Joyce Fleming is the partner who manages the Business Immigration Department at the firm.
She meets the ongoing immigration needs of corporations located all over the United States and abroad that transfer or hire foreign employees, including temporary employment visas, labor certifications, permanent residency ("Green Cards") and outbound visas for other countries. She handles visa work for businesses relocating entire offices and clients with high volume immigration needs, as well as those with one-time hiring requirements.
Joyce frequently consults with corporate and labor lawyers during due diligence regarding the immigration implications of mergers and acquisitions, and handles the necessary visa work for individuals affected by such changes. Her practice consists of national and international commercial, industrial and technology clients, but also focuses on immigration issues for allied healthcare workers such as nurses, physical therapists, and other shortage occupations. She regularly writes and speaks on business immigration topics.
Joyce counsels clients on compliance with ever-changing employment laws regarding foreign workers, including I-9 training and audits and she has defended immigration-related government investigations related to the employment of undocumented workers.
Joyce has been involved in leadership roles in numerous civic organizations including the Latin American Association and the Emory University Board of Visitors. She has served on the boards of directors of the United Way of Metro Atlanta and Planned Parenthood of Georgia. She has also served as Chair of the International Section of the State Bar of Georgia. Of Mexican descent, she is fluent in Spanish.
Recent Experience
- Defended major staffing agency against government in I-9 audit and negotiated reduced fines.
- Developed strategy for British construction company to obtain visas for managers and technical specialists critical for joint venture with complementary American electric contractor for major electrification upgrade in Northeast United States.
- Led roll-out of firm's client education program on E-verify, the USCIS electronic employment confirmation system, and new rules for government contractors.
- Taught "How to Avoid Labor Certification" seminar for Georgia Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE in Georgia).
Honors and Awards
- The Best Lawyers in America – Immigration Law
- Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business
- "Georgia Super Lawyers" and "Super Lawyers – Corporate Counsel Edition" by Law & Politics magazine
- The International Who's Who of Corporate Immigration Lawyers
- One of the top immigration attorneys in the United States by Legal 500: US
- AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell