cynthia-l.-shearn

Partner

Cynthia Shearn

cynthia-l.-shearn
cynthia-l.-shearn
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Partner

Cynthia Shearn

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

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  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 312 499 2818

F:+1 312 346 1970

Chicago

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

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Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 312 499 2818

F:+1 312 346 1970

Chicago

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 312 499 2818

F:+1 312 346 1970

Chicago

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

Connect via Linkedin
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With nearly 30 years of dedicated immigration law experience, Cindy understands the positive impact listening can have on both clients and colleagues alike. Using this skill, she strikes the delicate balance of helping clients achieve their business goals while successfully creating and organizing their effective immigration programs, representing multinational corporate clients in a range of industries, including management and technology consulting, logistics and supply chain, transportation, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.

Since being appointed Managing Partner of Fragomen’s Midwest practice at the beginning of 2023, Cindy has also taken on a managerial role in overseeing both the region’s practice and client relationships—successfully listening to and advocating for her colleagues and employees. In each of these capacities—both as an immigration lawyer and as a people manager—Cindy serves as a trusted advisor and true partner by recognizing that it is her responsibility to understand their needs and provide the space to communicate them.

Cindy has always been innately focused on helping others—in fact, this focus is what propelled her into a career in immigration law. As an international relations major in college, she knew she was interested in human rights and global issues. During her first year of law school, she was granted an opportunity to blend these passions by helping an individual and her family with an asylum application. She filed the application, attended their interviews and eventually celebrated when they were granted asylum—realizing she found her calling to pursue a career an immigration law.

Passionate about inclusivity, Cindy previously served as Chair and currently serves as Co-Chair of Fragomen’s U.S./Canada DEI Group, helping to lead its expansion across the entire region. She is an active Fragomen and community volunteer, including through her pro bono work conducting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and naturalization clinics and providing services to immigrant families at the detention center in Dilley, Texas. She also is a founding member of Nexus49, a Canada-U.S. business council in Chicago, and serves as a board member of the British-American Business Council’s Chicago Chapter.

Passionate about inclusivity, Cindy previously served as Chair and currently serves as Co-Chair of Fragomen’s U.S./Canada DEI Group, helping to lead its expansion across the entire region. She is an active Fragomen and community volunteer, including through her pro bono work conducting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and naturalization clinics and providing services to immigrant families at the detention center in Dilley, Texas. She also is a founding member of Nexus49, a Canada-U.S. business council in Chicago, and serves as a board member of the British-American Business Council’s Chicago Chapter.

Education

  • American University, Washington College of Law, J.D., 1996
  • Boston University, B.A., 1991

More from Cynthia

Admissions

Bar Admissions: Illinois

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Listed in Chambers USA, 2024 to 2026

Listed in The American Lawyers’ Midwest Trailblazers, 2022

Listed among Crain’s 2026 Notable Women in Law

Listed among Crain’s 2020 Notable Women Executives Over 50

Phi Beta Kappa, 1991

Harold C. Case Scholar, 1991

Professional accomplishments

Founding Member, Nexus49

Member, Board of Directors for the British-American Business Council, Chicago

Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association, Chicago Chapter

Member, Chicago Bar Association

Experience

Manages high volume U.S. immigration practice for global consulting, technology and outsourcing company to facilitate the transfer of professional employees from around the world to the United States.

Publications and lectures

Speaker, “Humanitarian Pathways & Workforce Strategy: Adapting to Evolving U.S. Immigration Policy.” Fragomen, Webinar, 5 August 2025.

Speaker, “Navigating the Path to U.S. Citizenship: What You Need to Know.” Fragomen, Webinar, 16 July 2025.

Speaker, “Navigating Automotive Industry Headwinds: Impacts on Global Immigration Strategies.” Fragomen, Webinar, 4 February 2025.

Speaker, immigration related topics during conferences presented by the Council for Global Immigration and the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

Speaker, “Has The Mobility Industry Opened Pandora's Suitcase? Part II - Business Travel Immigration Compliance.” Minnesota Employee Relocation Council, St. Paul, Minnesota, 13 July 2021.

Featured, “People on the Move.” Crain's Chicago Business, 5 August 2019.

Featured, “Shearn takes reigns of Fragomen office in Chicago.” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, 1 August 2019.

“Off the “Fast” Track? The Effect of Corporate Downsizing on Labor Certification Strategy and Procedure,” 4th Annual AILA New York Chapter Immigration Law Symposium Conference Handbook, 2001.

