Immigration: New York

THE FIRM This highly respected firm is solely dedicated to the practice of immigration law and its flagship New York office is well equipped to assist corporate clients with the full spectrum of commercial immigration matters. It routinely advises high-profile companies and individuals on both inbound and outbound visa programs, I-9 compliance and the various investor schemes. The firm also makes frequent contributions to governmental debates around developments in immigration law.

Sources say: "They are efficient and are extremely successful at what they do."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The highly respected Michael Patrick is regarded as an expert on compliance and risk management and is also well acquainted with guiding companies through government audits. He elicits particular praise for his public speaking skills.

Founding partner Austin Fragomen remains a well-known name in the sphere and concentrates on global immigration matters. He also continues to lobby for immigration policy reforms, including calling for interpretative memorandums on immigration regulations. 

THE FIRM This well-regarded group is well known for its representation of artists and leading professionals of extraordinary ability; recently, it was responsible for securing visas for the cast and crew of popular theatrical productions 'War Horse' and 'Billy Elliot'. The firm also advises a variety of Fortune clients on corporate mergers, reorganizations and naturalization.

Sources say: "They're well regarded - excellent attorneys."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Dean of law and a leading light" Theodore Ruthizer advises national clients on all aspects of immigration law and naturalization.

Clients are consistently pleased with Mark Koestler's immigration advice. He is particularly known for his representation of major arts organizations, who frequently request last-minute visa petitions. Koestler also comes highly sought after by clients from the advertising and media spheres. 

Matthew Dunn concentrates on advising members of the healthcare, hospitality and advertising arenas on a variety of immigration matters, most notably compliance issues. 

THE FIRM This experienced team looks after the immigration needs of a range of clients: it advises executives seeking immigration into the USA, as well as large businesses and healthcare systems with foreign recruitment. The group also maintains a fine track record assisting in issues concerning compliance. In addition, it is increasingly involved in contributing to debates on immigration recommendations.

Sources say: "A quality practice." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Top practitioner" Stephen Yale-Loehr is an integral member of the New York immigration community. He is highly sought after for his knowledge of investor issues concerning immigration and for advising clients with regard to EB-5 visa applications.

Hilary Fraser is commonly called upon to guide clients in the technology, engineering and educational sectors through a host of immigration procedures. 

THE FIRM This practice services an impressive list of clients, including The New York Times and HSBC. Its work for the latter has involved overseeing employee relocations on a global scale. As well as advising on corporate compliance issues and visa petitions, the team has recently managed visa audits for companies wishing to overhaul their procedures.

Sources say: "They have given us their undivided attention and treated us with the utmost respect and courtesy."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Grunblatt draws much praise for his work with high-profile clients on visa requirements and immigration compliance. One market source stated: "He is able to foresee obstacles that arise, weigh the alternatives and recommend the course of action that will help us achieve our goals."

THE FIRM This immigration and nationality practice acts for companies and high-profile individuals drawn from a diverse range of sectors, including financial services, healthcare and manufacturing. The group also represents a good choice for assistance on immigration matters for representatives from the publishing and entertainment spheres. The team is highly prized for its foreign language capabilities and is well equipped to advise clients on compliance matters, visa acquisition and US citizenship.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The experienced Ted Chiappari enjoys a "fabulous reputation" in the immigration arena and is particularly sought after by clients to assist with the tax aspects of permanent and temporary relocations. 

Kenneth Schultz advises a number of multinational companies on their visa requirements and also represents individuals faced with loss of citizenship.

THE FIRM This long-established firm boasts a multilingual team capable of offering immigration advice on a number of subspecialties, such as labor certification, permanent residency, enforcement and EB-5 investor programs. It acts for clients drawn from a wide range of sectors, including hospitality and pharmaceuticals. It also has an excellent pedigree advising individuals and companies in the arts and entertainment industry. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Deborah Notkin is regarded in the market as an expert on labor certification, and with her wealth of experience in the immigration field is a good choice for both corporate entities and individuals looking for tailored advice. She is also well versed in deportation work.

"Excellent attorney" Alexis Axelrad is noted for her experience with government agencies and offers advice across the spectrum of immigration and nationality issues.

Seasoned practitioner Philip Kleiner continues to produce a series of webinars, with the aim of clarifying for clients the more ambiguous areas of immigration law. His practice involves counseling corporate clients across a full range of immigration matters, including issues concerned with the hiring of foreign employees.

THE FIRM This firm maintains a focus on business immigration while also representing individuals in the removals and deportations arena. As well as running an effective pro bono clinic, the group advises established multinational corporate clients on visa programs and inbound immigration schemes. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Cyrus Mehta is greatly admired by his peers, who claim that he is "an amazing, capable attorney who has an unusual breadth of experience." Mehta assists business clients with compliance and visa requirements and also maintains an active removals practice. 

THE FIRM This team is able to advise on a range of matters pertaining to international legal mobility, such as exit tax issues and familial legal protection planning. It is also routinely called upon to advise with regard to business compliance and visa petitions. Its holistic approach has enabled it to attract a wide range of global clients, including those from the technology, pharmaceuticals and financial services sectors. 

Sources say: "There are some tricky cases, but we've been 100% successful. We always get a good turnaround time."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stephen Maltby "knows how to deliver." As head of the immigration team, he has in the past year led several outsourced groups dedicated to fully meeting the business immigration needs of a number of major corporations. 

THE FIRM This Rochester-headquartered firm advises universities, hospitals and other clients across a comprehensive range of immigration issues. The firm often advises on the immigration implications of M&A and also maintains excellent credentials concerning visa applications for individuals deemed to be of extraordinary ability.

Sources say: "They have a proven track record and excellent attorneys that have built a solid relationship with our company!"

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients value Margaret Catillaz's "subject matter expertise, practical guidance and capacity for problem solving." Catillaz has a wealth of experience representing clients such as doctors, university professors and entertainers who wish to remain in the USA.

Commentators cite Frank Novak's "ability to communicate processes effectively" and "excellent customer service" as key strengths. He has particular knowledge of labor regulations relating to immigration, and services a range of multinational companies. 

THE FIRM The New York branch of this immigration firm works in tandem with its London office to provide a seamless inbound and outbound US/UK immigration service. With a specific focus on cross-Atlantic immigration, the firm attracts high-profile actors, musicians and executives with a range of immigration needs. The group is also adept at advising large companies on intracompany transfers and general visa applications.

Sources say: "They are committed to providing an excellent service for their clients."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Anastasia Tonello is managing partner of the New York office and a key contact at the firm.

THE FIRM Attorneys at Wormser, Kiely, Galef & Jacobs provide a full range of immigration services to corporate clients. The group advises on compliance, permanent residency and temporary visas to an assortment of clients from the retail, entertainment, hospitality and publishing industries, to name but a few.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Donald Wolfson garners much respect from his peers and is especially recommended for his work on corporate compliance matters.