The law firm of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., has announced that four of its Members have been selected for inclusion on the list of New York Metro Super Lawyers ® for 2021. Only five percent of New York lawyers are given this honor.

The following Norris McLaughlin, P.A. attorneys were recognized as New York Metro Super Lawyers 2021:

• Joseph A. Farco, Intellectual Property
• Hugh P. Finnegan, Real Estate & Finance
• Jeanne M. Hamburg, Intellectual Property
• Alan Tenenbaum, Intellectual Property

The following attorneys were recognized as New York Metro Super Lawyers Rising Stars 2021:

• Raymond Lahoud, Immigration
• William C. Menard, Immigration
• Kimbrilee M. Weber, Litigation

To be eligible for inclusion in Rising Stars, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger or in practice for ten years or less.

About New York Metro Super Lawyers

New York Metro Super Lawyers, a listing of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, is published in Super Lawyers Magazine. The multi-phased selection process includes independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations.

The magazine, which features the list and profiles of selected attorneys, is distributed to attorneys in the state or region and the ABA-accredited law school libraries. Super Lawyers is also published as a special section in leading city and regional magazines across the country. In the United States, Super Lawyers Magazine is published in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., reaching more than 13 million readers. For more information on the selection process, visit superlawyers.com.

About Norris McLaughlin New York Attorneys

Norris McLaughlin is a multi-practice law firm uniquely positioned to represent middle-market companies, Fortune 500 corporations, and individuals. While the firm’s breadth of services covers all areas of law, the Norris McLaughlin New York attorneys have extensive experience in business, intellectual property, immigration, and cooperative (“co-op”) and condominium law.

The attorneys at Norris McLaughlin come from diverse backgrounds, hold degrees from top U.S. law schools, and regularly serve as leaders in bar associations and various trade groups. They have earned a strong reputation in virtually every area of practice within the realm of commercial law. With many of its attorneys selected as The Best Lawyers In America© each year, in addition to its active repertoire of speaking engagements and legal publications, the firm possesses large-firm talent in a small-firm setting that allows its attorneys to provide service and value to their clients on a personal level. It is the goal of Norris McLaughlin to accommodate the needs of every client with experience, strategic planning, and common courtesy.

The firm opened its first New York office in 1999. In response to the changing needs of the business community, the office expanded and eventually moved from the original space to the office building at 875 Third Avenue in 2004. In 2006, the firm merged with Szold & Brandwen, adding significant real estate, financing, and litigation expertise to the firm. The merger allowed the firm to provide enhanced services to clients and strengthened its commitment to providing a broad range of legal services. Most recently, Norris McLaughlin left its New York home-base of 16 years with goals of continued growth and modernization. This new space in Times Square Tower gives the New York attorneys and staff access to state-of-the-art facilities as well as the technological capabilities to respond more effectively to the demands of the firm’s 21st Century clients.

Posted in: Alan Tenenbaum, Hugh P. Finnegan, Immigration, Intellectual Property, Jeanne Hamburg, Joseph A. Farco, Kimbrilee M. Weber, Litigation, News, Raymond G. Lahoud, Real Estate & Finance, William C. Menard | Tags: Alan Tenenbaum, Hugh P. Finnegan, Immigration, Intellectual Property, Jeanne Hamburg, Joseph A. Farco, Kimbrilee M. Weber, Litigation, Raymond G. Lahoud, Real Estate and Finance, William C. Menard

Immigration Practice Group Chair, Ray Lahoud, was quoted by EB5 Investors Magazine in their article, “New bill can help EB-5 investors get a green card faster, by paying added fee.”

Lahoud discussed the proposed bill and its impact on immigration, particularly on the EB-5 investors’ category. Stating that, “The reconciliation bill provides a pathway to lawful permanent residence for a broad range of individuals in the United States, with varying lawful and unlawful immigration statuses.”

Check out the full article here! https://www.eb5investors.com/blog/eb5-visa-bill-obtain-green-card-faster-fee

Posted in: News, Raymond G. Lahoud | Tags: EB-5, EB-5 Investor Visa Program, EB5 Investor Visa Program

Raymond G. Lahoud, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Chair of its Immigration Law Practice Group, will be a panelist at the 6th Annual Immigration Conference: Beyond the Border, hosted by the NJ Reentry Corporation (“NJRC”). Lahoud and co-panelist Edward Shulman will discuss temporary protection status from 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. All are welcome to attend the live event via Facebook.

