expert in employment-related immigration law, with particular expertise in handling nonimmigration visa processing issues. Sources praise her as “unerringly responsive and a standout immigration lawyer.” Kelly Cobb is “an extremely knowledgeable attorney who is able to convey complex legal issues in layman’s terms.” Market observers highlight her expertise in the oil and gas and energy sectors. Clients are impressed by John Meyer’s “fantastic capabilities and great grasp of immigration law.” He is widely known for his work on matters involving Latin America and Europe.
Harry Gee of Law Office of Harry Gee Jr & Associates leads this immigration boutique from Houston. He is lauded as a significant authority on, and pioneer of, state immigration law.
Harry Joe arrived at Jackson Lewis LLP from Winstead in 2009, and continues to build on his reputation as a leader in all areas of immigration. He has particular strength in handling matters for the state's Native American community. Austin-based
Paul Parsons of Paul Parsons PC is admired as preeminent when it comes to representing families and individuals; he also handles employment-related immigration work. According to sources, he
"is excellent at digging deep and solving his clients' problems." The talented
Cindy Kang is head of the immigration team at Fulbright & Jaworski LLP and has a broad-ranging employment-related immigration practice. Clients find her
"wonderful to work with." Irina Plumlee leads the team at Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP in Dallas. In addition to
"being attuned to policy and legislative changes," she is praised for
"goes above and beyond to ensure client satisfaction." Austin-based
Brian Graham, of Strasburger & Price LLP, is an expert in a wide array of immigration matters. Interviewees describe him as
"a sophisticated thinker with the ability to resolve complex immigration problems quickly and effectively." Peter Williamson of Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Martin has a fine reputation as a long-standing figure in the local immigration and nationality law circles. He is
"good across the board," and has extensive expertise in litigation, removal and appellate cases. Leader of the immigration practice at Haynes and Boone, LLP
Leigh Ganchan advises corporate clients on the gamut of employment-related immigration matters, but is also known for her advice to individuals and her ability in litigation.
Victoria Garcia of Bracewell & Giuliani LLP is a new entry to the tables this year. With a strong background in labor and employment work, she earns praise for her
"thorough, responsive and knowledgeable legal analysis." One source asserts:
"Her answers to complex questions are comprehensive, and yet easily understandable from a layman's perspective." Kathleen Walker of Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated is a former national president of the AILA.
“Pragmatic in her thinking and judicious in her advice,” she attracts praise for her trade and border-related knowledge.
“She is one of the most informed lawyers in the country" in this area, report sources.