Navigating Complexities. Opening Opportunities.

For over 25 years, Ms. Sostrin has represented a diverse array of clients both nationally and globally, handling all aspects of employment-based immigration for leading academic institutions, medical centers, and entertainment companies. In her work that focuses on visas for the immigration of individuals with extraordinary abilities, she has established an exceptional record of winning complex cases. This singular success has translated into frequent speaking engagements at regional, national, and international conferences, as well as authorship and editorship of many distinguished legal publications, including Kurzban’s Immigration Law Sourcebook. In addition, Ms. Sostrin is frequently sought out by the national media to provide perspective and commentary on immigration policies, and she has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Bloomberg Law, Politico, Billboard, National Public Radio, PBS, and The Globe & Mail. 

With growing restrictions and intricacies within immigration policies, Ms. Sostrin’s experience and insight in managing challenging cases is more invaluable than ever to her clients, as well as colleagues within the legal community who often seek her counsel. In recognition of Ms. Sostrin’s contributions to the field of immigration, Who’s Who of Corporate Immigration Lawyers has bestowed on her the prestigious designation of “Thought Leader.” With this distinction, she joins a select group of practitioners whom Who’s Who not only recognizes for their “expertise and experience advising on some of the world’s most significant and cutting-edge legal matters, but also their ability to innovate, inspire, and go above and beyond to deliver for their clients.” She has also been selected as “Lawyer of the Year” in Immigration Law in Los Angeles by Best Lawyers of America. In addition to Who’s Who, Ms. Sostrin has been listed in several other publications that feature top attorneys based on extensive peer review, including The Best Lawyers in America, U.S. News & World Report Best Lawyers, Chambers USA, as well as the Los Angeles Business Journal, which named her to their “Women of Influence: Attorneys 2024” list. 

Ms. Sostrin is a member of the highly esteemed IMMLAW®, a consortium of 25 prominent attorneys who are advancing the practice of immigration law. She is also a board member of the International Medical Graduate (IMG) Taskforce. Over the years, Ms. Sostrin has served in various leadership positions on behalf of AILA, including the USCIS Headquarters Benefits Policy Committee, Business Immigration Response Team, and the California Service Center Liaison Committee, which she chaired for several years. For her outstanding service to AILA’s mission, she was honored with AILA’s President’s Commendations and AILA Rome District Chapter’s Bob Heiserman Memorial Service Award. 

Professional Service and Affiliations

• Member, IMMLAW, representing Los Angeles, CA, 2023 to Present
• Chair, Vice Chair, and Member of multiple national and international immigration law conference committees of AILA, AILA Rome District Chapter, and Physician Immigration Law Institute, 2006 to Present
• Senior Editor, Immigration Practice Pointers and Immigration & Nationality Law Handbook, 2005 to Present
• Board Member, International Medical Graduate (IMG) Taskforce, 2000 to Present
• Member, AILA USCIS HQ (Benefits Policy) Liaison Committee, 2019 to 2022
• Editor, Immigration Options for Academics & Researchers, Third Edition, 2021; Second Edition, 2011
• Editor, Kurzban's Immigration Law Sourcebook, 2020, 2018, 2014
• Member, AILA Business Immigration Response Team, 2018 to 2019
• Member, AILA Arts, Culture, Entertainment & Science Committee, 2016 to 2017; 2014 to 2015
• Member, AILA Annual Conference Committee, 2016 to 2017, 2014 to 2015
• Chair, AILA-California Service Center Liaison Committee, 2011 to 2014; 2006 to 2008
• Member, AILA Service Center Operations Committee, 2011 to 2014; 2006 to 2008
• Vice Chair, AILA Healthcare Professional/Physician Committee, 2009 to 2010
• Vice Chair, AILA Board of Publications, 2008 to 2009
• Member, AILA Board of Publications, 2008 to 2010
• Associate Editor, Immigration Options for Physicians, Third Edition, 2008; Second Edition, 2004
• Member, Board of Directors, HIAS, 2004 to 2009
• Member, AILA-California Service Center Liaison Committee, 2002 to 2006