As Chair of the Immigration Practice Group, Lahoud oversees a leading team of immigration attorneys, immigration review compliance experts, employer immigration auditors, and paralegals and legal assistants with extensive and continuing immigration law training and significant practice experience.

About the 6th Annual NJRC Immigration Conference: Beyond the Border

New Jersey Reentry Corporation is a nonprofit agency with a social mission to remove all barriers to employment for court involved individuals. In this program, participants receive individualized assessments and treatment plans that first address essential needs, such as housing, treatment, mental health care, medical care, and access to health. Governor Jim McGreevey, who will be monitoring this year’s event, started NJRC and has been the Chairman of the Board since October 2014.

The 6th Annual NJRC Immigration Conference: Beyond the Border begins at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 15 with a welcome from Governor Jim McGreevey, a prayer by Reverend Bolivar Flores and a keynote address from Englewood Mayor Michael Wildes. At 11:15 a.m., McGreevey will begin moderating a panel of national and state experts on the following topics:

Green Card Renewal with a Criminal Record
Temporary Protection Status
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”)
Family Separations
Asylum and Refuge
Immigration and Custom Enforcement

The event includes a Q&A from participants from 3:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. and a closing benediction by Reverend Raul Ruiz.

The Beyond the Border conference will be live streamed on Facebook from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. ET. Registration is not required and attendance is free.

About Raymond G. Lahoud

Lahoud focuses exclusively on the area of immigration law and deportation defense for individuals, families, small to large domestic and multinational businesses and corporations, employers, international employees, investors, students, professors, researchers, skilled professionals, athletes, and entertainers, in every type of immigration or deportation defense matter—whether domestic or foreign.

Lahoud’s compliance practice includes all non-immigrant and immigrant visas, recruitment of international talent and students, and consular processing, as well as Form I-9 and Department of Labor Wage & Hour Division compliance. Additionally, his immigration litigation practice includes deportation defense of thousands of individuals at the Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, the Administrative Appeals Office, and federal district and circuit courts. In state and federal trial and appellate courts, he seeks post-conviction relief for the underlying crime that led to the removal proceedings and serves as immigration counsel to non-citizens accused of removable crimes. Lahoud’s ability to understand each interaction of criminal law with immigration law has made him a leading expert on issues of “crimmigration.”

Lahoud has received numerous accolades. He has been awarded the “Empire State Pro Bono Counsel Award” each year since 2012, has been selected as “Lead Counsel,” received the Martindale-Hubbell “Platinum Client Champion Award,” and has been included in New York Super Lawyers “Rising Stars.” EB5 Investors, the leading online portal, conference series, and magazine for investors, developers, and EB-5 professionals, has named Lahoud one of the “Top 5 Rising Stars” nationally. He was also named one of the 40 young professionals from the Greater Lehigh Valley as the Lehigh Valley Business 2017 “Forty Under 40” for his commitment to business growth, professional excellence, and the community. Lahoud received his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 2009 and his B.A. in English, summa cum laude, from Lehigh University in 2006.

Posted in: Events, Immigration, Raymond G. Lahoud | Tags: Immigration, Raymond Lahoud

On August 26, Raymond G. Lahoud, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Chair of its Immigration Law Practice Group, spoke to This Week in Legal Blogging Podcast about immigration law and blogging on material that has the potential to be political.

On the podcast, Ray discussed his passion for practicing law, provided insights into blogging, and gave advice on how to cover topics that might be politically sensitive.

About This Week in Legal Blogging Podcast

This Week in Legal Blogging with Bob Ambrogi is a weekly podcast with the best bloggers in the legal community that provides insights on how publishing online brings success for lawyers and legal professionals around the world.

Listen to Episode 047: Raymond Lahoud on immigration law and blogging on material that has the potential to be political.

