Search
Contact
Login
Share this article
The Legal 500, a leading publication that analyzes law firms worldwide, has once again ranked Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP (BAL) as a Tier 1 firm. The publication states that BAL “is an outstanding strategic partner and a top choice for multinationals looking to manage global immigration issues.” Clients reported that BAL’s lawyers “stand out as true experts” and that their “high level of expertise brings exceptional value to the table.”
Managing partner Jeremy Fudge is recognized in Dallas as “overseeing a technically excellent group with a service philosophy that far exceeds that of competing firms.” The publication stated that the “extremely efficient” Kortney Gibson is also recommended in Dallas and manages some of the largest immigration programs in the U.S., with a particularly strong showing in the telecom sphere. In Washington DC, partner Lynden Melmed is called an “instantly recognizable name in the immigration space,” noting that his office also includes senior counsel Jeffrey Gorsky, who recently joined from the Visa Office at the Department of State. In San Francisco, The Legal 500 called David Berry an excellent global strategist with strong service management. Berry was nominated to The Legal 500 Hall of Fame for constant praise by clients for continued excellence and for six consecutive years’ recognition as an elite leading lawyer.
About The Legal 500
For 28 years, The Legal 500 has been analyzing the capabilities of law firms across the world, with a comprehensive research program revised and updated every year to bring the most up-to-date vision of the global legal market. The Legal 500 assesses the strengths of law firms in 106 jurisdictions. Research is based on feedback from 250,000 clients worldwide, submissions from law firms and interviews with leading private practice lawyers, and a team of researchers who have unrivalled experience in the legal market.
For the ninth year in a row, BAL is ranked a “Band 1” firm in the Nationwide, California and Texas categories in the newly released 2017 Chambers USA Guide, an annual ranking of the best law firms based on independent research and interviews with lawyers and clients worldwide.
BAL is commended for being a “powerful force in corporate and business immigration with the capacity to handle a range of highly complex matters, with substantial consular, auditing, and compliance experience” according to the Chambers Guide. It is also recognized for its “outstanding immigration team with a stellar track record in a full range of immigration matters.”
Clients have much praise for the firm. One client states, “They take the time to get to know your organization, what you do, the projects you’re involved in. They are able to provide us with the advice we need to make the right business decisions.” Another client affirms, “They’re excellent, very responsive, and creative in helping our business meet its immigration needs.”
Accolades go to BAL’s team for its dedication to excellence and quality service. Partner Susan Wehrer is praised for being an “absolute whiz” and “brilliant lawyer” when handling immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, labor certification issues, and adjusting status applications. Founding Partner David Berry is described as a “top-notch businessman,” and Managing Partner Jeremy Fudge is “proactive” when executing and looking out for client’s interests. Partner Lynden Melmed handles the compliance and government affairs practice. Clients say “He’s able to see immigration programs in a clear manner and identify issues on a higher level.”
About Chambers Global
Chambers, covering 185 jurisdictions, has ranked the best lawyers since 1990 and is known for its strength-in-depth editorial and research team. Chambers publishes an annual guide ranking the world’s best lawyers based on technical expertise, business acumen, prompt delivery, and value for the money. A team of over 170 researchers conducts thousands of interviews worldwide to produce the rankings. Lawyers cannot buy their way into Chamber’s rankings, as a result, its annual directories are considered among the most accurate and reliable.
Copyright © 2017 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
“Berry Appleman & Leiden believes in creating a diverse workforce. But more than simply talk about it, they are doing it.”
Congratulations to BAL, and partners Frieda Garcia, Kortney Gibson and Carla Tarazi for recognition in the Best Lawyers Spring Edition – Women in the Law!
Berry Appleman & Leiden (BAL) is pleased to announce that Kelli Duehning, a senior ranking lawyer at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), has joined the firm. She will practice in the firm’s compliance and government strategies group and will be based in California.
Ms. Duehning most recently managed the Western Law Division of USCIS, where she was responsible for developing and coordinating legal strategies for the Western Region and the Asia/Pacific divisions of the agency. She worked closely with government investigators and federal law enforcement officials and was a close advisor to agency leadership on complex immigration issues.
Ms. Duehning was selected by the agency to serve as counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where she conducted oversight and drafted immigration legislation. Before the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, she served as an Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) Trial Attorney.
“We are thrilled to have Kelli join our team,” said Jeremy Fudge, managing partner of the firm. “We are entering a dynamic time in immigration law, and Kelli’s deep understanding of how the agencies operate and conduct investigations will be a tremendous asset for our clients.”
For over thirty-five years, BAL has been at the forefront of immigration advocacy and has a track record of success representing companies during investigations and audits. Ms. Duehning joins other former government officials at the firm, including Lynden Melmed, former Chief Counsel of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and Jeff Gorsky, former Chief of the Legal Advisory Section at the Department of State.
“It has been a privilege to work at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the professional opportunities have been incredible,” Ms. Duehning said. “But I couldn’t be more excited about joining a firm that is known for its service and integrity and I look forward to supporting the firm’s clients during an exciting time in immigration law.”
Media Contact: Emily Albrecht Senior Director — Marketing & Communications ealbrecht@bal.com 469-559-0174
BAL is ranked as a top firm in the Global-wide category in the newly released Chambers Global Guide, an annual ranking of the best international law firms based on independent research and interviews with lawyers and clients worldwide.