Honors

·       Listed in the Los Angeles Business Journal among the “Women of Influence: Attorneys 2024”

• Awarded Robert Heiserman Memorial Award for outstanding contributions by AILA's Rome District Chapter, 2023
• Awarded "Lawyer of the Year" in Immigration Law in Los Angeles by Best Lawyers of America, 2022
• Awarded AILA President's Commendations for Outstanding Service (2021 and 2008)
• Listed in Who's Who of Corporate Immigration Lawyers as "Thought Leader," 2018 to Present
• Listed in U.S. News & World Report Best Lawyers, 2014 to Present
• Listed in Best Lawyers of America, 2012 to Present
• Listed in Chambers USA, 2009 to 2019
• Listed in The International Who's Who of Corporate Immigration Lawyers, 2005 to Present

Education

• Hamline University School of Law, Juris Doctor (J.D.), Minneapolis, Minnesota
• University of Minnesota, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), International Relations, St. Paul, Minnesota

Bar and Court Memberships

• United States Supreme Court
• Minnesota Supreme Court

Publications

• "Tackling O-1, EB-1, and NIW RFEs/NOIDs: Making the Law Your Friend, Not Your Frenemy" (with S. Seltzer), Immigration Options for Academics and Researchers, Third Edition (2021), 181-193.
• "The Kazarian Two-Step," Immigration Options for Academics and Researchers, Third Edition (2021), 229-228; Immigration Options for Academics & Researchers, Second Edition (2011), 247-256.
• "Schedule A, Group II: Immigrant Visa Standards and Practice Tips" (with A. Dgebuadze), Immigration Options for Academics and Researchers, Third Edition (2021), 276-275; Immigration Options for Artists and Entertainers, Second Edition (2020); Immigration Options for Academics & Researchers, Second Edition (2011), 261-270; Immigration & Nationality Law Handbook, 2010-11 Edition (2010).
• "Strategies for Avoiding and Responding to P-1 and O-1 RFEs," (with Steven Ladik, et al.), 2020 AILA ACES Virtual Conference (2020).
• "Strategies for Esteemed Physicians," Physician Immigration Law Institute Handbook (2018).
• "Immigration or Stagnation: Defending the American Experiment," Best Lawyers (2018).
• "Post-Olympic Recap," Benders Immigration Bulletin (2018).
• "O-1 & EB-1A 'Extraordinary' Ability and NIW Petitions: How to 'Know It When You See It' Despite Inconsistent USCIS Adjudications," (with A. Chehrazi et al.), American Immigration Lawyers Association (2017).
• "The New NIW Standard Established by Matter of Dhanasar," (with D. Berger et al.), American Immigration Lawyers Association (2017).
• "Researching the Researchers: Developing Immigrant Visa Petitions for Researchers," (with R. Aronson et al.), Immigration Practice Pointers, 2016-17 Edition (2016).
• "FAQs for Representing IMGs," (with S. Seltzer et al.), Immigration Practice Pointers, 2015-16 Edition (2015).
• "The Mystery of Comparable Evidence," 27th Annual California CLE Conference Handbook (2014).
• "Consultation Requirements for Beneficiaries of O-1 Petitions," (with L. Kushner et al.), Immigration & Nationality Law Handbook, 2014-15 Edition (2014).
• "Demystifying the Final Merits Analysis of Extraordinary Ability," (with R. Caballero, et al.), Immigration & Nationality Law Handbook, 2013-14 Edition (2013).
• "When Eat, Pray, and Love Doesn't Work, Respond, Build and Sue," (with R. Cohen, et al.), Immigration & Nationality Law Handbook, 2012-13 Edition (2012).
