Partner
Charlotte Smith
Country / Territory
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Languages
- English
- Spanish
Contact information
Charlotte helps clients in the banking, finance, engineering, information technology and insurance industries develop and implement customized immigration programs to ensure companies move their talent efficiently and effectively. Charlotte also has extensive experience in executive workforce movement across a number of industries. She is a strategist by nature who not only deftly guides clients through each stage of the immigration process, but also quickly assesses the big picture, identifies potential challenges and shifts strategy as needed. She is especially mindful of the impact of immigration programs and processes on the broader workforce and ensures successful replication across the clients’ company.
In addition to advising clients on all aspects of corporate U.S. immigration, including nonimmigrant visas, I-9 audits and compliance matters, employment- and family-based permanent residency applications and U.S. citizenship applications, Charlotte also develops and updates immigration program policies in alignment with new laws and regulations. She is a big proponent of utilizing technology solutions to enhance processes within companies and works with clients on best practices.
Clients have called Charlotte a fixer because of her ability to not only find the best path forward using her legal acumen, but also her communication skills to help turn an issue around. She prides herself on her responsive, high-touch and hands-on client service and the ability to anticipate client concerns and proactively address them. As a result, Charlotte has been successful in creating long-term client relationships.
Education
- New England Law - Boston, J.D., magna cum laude , 2006
- Wake Forest University, B.A., 2001
More from Charlotte
Admissions
Bar Admissions: New York, Massachusetts, North Carolina
Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law
Awards
Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 2023 to 2026
Named a “Rising Star,” Super Lawyers, 2013 to 2017
Listed as a “Rising Star” in immigration in New York, Super Lawyers - New York Metro 2016: The Top Women
Annual CUNY Citizenship NOW! Service to Immigrants Award, 2012
Professional accomplishments
Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
Member, German-American Chamber of Commerce
Former Member, Distance Learning Committee, AILA
Former Co-Chair, Department of Labor Committee, New York, NY Chapter, AILA
Former Co-Chair, Citizenship Day Committee, New York, NY Chapter, AILA
Experience
Developed immigration workforce strategy for a multinational company undergoing reorganization.
Assisted clients with successful set up and management of PERM labor certification programs in compliance with DOL regulations.
Provided H-1B lottery program management and guidance on alternative options for individuals not selected.
Advised clients in a variety of industries including banks and hedge funds, engineering companies and start-ups on U.S. corporate immigration.
Assisted multinational corporations and start-ups with obtaining temporary U.S. employment visas for their foreign national populations.
Advised on permanent residency applications, concentrating on Applications for Permanent Employment Certification (PERM Applications) filed with the U.S. Department of Labor.
Publications and lectures
Conference Program Chair and Discussion Leader, “The Role of a Paralegal in Immigration Practice.” Panel presentation, AILA Paralegal Conference, Washington, DC, October 12-13, 2017.
Discussion Leader, “F-1 Employment: Where Are We Now?” Panel presentation, AILA National Conference, New Orleans, LA, June 23, 2017.
Speaker, “Sleep Like a Baby from PERM Through I-140.” Panel presentation, 2015 AILA New York Chapter Immigration Symposium, New York, NY, December 1, 2015.
Speaker, “Legal Concepts Involved in Preparing an L-1 Petition.” Panel presentation, AILA Paralegal Conference, Las Vegas, NV, August 27, 2015.
Co-author, “More than Meets the Eye: Points of Focus in the Education and Experience Requirements of PERM Applications.” 18th Annual AILA Immigration Law Symposium Handbook, 2015: 37-43. Web.
Speaker, “PERM 101 Workshop.” Panel presentation, AILA New York Chapter, New York, NY, October 22, 2014 and January 16, 2013.
Speaker, “PERM Basics Part 2: Recruiting for Workers and Filing the Case.” Panel presentation, AILA Annual Conference, Boston, MA, June 19, 2014.
Speaker, “Jumping Through the Ever Changing Hoops—The Acrobatics of Compliance with PERM.” Panel presentation, 2012 AILA New York Chapter Immigration Symposium, New York, NY, December 3, 2012.
Co-author, “Jumping Through the Ever Changing Hoops—The Acrobatics of Compliance with PERM.” 15th Annual AILA Immigration Law Symposium Handbook, 2012: n. pag. Web.
Discussion Leader, “F-1 Employment: Where Are We Now?” Panel presentation, AILA National Conference, New Orleans, LA, June 23, 2017.
Charlotte’s insights
August 21, 2025 | Awards
August 19, 2024 | Awards
August 17, 2023 | Awards