Chambers recognizes BAL as a “highly respected firm specializing in corporate global mobility that offers clients the full spectrum of immigration services in addition to providing policy development and compliance advice. The firm is also particularly renowned for its work in the USA, especially in key jurisdictions such as Silicon Valley, and for its coverage of the UK, Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region.”
BAL is praised for its strong immigration practices, and Chambers sources stated that, “their immigration work is absolutely excellent,” adding, “They provide in-depth analysis on all jurisdictions and have a really high level of expertise.” Sources also noted BAL’s global reach, stating that the team has “a broad international practice and really strong expertise in the USA.”
Notable practitioners listed for BAL include Managing Partner Jeremy Fudge, Founding Partner David Berry, Europe Managing Director Emily King, Asia Managing Director Christina Karl, and Latin America Managing Director Daniela Lima.
Since 1990, Chambers has published an annual guide ranking the world’s best lawyers based on technical expertise, business acumen, prompt delivery, and value for money. A team of over 140 researchers conducts thousands of interviews worldwide to produce the rankings. Lawyers cannot buy their way into Chamber’s rankings; as a result, its annual directories are considered among the most accurate and reliable.
On the March 16th segment of the Fox News show Cavuto Coast to Coast, BAL Partner Lynden Melmed discusses his thoughts surrounding federal judges blocking President Trump’s revised Executive Order travel ban.
Please view the full interview here.
© 2017 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP Attorneys at Law
Middle East Expert Hadi Allawi Leads Team of Immigration Professionals
March 14, 2017 – Berry Appleman & Leiden (BAL) announced today it has officially opened its new regional head office in Dubai. BAL previously announced that Hadi Allawi had been hired as Managing Director, Middle East and North Africa (MENA) from the firm’s London office. Allawi now manages a UAE-based team of experienced professionals dedicated to immigration matters in the MENA region, and is responsible for the strategic positioning and growth of the firm in the region.
Allawi is a recognized MENA expert specializing in business strategy, intelligence and geopolitical risk analysis across multiple industries. Prior to joining BAL, Allawi led the MENA desk of a London-based specialist advisory firm assisting major multinational companies with operations in the region.
“BAL recognizes the importance of the Middle East to our clients, and it is an exciting time to be able to partner with them in a more direct manner,” said BAL managing partner Jeremy Fudge. “Dubai is the starting point for BAL’s presence in the region and we expect to expand our footprint in line with demand.”
“Clients always expect the highest level of service when working with BAL,” said Allawi. “I am delighted to open BAL’s first office in the Middle East. As immigration challenges increase in the region, BAL will be optimally positioned to advise on mobility strategies and immigration issues.”
“We recognize that the Middle East poses unique challenges best addressed by on-site experts. Hadi and his team understand the nuances of the region’s immigration processes and will hone efficiencies and compliance,” said Emily King, Managing Director, Europe.
Founding Partner David Berry was named the Best Lawyers® 2017 Immigration “Lawyer of the Year” in San Francisco.
Mr. Berry’s nomination follows BAL’s recent ranking by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers as a “Best Law Firm.” BAL is also ranked as a “Best Law Firm” in the metropolitan areas of Houston and San Francisco.
Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on an exhaustive peer review evaluation. For the 2017 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©, 7.3 million votes were analyzed, which resulted in almost 55,000 leading lawyers being included in the new edition. Lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed; therefore inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor.
San Francisco, CA — Berry Appleman & Leiden, one of the world’s leading corporate immigration law firms, today announced that Paul Rynerson and Jessica Mullins-Ta are being promoted to Partner.
“Paul and Jessica are two outstanding lawyers doing great work for their clients,” said BAL Managing Partner, Jeremy Fudge. “Paul excels at offering strategic immigration advice to his clients and Jessica thrives in consulting with clients to create solutions to their workforce needs. We look forward to both attorneys continuing their great work as Partners.”
Paul Rynerson previously served as a Senior Associate in the Dallas office of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. His practice focuses on employment-based immigration matters, including immigrant visa matters covering all aspects of the permanent residency process, nonimmigrant visa matters, I-9 and other compliance issues. Rynerson is an expert in managing PERM programs for large technology clients of the firm and also has experience in the finance, energy, non-profit, and manufacturing industries.
Jessica Mullins-Ta previously served as a Senior Associate in the Dallas office of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP, handling a wide array of cases for corporate clients. She serves clients in obtaining nonimmigrant visas, both in the US and abroad, and represents employers of all sizes with labor certification cases. Mullins-Ta also represents clients obtaining permanent residence as International Managers, Outstanding Ability, Researchers, and National Interest Waivers. Her experience includes working with a wide array of corporate clients, including public and private universities, publicly traded international companies, religious organizations, and privately owned companies.
Throughout her career, Mullins-Ta has been a sought-after speaker on corporate immigration, including most recently:
Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers have ranked Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP as a national “Best Law Firm” for a second year running. BAL is also ranked in 2017 as a “Best Law Firm” in the metropolitan areas of Houston, Texas, and San Francisco, Calif.
Firms included on the 2017 “Best Law Firms” list are recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers. Achieving a tiered ranking signals a unique combination of quality law practice and breadth of legal expertise.
The U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys in their field, and review of additional information provided by law firms as part of the formal submission process. To be eligible for a ranking, a law firm must have at least one lawyer listed in the 22nd Edition of The Best Lawyers in America© list for that particular location and specialty.
The 2017 “Best Law Firms” rankings can be seen in their entirety by visiting bestlawfirms.usnews.com.