• "Seven Things College Counsel Must Know About Immigration Law," (with D. Berger, et al.), Immigration Options for Academics & Researchers, Second Edition (2011), 11-25.
• "Legal Brief: Making a Case for the Extraordinary Scientist," Legal Briefs on Immigration Reform, Robinson Omnimedia Publishing & Studios (2011), 392-402.
• "H-1B Visas for Physicians-in-Training: a Marathon or an Obstacle Course?" (with A. Dgebuadze), The Physician Immigration Book, ILW (2011).
• "Dissecting USCIS' E-1-1 RFE Template" (with S. Seltzer, D. Berger, A. Dgebuadze, D. Butte, and S. Buffett), 13th Annual AILA New York Chapter Immigration Symposium Handbook (2010).
• "State of the Union in the Universe of EB-1 Petitions" (with A. Dgebuadze), Immigration & Nationality Law Handbook, 2010-11 Edition (2010).
• "Responding to Difficult RFEs: 'The Secret' to Winning EB-11, EB-12 and NIW Cases" (with R. Aronson and D. Ware), Immigration & Nationality Law Handbook, 2009-10 Edition (2009).
• "Practical Guide to Conrad Waivers: Thirty, … Two, One, Gone!" (with S. Baker), Immigration Options for Physicians, Third Edition (2009), 45-55.
• "HHS Waivers of the Two-Year Requirement: An Overview of Clinical and Research Waiver Programs," Immigration Options for Physicians, Third Edition (2009), 99-111.
• "Two Suitcases and $70," Passages, The Magazine of HIAS, Spring (2007), 9-10.
• "USCIS California Service Center (CSC) – An Unofficial Guide" (with R. Caudle), 20th Annual California Chapters Conference Handbook (2007).
• "The Revival of Schedule A, Group II: Is 'Exceptional' in Vogue?" Immigration & Nationality Law Handbook, 2006-07 Edition (2006), 443-453. Updated version published in Immigration Options for Artists and Entertainers (2007), 49-59.
• "Employment-Based Petitions Exempt from Labor Certification" (with A. Chehrazi et al.), Immigration & Nationality Law Handbook, 2005-06 Edition (2005), 291-310.
• "How to Prepare an Extraordinary Case for an Academic of Extraordinary Ability," Immigration Options for Academics and Researchers (2005), 157-163.
• "The Top Ten Myths About Extraordinary Ability: What Others May Know, but Would Not Tell You," Immigration & Nationality Law Handbook, 2004-05 Edition (2004), 79-91. Updated version published in Immigration Options for Physicians, Second Edition (2004), 173-185.
• "H-1B Update: Annual Cap Strategies, Current Adjudication Trends, and a Seventh-Year Extension Analysis" (with D. Shenoy et al.), Immigration & Nationality Law Handbook, 2003-04 Edition (2003), 39-53. Reprinted in Travel for Work and Business. Application, Admission, and Re-Entry After 9/11, Revised Edition (2004), 103-116.
• "HHS Waivers of the Two-Year Requirement," Immigration & Nationality Law Handbook, 2002-03 Edition (2002), 141-149. Updated version published in Immigration Options for Physicians, Second Edition (2004), 135-143.
• "Minding Your Os and Ps: Obtaining 'O' and 'P' Visas for Entertainers" (with M. Tomson), The New Face of Immigration (2002), 145-151.
• "Qualifying Scholars, Professors & Researchers for Immigrant Visas Under the First Preference Category: Putting the 'Extra' in Extraordinary and Giving the Outstanding 'Standing,'" Immigration & Nationality Law Handbook, 2002-03 Edition (2002), 176-185.
• "Waivers of the Two-Year Requirement Sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services: Give Us Your Tired, Your Poor, Your Overworked Researchers," Fourth Annual AILA New York Chapter Symposium (2001), 88-98.

Speaking Engagements

• “Therapeutic Jurisprudence,” AILA Rome District Chapter – EMEA 2026 Fall Conference, Marrakesh, Morocco (October 8, 2026) (Discussion Leader).
• “Scaling to Great Heights: Creative Thinking About O-1s,” AILA Rome District Chapter – EMEA 2026 Spring Conference, Geneva, Switzerland (April 24, 2026).
• “Thriving in Immigration Law: Tools for Well Being and Resilience,” AILA 2026 Midwest Regional Conference, Chicago, IL (March 6, 2026) (Discussion Leader).
• “The Extraordinary Doctor,” 2025 Physician Immigration Law Institute, Washington, DC (December 8, 2025).
• “Leveraging Legal Tech for Lawyer Wellbeing and Resilience,” AILA Rome District Chapter – EMEA 2025 Spring Conference, Zagreb, Croatia (May 6, 2025) (Discussion Leader).
• “Employment-Based Client Management - As a Solo or Small Practice,” AILA 2025 Midwest Regional Conference, Chicago, IL (March 7, 2025).
• “The Road Between Ordinary and Extraordinary is Paved with National Interest and Exceptional Ability,” 2025 AILA Midwinter Conference and Webcast, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (January 17, 2025) (Discussion Leader).
• “National Interest Waiver Update,” IMMLAW Fall Conference, Dallas, TX (September 29, 2024).
• “Always Extra, Never Ordinary: a Discission on Extraordinary Ability Petitions O-1 and EB-1,” AILA Annual Conference & Webcast on Immigration Law, Chicago, IL (June 13, 2024).
• “Alternative to PERM – Other EB Pathways to Consider: NIWs, Schedule A Exceptional Ability, and EB-1,” Upper Midwest Immigration Law Conference, Minneapolis, MN (May 17, 2024).
• “Alternatives to PERM,” 2024 Federal Bar Association Immigration Law Conference, Salt Lake City, UT (May 10, 2024) (Discussion Leader).
• “Remote Work and Digital Nomads,” AILA Rome District Chapter – EMEA 2024 Spring Conference, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (March 5, 2024).
• "Graduating from the Bunny Slope: O-1s and E-2s as Alternatives to H-1B for F-1 Students," AILA Midwinter Conference and Webcast, Jackson Hole, WY (January 18, 2024).
• "Pathways to Permanent Residence," Fifth Biennial Physician Immigration Law Institute, Washington, DC (December 4, 2023) (Discussion Leader).
• "Os, Ps, and EB-1s," IMMLAW Fall Conference, Santa Fe, NM (October 21, 2023).
• "Lights, Camera, … Visa?" AILA Fall Conference & Webcast: Athletics, Culture, Entertainment & Science (ACES), Scottsdale, AZ (September 29, 2023) (Discussion Leader).
• "Managing Our Practices & Mental Health: Helping Ourselves While Helping Others," U.S. Immigration Law Conference – Middle East, Tel Aviv, Israel (May 8, 2023) (Discussion Leader).
• "Extraordinary and Outstanding: O-1As and EB-1s for Science and Business," AILA Professional Development Webinar (March 9, 2023).
• "Compensation Structures that Work for Modern Immigration Firms," AILA Business School for Immigration Attorneys Conference & Webcast, Las Vegas, NV (December 6, 2022) (Discussion Leader).
• "The EB-1A, NIW, and Schedule A in Nontraditional Fields," AILA Annual Conference & Webcast on Immigration Law, New York, NE (June 17, 2022).
• "Celebrity Immigration: Os, Ps, and EBs," Upper Midwest Immigration Law Conference, Minneapolis, MN (May 20, 2022).
• "Doc Extraordinnaire," Fourth Biennial Physician Immigration Law Institute, Washington, DC (December 6, 2021) (Discussion Leader).
• "Schedule A, Group II," AILA Fall Conference & Webcast: Athletics, Culture, Entertainment & Science (ACES) & Business Hot Topics, Las Vegas, NV (October 12, 2021) (Discussion Leader).
• "Current NIE, Consular Processing Issues & Trends as they apply to Os/Ps in Athletics, Culture, Entertainment & Science (ACES)," AILA Rome District Chapter – EMEA Chapter's Distance Learning Committee (June 30, 2021).
• "The Impact of COVID on Practicing Immigration Law," AILA Rome District Chapter – EMEA 2021 Virtual Spring Conference (April 27, 2021) (Discussion Leader).
• "Seeking Discretionary Benefits in the Time of COVID-10," AILA University Virtual Roundtable (October 28, 2020).
• "Os and Ps for the Bold and the Beautiful in Arts, Sports and Entertainment," 2020 AILA Athletics, Culture, Entertainment, and Science (ACES) Virtual Conference (October 1, 2020) (Discussion Leader).
• "The Show Must Go On: Strategies for Jumping through the Hoops of an O-1 Extraordinary Ability Petition," 2020 AILA Annual Conference on Immigration Law, San Diego, CA (June 18, 2020) (Discussion Leader) (invited).
• "Representing the Outstanding and Unusual," 2020 Midwest Regional Conference, Chicago, IL (March 13, 2020) (invited).
• "National Interest What? An In-Depth Look at NIWs, Exceptional Ability and Schedule A," 2020 AILA Midwinter Conference: Advanced Business and Removal, Willemstad, Curacao (January 24, 2020).
• "De Student Von Prag" – Transition from F to J to PR," "Babylon Berlin" – Succeeding in an Age of Immigration Chaos, AILA Rome District Chapter Spring Conference, Berlin, Germany (April 29, 2019).
• "Healthcare Workers and High Achievers," 2019 AILA Upper Midwest Immigration Law Conference (March 15, 2019).
• "Strategies for Esteemed Physicians," Physician Immigration Law Institute (December 9, 2018).
• "The Anatomy of Expert Opinion," Webinar of Latin America & Caribbean Chapter of AILA (December 5, 2018).
• "O-1s for the Bold & the Beautiful (and for Less Glamorous Professions in Arts & Entertainment," 2018 AILA Annual Conference on Immigration Law, San Francisco, CA (June 15, 2018).
• "The Road Less Traveled: Alternatives to PERM," 2018 Midwest Regional Conference, Chicago, IL (March 12, 2018).
• "Advanced Strategies for O-1s and P-1s," AILA Rome District Chapter Spring Conference, Madrid, Spain (February 22, 2018).
• "Staying Extraordinary: 'A Star is Born,'" 30th Annual AILA California Chapters Conference Los Angeles, CA (November 11, 2017).
• "An Update on the New Framework for National Interest Waivers," Web Seminar of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (September 7, 2017).
• "To PERM or Not to PERM," 2017 AILA Annual Conference on Immigration Law, New Orleans, LA (June 22, 2017).
• "Quirky Issues in NIVs for IMGs," Physician Immigration Law Institute, Advanced Issues for J-1 Physician Employers & Practitioners, Washington, DC (December 5, 2016).
• "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Dealing with RFEs," 2016 AILA Advanced Business and Removal Issues Conference, New York, NY (October 10, 2016) (Discussion Leader).
• "Researchers Don't Always Wear Lab Coats: Taking Advantage of Special Provisions for Researchers," Annual Conference of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Las Vegas, NV (June 22, 2016).
• "Removing the 'OOPs' from Os and Ps," Web Seminar of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (August 18, 2015).
• "'OMG, I Have an IMG!' Working with International Medical Graduates," Annual Conference of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, National Harbor, MD (June 19, 2015) (Discussion Leader).
• "Extra! Extra! The Latest News on Extraordinary Ability," 2015 Upper Midwest Immigration Conference, Minneapolis, MN (April 24, 2015).
• "Strategies for O-1/EB-1 Petitions of Extraordinary Ability," 27th Annual AILA California Chapters Conference, San Jose, CA (November 14, 2014) (Discussion Leader).
• "O and P Practice: The Changing Landscape for Athletes and Entertainers," Annual Conference of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Boston, MA (June 21, 2014) (Discussion Leader).
• "Service Center Updates," 2014 AILA Midwest Regional Conference, Chicago, IL (March 14, 2014).
• "Strategies & Considerations for Gaining H-1B Cap Exemption," Web Seminar of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (December 12, 2013).
• "Masters: EB-1 in the Age of Kazarian," Annual Conference of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, San Francisco, CA (June 29, 2013) (Discussion Leader).
• "Service Centers Update," 2013 AILA Midwest Regional Conference, Chicago, IL (March 15, 2013).
• "Lifestyles of the Extraordinary and Outstanding," AILA Southern California Chapter Meeting, Los Angeles, CA (November 28, 2012).
• "Immigration Options for Engineers," Annual Conference of the Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers, Dallas, TX (November 16, 2012).
• "California Service Center Update," 25th Annual AILA California Chapters Conference, San Diego, CA (November 9, 2012).
• "Visa Alternatives in a Season of H-1B Drought," Web Seminar of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (October 30, 2012).
• "Responding to Difficult RFEs: EB-2 and EB-3," Annual Conference of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Nashville, TN (June 16, 2012).
• "Service Center Updates/Visa Bulletin Behind the Scenes," 2012 AILA Midwest Regional Conference, Chicago, IL (March 16, 2012).
• "J-1 Waivers In-Depth," Audio Seminar of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (January 31, 2012).
• "Contract Challenges Facing Immigrant Physicians and Their Employers," Web Seminar of the American Health Lawyers Association (November 17, 2011).
• "Immigration Options for Engineers," Annual Conference of the Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers, Anaheim, CA (October 27, 2011).
• "Two Tier or Not Two Tier—Application of the Kazarian Decision in EB-1(1) Extraordinary Ability and EB-1(2) Outstanding Researcher Petitions," Audio Seminar of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (June 30, 2011).
• "EB-1 or NIW: A Strategic Approach," Annual Conference of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, San Diego, CA (June 17, 2011) (Discussion Leader).
• "Practical Tools for Preparing Extraordinary Cases for Academics of Extraordinary Ability," National Association of Foreign Student Advisors (NAFSA) Annual Conference, Vancouver, Canada (June 1, 2011) (Discussion Leader).
• "Two Steps (Forward?): Outstanding Professor and Researcher Petitions after Kazarian," Audio Seminar of the National Association of Foreign Student Advisors (April 4, 2011).
• "My Case Was Denied – Now What Do I Do?" 2011 AILA Midwest Regional Conference, Chicago, IL (March 28, 2011).
• "Immigration Options for Professionals," Eastern Technical Leadership Conference of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Orlando, FL (March 18, 2011).
• "Physicians for Experts: Waivers and Nonimmigrant Visa Options," Audio Seminar of Immigration Lawyers on the Web (February 24, 2011).
• "Friend of Foe? The Relationship between Scholar Advisors and Attorneys," Regional NAFSA Conference, Reno, NV (October 28, 2010) (Discussion Leader).
• "Moving to the Head of the Class – EB-1 and NIW Petitions," Audio Seminar of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (September 14, 2010).
• "Schedule A Professions and Group II: Revisiting an Old Friend," Annual Conference of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, National Harbor, MD (June 30, 2010) (Discussion Leader).
• "Advising Faculty and Staff About Permanent Residence," National Association of Foreign Student Advisors (NAFSA) Annual Conference, Kansas City, MO (June 4, 2010).
• "Alternatives to Labor Certification: EB-1A, EB-1B, and NIW," AILA Spring 2010 Texas Chapter Conference, Austin, TX (April 16, 2010).
• "PERM-Exempt Options," Immigration Options for Physicians: Advanced Strategies for Providing Proper Diagnosis and Treatment, In-Person Conference and Webcast of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (October 30, 2009) (Discussion Leader).
• "National Interest Waivers—New Trends and Tricky Issues," Audio Seminar of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (June 30, 2009) (Discussion Leader).
• "Responding to Extraordinary Ability/NIW RFEs," Annual Conference of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Las Vegas, NV (June 6, 2009) (Discussion Leader).
• "Marriage of Convenience or Real Love? Immigration Law Firms and International Student Offices Can Find the Perfect Relationship," NAFSA Regions I & XII Bi-Regional Conference, Honolulu, HI (November 14, 2008).
• "Silver Into Gold: Transforming Your Case Into EB-1 or NIW," Annual Conference of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Vancouver, Canada (June 26, 2008).
• "The Latest in Business Immigration," Seminar of Sterling Education Services, Pasadena, CA (May 29, 2008).
• "California Service Center Update," Monthly Meeting of the San Diego Chapter of AILA, San Diego, CA (April 16, 2008) (Discussion Leader).
• "Developments at the California Service Center," 20th Annual AILA California Chapters Conference, San Diego, CA (November 8, 2007) (Discussion Leader).
• "Healthcare and Immigration Processes in the Era of Homeland Security: An Update on Recent Developments," Web Seminar of the American Health Lawyers Association (October 24, 2007).
• "Strategies to Solve Processing and Adjudication Delays," Telephone Conference of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (October 11, 2007) (Discussion Leader).
• "Inside Passage: Service Center Navigation Rules," 2007 AILA Alaskan Cruise Conference, Onboard Celebrity Infinity (August 6, 2007).
• "How to Make Exceptional Clients Think You're Extraordinary: Avoiding Quota Pitfalls through Select EB-1 & EB-2 Visa Categories," Web Seminar of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (2007).
• "California Service Center Panel," 19th Annual AILA California Chapters Conference, Monterey, CA (November 4, 2006) (Discussion Leader).
• "Obtaining Green Cards for Professors and Researchers," Regional Conference of National Association of Foreign Student Advisors, Las Vegas, NV (2006) (Discussion Leader).
• "Representing the Best and the Brightest: What's So Special, and How to Prove It," Annual Conference of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, San Antonio, TX (2006) (Discussion Leader).
• "Navigating Through the California Service Center (CSC) For Newer Practitioners," Telephone Conference of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (2006).
• "Bi-Specialization Six Months Later," Telephone Conference of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (2006).
• "Immigration Options for the World's Movers and Shakers: Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Researchers and National Interest Waivers," Audio Conference of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (2005).
• "Employment Based Petitions Exempt from Labor Certification," Annual Conference of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Salt Lake City, UT (2005).
• "Update on the California Service Center of USCIS," 38th Annual Immigration & Naturalization Institute, Practicing Law Institute, San Francisco, CA (2005).
• "H-1B Visas," Business Immigration Law in California Seminar of Lorman Education Services, Los Angeles, CA (2004).
• "Non-Immigrant Visas," 2004 AILA Fundamentals of Immigration Law Practice Conference, Los Angeles, CA (2004).
• "Immigrant Visas: Employment Based," 2004 Fall CLE Conference of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Chicago, IL (2004).
• "Representing the Best and the Brightest," Annual Conference of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Philadelphia, PA (2004).
• "Deconstructing H-1Bs," Annual Conference of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, New Orleans, LA (2003).
• "Professors and Researchers, Occupational Workshop," Annual Conference of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, San Francisco, CA (2002).
• "Visas for Entertainers," 15th Annual AILA California Chapters Conference, Monterrey, CA (2002).
• "Visas for Professionals," Business Immigration Law in California Seminar of Lorman Education Services, Los Angeles, CA (1999).