About Ray Lahoud

Raymond G. Lahoud focuses exclusively on the area of immigration law and deportation defense for individuals, families, small to large domestic and multinational businesses and corporations, employers, international employees, investors, students, professors, researchers, skilled professionals, athletes, and entertainers, in every type of immigration or deportation defense matter—whether domestic or foreign. While Ray’s immigration practice is global in reach, with service to individuals and organizations across the United States and beyond, he is located primarily at the firm’s three globally-linked offices: New York, New York; Bridgewater, New Jersey; and Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Ray’s immigration practice is broad, ranging from areas of corporate and employment immigration and related compliance to immigration litigation before agencies and courts across the United States, for corporations and individuals alike. His experience includes immigrant and non-immigrant visas, visa overstays, immigrants who entered without inspection or authorization, EB-5 investor visas (serving investors, regional centers, and project developers), citizenship and naturalization claims, deportation and removal litigation at the immigration court and all appellate levels, E Visas, E-3 Visas, H-1B Visas, H-2B Visas, L Visas, O Visas, P Visas, Q Visas, R Visas, TN Visas, Exceptional Ability Immigrant Visas, Extraordinary Ability Immigrant Visas, Physician and Nursing Visas, K-1 Visas, K-3 Visas, Multinational Manager/Executive Immigrant Visas, Outstanding Professor/Researcher Immigrant Visas, PERM Labor Certification, Family Petitions, Adjustment of Status, Marriage Petitions, Asylum, VAWA applications, and Immigration Waivers, such as the Visa Waiver Program, National Interest Waivers, Hardship Waivers, and J Waivers.

Ray’s corporate immigration practice includes representing businesses of all sizes, in all corporate immigration and employer immigration compliance matters. He has served nearly every industry, including healthcare, education (community colleges, colleges, universities, students, professors, and researchers), manufacturing, global and domestic employment/talent recruitment, warehousing and distribution, pharmaceutical, economic development, local, county, and state government agencies, non-profit, religious, real estate development and EB-5 investor financing, information technology, marketing, entertainment, and sports. Ray’s corporate immigration and employer immigration compliance practice includes all non-immigrant and immigrant visas, recruitment of international talent and students, and consular processing, as well as Form I-9 and Department of Labor Wage & Hour Division compliance. Further, he has litigated corporate immigration matters before the Department of Labor’s Wage & Hour Division, the Department of Homeland Security’s investigative bodies and agencies, the State Department, the United States Court of Appeals for International Trade, the Customs & Border Protection review board, and federal appellate courts—seeking review of employer immigration compliance and other immigrant and non-immigrant visa issues.

Ray’s immigration litigation practice includes deportation defense of thousands of individuals, at the Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, the Administrative Appeals Office, and federal district and circuit courts. In state and federal trial and appellate courts, he seeks post-conviction relief for the underlying crime that led to the removal proceedings and serves as immigration counsel to non-citizens accused of removable crimes. Ray’s ability to understand each interaction of criminal law with immigration law has made him a leading expert on issues of “crimigration” before state and federal courts reviewing post-conviction relief claims.

Ray has received numerous accolades. He has been awarded the Empire State Pro Bono Counsel Award each year since 2012, has been selected as Lead Counsel, received the Martindale-Hubbell Platinum Client Champion Award, and has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star, ranked as a Top Rated Immigration Attorney in the New York Metro Area. EB5 Investors, the leading online portal, conference series, and magazine for investors, developers, and EB-5 professionals, has named Ray one of the “Top 5 Rising Stars” nationally. He was also included in the Lehigh Valley Business 2021 “Power 30 in Law” and named one of the 40 young professionals from the Greater Lehigh Valley as the Lehigh Valley Business 2017 Forty Under 40 for his commitment to business growth, professional excellence, and the community.

Posted in: Immigration, News, Raymond G. Lahoud | Tags: blog, Immigration Blog

Raymond G. Lahoud, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Chair of its Immigration Practice Group, has been appointed to American Immigration Lawyers Association’s National Member Engagement Committee for the 2021-2022 term.

“As a long-time, devoted member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, I am thrilled to take this next step in my participation by recruiting and mentoring new members,” said Lahoud.

About the American Immigration Lawyers Association

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) liaisons and committee members play an integral part in helping to achieve the association’s mission to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members.

The Member Engagement Committee supports membership growth by actively recruiting and identifying ways to retain members. Members of the committee identify and recruit potential new member leads and contact lapsed members for renewal. The committee also provides input and feedback regarding membership needs, programs, and policies. The responsibility of serving on a national committee carries with it a commitment to hard work, selflessness, and excellence.

About Ray Lahoud

Lahoud focuses his practice exclusively on immigration law and deportation defense for individuals, families, small to large domestic and multinational businesses and corporations, employers, international employees, investors, students, professors, researchers, skilled professionals, athletes, and entertainers, in every type of immigration or deportation defense matter—whether domestic or foreign. His immigration practice is broad, ranging from areas of corporate and employment immigration and related compliance to immigration litigation before agencies and courts across the United States, for corporations and individuals alike.

