Ellen Freeman

Ellen Freeman Immigration Law Group PLLC

Pittsburgh, PA www.freemanimmigration.com

efreeman@freemanimmigration.com Tel: +1 412 822 6500

Biography

Ellen Freeman has built and maintained a stellar world-wide reputation of excellence in the field of corporate immigration law for over 23 years. Ellen’s many achievements have been earned through her selfless dedication to her clients and finding efficient solutions to their unique circumstances. She established her own firm in 2019 after many years of practice at large law firms. Most recently, Ellen was honoured with a Lexology Client Choice Award 2022 and Best Lawyers Best Law Firms, US News & World Report 2023.

How has the war in Ukraine affected your practice and, in a broader sense, the field of immigration law internationally?

Apart from the emotional and personal shock, I have been working tirelessly to help as many Ukrainian citizens as possible to bring their loved ones to safety in the U.S. From consulting with refugees in Poland, Bulgaria and Romania, to examining availability of Canadian and EU immigration options, to helping relatives of U.S. citizens enter the U.S. and stay here, it has been an extremely busy year. Immigration attorneys in the EU, Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. had to navigate new regulations and options while providing humane and compassionate advice to many pro bono clients. I now serve on the Ukrainian Task Force, an independent group of broad practice attorneys who advocate tirelessly on behalf of Ukrainian citizens currently present in the U.S. or wishing to join their families and friends here. That includes advising the embassy of Ukraine in D.C. on sensitive and complex issues of U.S. immigration law. As we seem to be normalising out of the past three years of the covid-19 pandemic, how do you see the landscape of immigration changing and, or adjusting to the new normal?

The new post pandemic “normal” has enabled both immigration attorneys and paralegals to work fully remotely and open many more job opportunities. We see more staff and support work outsourced to lower cost markets. We also witness a greater competition for talent since changing jobs for immigration practitioners now involves only a change of the software systems they use and email accounts. They may continue to work at the same desk where they worked for the prior employer. Higher competition for talent and pressure on wages puts many firms at a disadvantage, making it harder to operate a stable and profitable practice.

What distinguishes your practice from competitors in the market?

We are personable, efficient and cost effective. I try to understand the client’s concerns and pain points and eliminate those as fast as possible. My goal is to build a lasting relationship and be a great team player for the client. My corporate clients work with me for decades and I get to know all about the company’s business and the way it likes to do business with its outside counsel. It may not work 100 percent of the time and it is OK to recognise that you are not going to be the right attorney for all clients. But those who do enjoy working with you become your best advocates and supporters. It is a two-way street and finding the right match in the outside legal services provider is very important. That is what makes a successful global mobility and talent retention program.

What do you most enjoy about your work?

I love teaching clients, attorneys, paralegals, and human resources professionals. It keeps me on top of my game and makes me research and examine complex issues of immigration law. My practice is never boring because I am always giving talks or presentations on developing and current aspects of immigration practice.

WWL says: Ellen Freeman is “at the top of her game” and focuses her first-rate practice on matters regarding business immigration.