Attorneys from Minami Tamaki LLP’s Immigration and Nationality Law Practice presented at the 2020 American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Virtual Annual Conference on Immigration Law, held July 20-23, 2020.

AILA is the national association of more than 15,000 attorneys and law professors who practice and teach immigration law. AILA member attorneys represent U.S. families seeking permanent residence for close family members, as well as U.S. businesses seeking talent from the global marketplace. AILA members also represent foreign students, entertainers, athletes, and asylum seekers, often on a pro bono basis. Founded in 1946, AILA is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that provides continuing legal education, information, professional services, and expertise through its 39 chapters and over 50 national committees.

Partner Olivia S. Lee presented on the panel “Diversity and Inclusion Within Your Firm: Impact on Profitability,” discussing the benefits of diversity and inclusion and its impact on profitability. Olivia and the other panelists shared practical advice on how small and large organizations can successfully incorporate diversity, inclusion, and the elimination of bias into their respective cultures. Olivia currently serves as Chair of AILA National’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

Senior Associate La Verne Ramsay presented on the panel, “Drafting Strategies for PERM: A Practical Workshop,” which shared best practice recommendations addressing a variety of strategic drafting issues related to the U.S. Department of Labor forms ETA 9089 and ETA 9141. Form ETA 9089 is one of the most difficult of all immigration forms, presenting a number of drafting challenges and obstacles for practitioners. La Verna and other panelists shared how to successfully navigate the complex nuances inherent in these forms.

Minami Tamaki LLP immigration attorneys have a strong history with AILA. Minette previously served on the national AILA Board of Governors, as a member of the AILA Business Immigration Committee, and as Chair of AILA’s Northern California Chapter. Olivia is also a past chair of the Northern California Chapter of AILA. She has also served as faculty on local and national AILA CLE panels on topics such as O-1s and H-1Bs.