Lahoud has received numerous accolades. He has been awarded the Empire State Pro Bono Counsel Award each year since 2012, has been selected as Lead Counsel, has received the Martindale-Hubbell Platinum Client Champion Award, and has been named a Super Lawyers® Rising Star, ranked as a Top Rated Immigration Attorney in the New York Metro Area, in which a description of the selection methodology can be found here. EB5 Investors, the leading online portal, conference series, and magazine for investors, developers, and EB-5 professionals, has named Lahoud one of the “Top 5 Rising Stars” nationally. He was also included in the Lehigh Valley Business 2021 “Power 30 in Law” listing and named one of the 40 young professionals from the Greater Lehigh Valley as the Lehigh Valley Business 2017 “Forty Under 40” for his commitment to business growth, professional excellence, and the community.

Lahoud earned his B.A. in English, summa cum laude, from Lehigh University, where he earned Dean’s List; was named a President’s Scholar; was inducted into Phi Beta Delta; received the Williams Award, Treen Scholarship, and Littner Scholarship; and was Editor of The Lehigh Review. He earned his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center, where he earned Dean’s List, received CALI awards in many courses, and worked on the Georgetown Immigration Law Journal.

Posted in: Immigration, News, Raymond G. Lahoud | Tags: Immigration, Raymond G. Lahoud

The law firm of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is pleased to announce that three of its attorneys, Judith A. Harris, Raymond G. Lahoud, and Theodore J. Zeller III, Members of the firm, have been included in the Lehigh Valley Business 2021 “Power 30 in Law” listing.

“My colleagues and I are honored to be recognized by Lehigh Valley Business and are grateful for the community in which we live, work, and play. It is always our pleasure to serve the Lehigh Valley and beyond in any way we can,” said Zeller, Administrative Partner of the Pennsylvania office.

David C. Roberts, Chair of the firm, added, “With deep roots in the Lehigh Valley, Norris McLaughlin takes pride in being a part of the community, not only by providing the necessary legal work but through our attorneys’ dedication to community service and leadership roles.”

About the Power 30 in Law

Although the “Power 30 in Law” listing is not a ranking, it recognizes those who shape the community and impact the way residents in the Lehigh Valley live. The attorneys included help make regulations, settle disputes, and ensure fairness in the Lehigh Valley. Each attorney was asked to introduce themselves and share something personal. For more information and to get to know those recognized, visit lvb.com.

About the Lehigh Valley Attorneys

Judith A. Harris

Harris, Co-Chair of the firm’s Estate, Trust, and Tax Law Practice Group, has over 30 years of experience in the areas of taxation, wills and trusts, estate administration, business matters, and tax-exempt entities. She works with clients to structure the optimal transfer of their wealth and business interests to younger generations with minimal tax consequences.

Harris is President of the Board of Trustees for the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, a board member since 1993 and former officer of the Allentown Symphony Association, and a board member of the Lehigh County Agricultural Society. She is a board member and past president of the Fund to Benefit Children & Youth, Inc., and a former board member and Executive Committee member of the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Harris is also past president of the Estate Planning Council of the Lehigh Valley and served for ten years on the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority board of governors. From 1993 to 2000, she was an adjunct instructor of “Wills, Trusts, and Estates” at Penn State University’s Lehigh Valley Campus.

Harris was recognized as a “Circle of Excellence” recipient for the Lehigh Valley Business 2021 Women of Influence Awards. She earned her LL.M in Taxation from Villanova University School of Law in 1991; her J.D. from American University in 1986, where she was a published Law Review author; her A.B., cum laude, from Bryn Mawr College in 1983; and a Diploma from the Pushkin Institute, Moscow, USSR, in 1982.

Ray Lahoud

Lahoud, Chair of the firm’s Immigration Practice Group, focuses his practice exclusively on immigration law and deportation defense for individuals, families, small to large domestic and multinational businesses and corporations, employers, international employees, investors, students, professors, researchers, skilled professionals, athletes, and entertainers, in every type of immigration or deportation defense matter—whether domestic or foreign. His immigration practice is broad, ranging from corporate and employment immigration and related compliance to immigration litigation before agencies and courts across the United States, for corporations and individuals alike.

Lahoud has received numerous accolades. He has been awarded the Empire State Pro Bono Counsel Award each year since 2012, has been selected as lead counsel, has received the Martindale-Hubbell Platinum Client Champion Award, and has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star, ranked as a Top Rated Immigration Attorney in the New York Metro Area. EB5 Investors, the leading online portal, conference series, and magazine for investors, developers, and EB-5 professionals, has named Lahoud one of the “Top 5 Rising Stars” nationally. He was also named one of the 40 young professionals from the Greater Lehigh Valley as the Lehigh Valley Business 2017 Forty Under 40 for his commitment to business growth, professional excellence, and the community.

Lahoud earned his B.A. in English, summa cum laude, from Lehigh University, where he earned Dean’s List; was named a President’s Scholar; was inducted into Phi Beta Delta; received the Williams Award, Treen Scholarship, and Littner Scholarship; and was Editor of The Lehigh Review. He earned his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center, where he earned Dean’s List, received CALI awards in many courses, and worked on the Georgetown Immigration Law Journal.

Ted Zeller

Zeller, Chair of the firm’s Liquor Law, Licensing, Manufacturing, and Distribution Industry Group, has extensive experience in liquor law, regulatory licensing, commercial transactions, real estate transactions, and litigation. He began his legal career as a litigator and has tried multiple cases in county and federal court, including jury trials, and hundreds of cases before arbitration panels, district justices, and administrative law judges. Zeller was lead counsel in a beer rights case brought against the world’s largest brewers and now serves as counsel to D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., among others.

Zeller’s lobbying efforts helped to modernize parts of the Pennsylvania liquor code. He has authored numerous provisions that have been enacted into law. The bills helped small brewers by allowing more efficient and cost-effective brand registration and altered the package laws for brewery licenses. Zeller also appeared before the House Liquor Committee with the Brewers of Pennsylvania in the Privatization Hearings. Most importantly, his efforts helped change brewery regulations to allow for taprooms. Zeller also authored the Malt Beverage Tax Excise Credit legislation and has written extensively about Acts 39 and 166. As counsel to the Brewers of Pennsylvania, he worked with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue to enact a new tax law, which imposes a fair sales and use tax on consumer sales by breweries, prior to the effective date of a new Tax Bulletin, which imposed a tax rate that was four times what was subsequently enacted and signed into law.

Zeller was named to The Legal Intelligencer’s 2019 list of “Pennsylvania Trailblazers” because of his contributions that “helped make Pennsylvania the top U.S. producer of domestically-crafted beers and a leader of direct sales to consumers.” He earned his B.A. from the University of Notre Dame in 1989 and his J.D. from The Dickinson School of Law of The Pennsylvania State University in 1992. As a volunteer, Zeller is Chairman of the Allentown Parking Authority and a youth soccer coach.

Posted in: Judith A. Harris, News, Raymond G. Lahoud, Theodore J. Zeller III | Tags: Judith A. Harris, Raymond G. Lahoud, Theodore J. Zeller III

Raymond G. Lahoud, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Chair of its Immigration Law Practice Group, will present the “Crimigration” session as part of the New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA) annual “U.S. Immigration Basics In the Biden/Harris Era and Beyond” program, presented in cooperation with the NJSBA Immigration Law Section and Special Committee on International Law and Organizations.

Immigration Basics In the Biden/Harris Era

Hosted by the New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education, this program is designed for those who want an immigration update or refresher and for those who wish to have a basic understanding of immigration practice and procedure. New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania CLE credits are available, including for ethics as well as diversity and inclusion.

During the “Crimigration” presentation, Ray will address:

• Different Immigration Consequences (Inadmissible v. Removable)
• Convictions
• Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude
• Controlled Substance Convictions/Violations
• Aggravated Felonies
• Criminal Representation with Immigration Consequences

When: Wednesday, June 23, 2021

• Full-Day Webcast: 9:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
• Ray Lahoud’s Presentation: 11:20 – 11:40 a.m.