Multiple lectures on various immigration law topics at the following organizations:

• University of Southern California
• Children's Hospital Los Angeles
• University of California, Los Angeles
• Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
• California Institute of Technology
• Jet Propulsion Laboratory
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
• Argonne National Laboratory
• Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute
• Chapman University
• California State University, Long Beach
• Florida State University
• Florida A&M University
• American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers

Amit Azulay is a Senior Associate Attorney at Sostrin Immigration Group, PC. Ms. Azulay practices employment-based immigration law, working with clients across a variety of industries, including medical centers, academic institutions, and other industry professionals. Her practice focuses on drafting nonimmigrant and immigrant visa cases for a wide range of professionals, including physicians, scientists, engineers, and others who serve at medical centers, institutions of higher education, and innovative companies.

Ms. Azulay received a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Political Science, with an emphasis in International Relations, from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She previously served as a judicial extern to the Honorable Otis D. Wright II in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

Ms. Azulay is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and the International Medical Graduate (IMG) Taskforce.

Wendy Vork is a Senior Case Manager at Sostrin Immigration Group, PC. Her work focuses on applications for adjustment of status, reentry permits, and naturalization.

Ms. Vork earned Bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and Intercultural Ministries from Bryan College, where she graduated magna cum laude.

Hamish Tildesley is a Senior Writer at Sostrin Immigration Group, PC. His areas of work include preparing nonimmigrant petitions for individuals of extraordinary ability in the arts, entertainment, sciences, and business, as well as waivers of the two-year home residence requirement and national interest waivers for physicians who work in federally designated health professional shortage areas.

