Businesses rely on James to make the most complex immigration processes approachable and streamlined. A partner in the firm, he wields the full suite of temporary work visa and permanent residency options with ease and finds solutions, so companies can focus on growth utilizing key international talent. Clients appreciate his creative but candid approach, always planning with the end goal in mind.
Having lived abroad and married to an immigrant, James never loses sight of the personal aspect of the immigration process. Outside of law, he loves to travel with his wife and two children.
Representative Matters
Several Publicly Traded Energy Companies
Oversees L blanket programs for transfers from international offices. Advises on complicated green card applications, including PERM labor certifications and EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 petitions. Successfully obtains authorization from the U.S. Coast Guard for individuals and vessels that allow foreign national employees to work offshore. Provides legal advice on immigration and Department of Labor compliance matters, including I-9 procedures and mergers and acquisitions.
Leading Engineering Staffing Provider
Facilitates immediate placement of workers at numerous off-site locations leveraging E and TN treaty visas, in addition to standard H and L blanket transfers.
Investors/Startups
Routinely obtain E, H, and L visas for small companies, investors, and startups. Has held government to account by successfully litigating in federal court. Transitions many highly skilled workers and entrepreneurs to permanent residency via EB-1A & EB-2 National Interest Waiver self-sponsorship.
Professional Sports Teams/Individual Athletes & Coaches
Represents professional sports teams in obtaining P and O visas for players and coaches. Has obtained temporary work visas and green cards for Olympic medalists, UEFA coach, youth development academies, and numerous individual athletes and coaches.
Individuals
Assists individuals in obtaining K fiancé visas, family based green cards both within the U.S. and at consulates abroad and naturalizing to become U.S. citizens.
Education
University of Houston Law Center, J.D. (2012)
Texas A&M University, B.S. Political Science with honors (2007)
Admissions
State Bar of Texas
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
Awards/Professional Associations
Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association
Member, State Bar of Texas’ Immigration & Nationality Law Section
Texas Aggie Bar Association
Peace Corps Volunteer
Invited Talks
UT Law CLE’s 40th Annual Conference on Immigration and Nationality Law (2016) “Immigration Consequences of Downsizing, Rightsizing, and Similar RIFs”
UT Law CLE’s 41st Annual Conference on Immigration and Nationality Law (2017) “Business Immigration Math 101”
UT Law CLE’s 42nd Annual Conference on Immigration and Nationality Law (2018) “NIVs”
Invited Speaker at the Texas Restaurant Association Marketplace (2021) “Immigration Update: Temporary Protected Status”