• NJSBA Member Rate: $159
• NJSBA Section Member Rate: $159
• General Tuition: $199

About Ray Lahoud

Ray focuses exclusively on the area of immigration law and deportation defense for individuals, families, small to large domestic and multinational businesses and corporations, employers, international employees, investors, students, professors, researchers, skilled professionals, athletes, and entertainers, in every type of immigration or deportation defense matter—whether domestic or foreign. While his immigration practice is global in reach, with service to individuals and organizations across the United States and beyond, he is located primarily at the firm’s three globally-linked offices: New York, New York; Bridgewater, New Jersey; and Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Ray’s immigration practice is broad, ranging from areas of corporate and employment immigration and related compliance to immigration litigation before agencies and courts across the United States, for corporations and individuals alike. His experience includes immigrant and non-immigrant visas, visa overstays, immigrants who entered without inspection or authorization, EB-5 investor visas (serving investors, regional centers, and project developers), citizenship and naturalization claims, deportation and removal litigation at the immigration court and all appellate levels, E Visas, E-3 Visas, H-1B Visas, H-2B Visas, L Visas, O Visas, P Visas, Q Visas, R Visas, TN Visas, Exceptional Ability Immigrant Visas, Extraordinary Ability Immigrant Visas, Physician and Nursing Visas, K-1 Visas, K-3 Visas, Multinational Manager/Executive Immigrant Visas, Outstanding Professor/Researcher Immigrant Visas, PERM Labor Certification, Family Petitions, Adjustment of Status, Marriage Petitions, Asylum, VAWA applications, and Immigration Waivers, such as the Visa Waiver Program, National Interest Waivers, Hardship Waivers, and J Waivers.

Ray’s immigration litigation practice includes deportation defense of thousands of individuals, at the Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, the Administrative Appeals Office, and federal district and circuit courts. In state and federal trial and appellate courts, he seeks post-conviction relief for the underlying crime that led to the removal proceedings and serves as immigration counsel to non-citizens accused of removable crimes. Ray’s ability to understand each interaction of criminal law with immigration law has provided him extensive knowledge on issues of “crimmigration” before state and federal courts reviewing post-conviction relief claims.

Posted in: Events, Immigration, Raymond G. Lahoud | Tags: Immigration, Raymond G. Lahoud

Raymond G. Lahoud, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Chair of its Immigration Law Practice Group, has volunteered once again to judge the New York University (NYU) School of Law Moot Court Board’s 2021 National Immigration Law Competition (ILC), to be held virtually through Zoom February 12-14, 2021. Lahoud will judge Preliminary Round 1.8, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m., on Friday, February 12.

“I am honored to participate in the NYU Immigration Law Competition again this year. It is a privilege to see these young minds at work,” said Lahoud.

About the NYU Immigration Law Competition

Since 2006, the NYU Moot Court Board has hosted the ILC annually for NYU Law students and those of other ABA-accredited law schools, concentrating on leading immigration law issues. The competition is judged by a distinguished panel of NYU alumni and New York’s legal practitioners, with the final round judged by federal appellate and district court judges. The two issues on appeal are whether a noncitizen’s failure to register as a sex offender is a crime involving moral turpitude that makes them subject to removal; and whether noncitizens in removal proceedings have a due process right to be made aware of discretionary relief from removal.

About Ray Lahoud

Lahoud focuses his practice exclusively on immigration law and deportation defense for individuals and corporations. Lahoud has received numerous accolades. He has been awarded the Empire State Pro Bono Counsel Award each year since 2012, has been selected as Lead Counsel, has received the Martindale-Hubbell Platinum Client Champion Award, and has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star, ranked as a Top Rated Immigration Attorney in the New York Metro Area. EB5 Investors, the leading online portal, conference series, and magazine for investors, developers, and EB-5 professionals, has named Lahoud one of the “Top 5 Rising Stars” nationally. He was also named one of the 40 young professionals from the Greater Lehigh Valley as the Lehigh Valley Business 2017 Forty Under 40 for his commitment to business growth, professional excellence, and the community.

Lahoud earned his B.A. in English, summa cum laude, from Lehigh University, where he earned Dean’s List; was named a President’s Scholar; was inducted into Phi Beta Delta; received the Williams Award, Treen Scholarship, and Littner Scholarship; and was Editor of The Lehigh Review. He earned his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center, where he earned Dean’s List, received CALI awards in many courses, and worked on the Georgetown Immigration Law Journal.

Posted in: Immigration, News, Raymond G. Lahoud | Tags: Immigration, Raymond G. Lahoud

Raymond G. Lahoud, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Chair of its Immigration Law Practice Group, will be a panelist for “Basic Bars to Asylum” on Friday, February 5, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., at the 2021 New York Asylum & Immigration Law Conference. The sixth annual conference is hosted by the Federal Bar Association Immigration Law Section and the Safe Passage Project at New York Law School.

“Each year, it has been a pleasure to get involved in the New York Asylum & Immigration Law Conference. As much has changed in immigration law this year, I look forward to taking part in this highly-educational event again,” said Lahoud.