Mr. Tildesley received his B.A. from Dartmouth College and his M.F.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Jeremy Curtis is a Senior Case Manager at Sostrin Immigration Group, PC. He specializes in drafting nonimmigrant and immigrant visa petitions for academics, researchers, and scientists employed by leading R&D companies and universities. He also prepares petitions for individuals of extraordinary ability in the arts and entertainment.

Mr. Curtis received a Bachelor of Arts degree from West Virginia University, where he majored in Journalism.

Vivian Giang is a Senior Case Manager at Sostrin Immigration Group, PC. Her primary focus is O-1 nonimmigrant visa petitions for individuals of extraordinary ability in the arts and entertainment industries, and P-1 nonimmigrant visa petitions for members of internationally recognized entertainment groups. She also assists with immigrant and nonimmigrant visa petitions for academics and researchers and handles the firm’s social media and online presence.

Ms. Giang holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Gender Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Luna Liu is a Senior Case Manager at Sostrin Immigration Group, PC. She specializes in drafting employment-based permanent residence cases, including PERM Labor Certifications, for a wide range of professionals such as physicians, professors, and other specialists. She also has extensive experience drafting employment-based and family-based adjustment of status applications.

Ms. Liu holds Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Education from the University of Minnesota, and she is fluent in Mandarin Chinese.

Tim Lehnert is a Senior Case Manager at Sostrin Immigration Group, PC. He primarily drafts “extraordinary ability,” “outstanding researcher/professor,” and “national interest waiver” petitions for academics, researchers, scientists, physicians, and entrepreneurs employed by leading universities, medical centers, national labs, and tech firms.

Mr. Lehnert speaks French and has an M.A. in Political Science from McGill University (Montreal, Canada) and an M.A. in English from California State University, Northridge.

Shelly Klees is a Senior Case Manager at Sostrin Immigration Group, PC. Her expertise lies in immigrant visa petitions for individuals of extraordinary ability and for outstanding professors and researchers, as well as O-1 petitions for individuals of extraordinary ability.

Ms. Klees holds a Master’s degree in American History from the University of Northern Colorado and a Bachelor’s degree in History from Metropolitan State University of Denver.

Lina Hauser is a Case Manager at Sostrin Immigration Group, PC. She focuses on employment- based and family-based immigration matters, with an emphasis on adjustment of status applications. She works closely with clients and attorneys to prepare and manage immigration filings while also overseeing client invoicing and billing, ensuring an efficient, accurate, and seamless experience from intake through case completion.

Ms. Hauser brings more than 20 years of customer-service experience, including as a manager and business owner. Her background in leadership, client relations, and operations allows her to provide exceptional support throughout the immigration process.

Kiana Sardari is a Legal Assistant at Sostrin Immigration Group, PC. Ms. Sardari works on nonimmigrant visa cases, primarily drafting O-1 visa petitions for individuals of extraordinary ability at the top of their fields in the sciences, business, arts, and entertainment. Additionally, Ms. Sardari prepares H-1B petitions for professionals in specialty occupations.

Ms. Sardari earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Global Studies and in Media and Cultural Studies from the University of California, Riverside.

Kathryn Eastland is a Legal Assistant at Sostrin Immigration Group, PC. Ms. Eastland focuses on drafting nonimmigrant visa petitions for professionals in H-1B specialty occupations and for USMCA professionals.

Ms. Eastland earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Berkeley, where she majored in Anthropology.

Teri Harris is the Director of Operations at Sostrin Immigration Group, PC, where she oversees human resources and accounting. In addition, she manages the budget and works with firm management to reduce costs, streamline practices, and improve efficiency. Before joining the firm, Ms. Harris accumulated more than 30 years of experience in accounting, finance, human resources, and office management for various law firms.

Ms. Harris graduated from California State University, Northridge, with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

Diane Anderson-Kwan is the Office Administrator at Sostrin Immigration Group, PC. Before joining the firm, she worked for 25 years in the aerospace industry on rocket engines, including the Space Shuttle Main Engine. Her extensive background as an engine test coordinator and as the liaison with NASA test support has given her the organizational, process-improvement, and customer-service skills she brings to Sostrin Immigration Group, where she manages day-to-day office operations.