About the New York Asylum & Immigration Law Conference

The virtual event, February 5-6, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., provides basic/beginner and advanced tracks and offers up to nine New York CLE credits. Other discussion topics on February 5 include basic asylum, withholding, CAT, the International Human Rights Law, evolving theories of social group, protection, and expedited forms of removal. The following day, the conference will address representing children in asylum claims, presenting a case remotely, and immigration court updates. The event, typically held at New York Law School will also include welcome speeches, closing remarks, and networking opportunities. For more information and to register, visit Eventbrite.

About Ray Lahoud

Lahoud focuses his practice exclusively on immigration law and deportation defense for individuals, families, small to large domestic and multinational businesses and corporations, employers, international employees, investors, students, professors, researchers, skilled professionals, athletes, and entertainers, in every type of immigration or deportation defense matter—whether domestic or foreign. His immigration practice is broad, ranging from areas of corporate and employment immigration and related compliance to immigration litigation before agencies and courts across the United States, for corporations and individuals alike.

Lahoud’s experience includes immigrant and non-immigrant visas, visa overstays, immigrants who entered without inspection or authorization, EB-5 investor visas (serving investors, regional centers, and project developers), citizenship and naturalization claims, deportation and removal litigation at the immigration court and all appellate levels, PERM Labor Certification, Family Petitions, Adjustment of Status, Marriage Petitions, Asylum, VAWA applications, and Immigration Waivers. His immigration litigation practice includes deportation defense of thousands of individuals, at the Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, the Administrative Appeals Office, and federal district and circuit courts. In state and federal trial and appellate courts, Lahoud seeks post-conviction relief for the underlying crime that led to the removal proceedings and serves as immigration counsel to non-citizens accused of removable crimes. His ability to understand each interaction of criminal law with immigration law has made him a leading expert on issues of “crimigration” before state and federal courts reviewing post-conviction relief claims.

Lahoud has received numerous accolades. He has been awarded the Empire State Pro Bono Counsel Award each year since 2012, has been selected as Lead Counsel, received the Martindale-Hubbell Platinum Client Champion Award, and has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star, ranked as a “Top Rated Immigration Attorney” in the New York Metro Area. Lahoud was also named one of the 40 young professionals from the Greater Lehigh Valley as the Lehigh Valley Business 2017 “Forty Under 40” for his commitment to business growth, professional excellence, and the community. He received his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 2009 and his B.A., English, summa cum laude, from Lehigh University in 2006.

Posted in: Immigration, News, Raymond G. Lahoud | Tags: Immigration, Raymond G. Lahoud

Raymond G. Lahoud, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Chair of its Immigration Law Practice Group, and William C. Menard, a Member of the firm, are pleased to present the free webinar, “Immigration Virtual Town Hall: COVID-19 Travel Restrictions and Updates for Businesses, Health Care Providers, Colleges and Universities, and Individuals.”

COVID-19 Travel Restrictions and Updates for Businesses, Health Care Providers, Colleges and Universities, and Individuals

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the American immigration system in a wide range of areas. Large corporations are seeking to transfer employees to the United States from foreign affiliates. Small businesses are interested in hiring foreign workers. Employers are trying to continue employing individuals who are authorized to work under Temporary Protected Status. Overwhelmed and understaffed hospitals are looking to hire and/or retain foreign medical professionals. Colleges and universities are supporting a large roster of foreign students and faculty. Individuals are interested in traveling to and from the United States or seeking to retain or hire au pairs through international agencies. Millions of people have been affected.

This webinar will cover all these issues and provide an update for 2021. Ray and William will discuss:

• Current COVID-19 Travel Restrictions on Visas and Travel to the United States and How These Have Affected a Broad Range of Employers and Employees
• Exceptions to the Travel Restrictions from the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland
• Current Restrictions at the U.S. Border With Canada
• Recent Updates on Extensions of Temporary Protected Status

When: Tuesday, January 26, 2021

noon – 1:00 p.m.

Registration: Eventbrite

This course has been approved for 1.2 Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits in New Jersey. We have provisional approval for CLE credit in Pennsylvania, however, the number of total credits and final approval are still pending. Attorneys seeking CLE credit in New York may apply for credit by submitting a request for credit using a New Jersey CLE certificate.

We strongly encourage you to submit questions in advance of the town hall to be sure we address your specific needs. Please submit your questions by 1:00 p.m., Monday, January 25, 2021, via email to marketing@norris-law.com with “TOWN HALL QUESTION” in the subject line.

About Ray Lahoud

Ray focuses exclusively on the area of immigration law and deportation defense for individuals, families, small to large domestic and multinational businesses and corporations, employers, international employees, investors, students, professors, researchers, skilled professionals, athletes, and entertainers, in every type of immigration or deportation defense matter—whether domestic or foreign. While his immigration practice is global in reach, with service to individuals and organizations across the United States and beyond, he is located primarily at the firm’s three globally-linked offices: New York, New York; Bridgewater, New Jersey; and Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Ray’s immigration practice is broad, ranging from areas of corporate and employment immigration and related compliance to immigration litigation before agencies and courts across the United States, for corporations and individuals alike. His experience includes immigrant and non-immigrant visas, visa overstays, immigrants who entered without inspection or authorization, EB-5 investor visas (serving investors, regional centers, and project developers), citizenship and naturalization claims, deportation and removal litigation at the immigration court and all appellate levels, E Visas, E-3 Visas, H-1B Visas, H-2B Visas, L Visas, O Visas, P Visas, Q Visas, R Visas, TN Visas, Exceptional Ability Immigrant Visas, Extraordinary Ability Immigrant Visas, Physician and Nursing Visas, K-1 Visas, K-3 Visas, Multinational Manager/Executive Immigrant Visas, Outstanding Professor/Researcher Immigrant Visas, PERM Labor Certification, Family Petitions, Adjustment of Status, Marriage Petitions, Asylum, VAWA applications, and Immigration Waivers, such as the Visa Waiver Program, National Interest Waivers, Hardship Waivers, and J Waivers.

Ray’s corporate immigration practice includes representing businesses of all sizes, in all corporate immigration and employer immigration compliance matters. He has served nearly every industry, including healthcare, education (community colleges, colleges, universities, students, professors, and researchers), manufacturing, global and domestic employment/talent recruitment, warehousing and distribution, pharmaceutical, economic development, local, county, and state government agencies, non-profit, religious, real estate development and EB-5 investor financing, information technology, marketing, entertainment, and sports. Ray’s corporate immigration and employer immigration compliance practice includes all non-immigrant and immigrant visas, recruitment of international talent and students, and consular processing, as well as Form I-9 and Department of Labor Wage & Hour Division compliance. Further, he has litigated corporate immigration matters before the Department of Labor’s Wage & Hour Division, the Department of Homeland Security’s investigative bodies and agencies, the State Department, the United States Court of Appeals for International Trade, the Customs & Border Protection review board, and federal appellate courts—seeking review of employer immigration compliance and other immigrant and non-immigrant visa issues.

About William Menard

William practices exclusively in immigration law and deportation defense. He has represented both individual and corporate clients in all facets of immigration law. William has appeared on behalf of clients in deportation proceedings before immigration courts throughout the country, including in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. He has represented numerous clients before both the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services and Board of Immigration Appeals, and conducted oral arguments before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.

William has completed and advised on a host of permanent residence visas, including green cards for family members of United States Citizens (both consular processing applications and adjustments of status within the United States), and EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, and EB-5 visas for business managers, executives, other professionals, and investors (including PERM labor certifications, when needed), as well as a wide range of temporary visas, including B1/B2 visas for visitors and tourists, F visas for international students, K visas for fiancé(e)s of United States Citizens, L visas for both international corporations and their executives and managers, U visas for victims of domestic violence and other serious crimes, TN Visas for professionals from Canada and Mexico, applications for asylum, applications for cancellation of removal from the United States for both permanent and nonpermanent residents, and many more. He represents clients at all stages of proceedings before the immigration court, including obtaining bail for detained individuals and applying for relief from deportation, as well as petitions and applications before the Departments of State and Homeland Security. William has represented clients from six continents spanning the entire globe, including: Mexico, Canada, and El Salvador; Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina; France, Germany, and the United Kingdom; Senegal, Egypt, and Ghana; China, Japan, and the Philippines; and Australia.

William is also active in his community on immigration matters, helping to write a town ordinance protecting immigrants from discrimination. He has also advised education professionals on how to help ensure that immigrant students feel safe in school.

Posted in: Events, Immigration, Raymond G. Lahoud, William C. Menard | Tags: Immigration, Raymond G. Lahoud, William C. Menard