Cynthia’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 5, 2025 | Meeting

Humanitarian Pathways & Workforce Strategy: Adapting to Evolving U.S. Immigration PolicyRead more

July 16, 2025 | Webinar

Navigating the Path to U.S. Citizenship: What You Need to KnowRead more
More related insights

Cynthia’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 5, 2025 | Meeting

Humanitarian Pathways & Workforce Strategy: Adapting to Evolving U.S. Immigration PolicyRead more

July 16, 2025 | Webinar

Navigating the Path to U.S. Citizenship: What You Need to KnowRead more
More related insights

Cynthia’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 5, 2025 | Meeting

Humanitarian Pathways & Workforce Strategy: Adapting to Evolving U.S. Immigration PolicyRead more

July 16, 2025 | Webinar

Navigating the Path to U.S. Citizenship: What You Need to KnowRead more
More related insights

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 312 499 2818

F:+1 312 346 1970

Chicago

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Cynthia’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 5, 2025 | Meeting

Humanitarian Pathways & Workforce Strategy: Adapting to Evolving U.S. Immigration PolicyRead more

July 16, 2025 | Webinar

Navigating the Path to U.S. Citizenship: What You Need to KnowRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 312 499 2818

F:+1 312 346 1970

Chicago

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Cynthia’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 5, 2025 | Meeting

Humanitarian Pathways & Workforce Strategy: Adapting to Evolving U.S. Immigration PolicyRead more

July 16, 2025 | Webinar

Navigating the Path to U.S. Citizenship: What You Need to KnowRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 312 499 2818

F:+1 312 346 1970

Chicago

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Cynthia’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 5, 2025 | Meeting

Humanitarian Pathways & Workforce Strategy: Adapting to Evolving U.S. Immigration PolicyRead more

July 16, 2025 | Webinar

Navigating the Path to U.S. Citizenship: What You Need to KnowRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post

A More Purposeful UK Immigration System: What Expanded Access to the Global Talent Visa Means for UK Immigration Policy

In our latest blog, UK Government Affairs Strategy Lead @Shuyeb Muquit examines the expanded access to the Global Talent visa and what it signals about the direction of UK immigration policy

Learn more

Video

Polish Citizenship by Descent: Do You Qualify?

Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala and Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek discuss how Polish citizenship by descent works, who may qualify, the documentation typically required and common eligibility challenges.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: Trump Admin Restores USCIS Power to Deny Immigration Requests Outright Without Seeking More Proof

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses USCIS’ restored authority to deny certain immigration benefit requests without first issuing a Request for Evidence and the importance of complete initial filings.

Learn more

Fragomen news

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Blog post

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Awards

Partner Karolina Schiffter Recognised in Lexology Index: Thought Leaders Global Elite 2027

Partner Karolina Schiffter is recognised in the Lexology Index: Thought Leaders Global Elite 2027 report.

Learn more

Blog post

Canada’s Immigration Dual Reality: Narrower Access, Persistent Demand

Partner Jack Kim discusses how Canada’s increasingly selective and complex immigration system is affecting talent access, retention and long-term workforce planning for employers.

Learn more

Blog post

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UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explores what the recommendations mean, what’s still uncertain and what employers should be watching next

Learn more

Blog post

A1-Bescheinigung für Geschäftsreisen und Entsendungen: Was Arbeitgeber wissen müssen

In this blog, Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains when employers need an A1 certificate for employees traveling or working temporarily within Europe, the application process and how timely planning can help manage social security compliance risks.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Retains Band 1 Ranking & Receives Four Individual Rankings in Chambers High Net Worth 2026 Guide

Fragomen and UK team members are ranked in the “Immigration: High Net Worth Individuals – UK-wide” category of the Chambers High Net Worth 2026 Guide.

Learn more

Blog post

Establishing a Business Presence in Switzerland: Key Considerations for Employers

In this blog, Director Ana Bessa Santos explores what Swiss authorities expect from employers when assessing work permit applications—including why a well-developed business plan, realistic growth projections and evidence of a genuine operational presence are critical to supporting both initial applications and future permit renewals.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Migration Committee Proposes to Cut 24 Occupations From New Shortage List

Partner Louise Haycock discussed the Migration Advisory Committee’s Temporary Shortage List recommendations and the need for clear workforce plans and transitional arrangements.

Learn more

Blog post

A More Purposeful UK Immigration System: What Expanded Access to the Global Talent Visa Means for UK Immigration Policy

In our latest blog, UK Government Affairs Strategy Lead @Shuyeb Muquit examines the expanded access to the Global Talent visa and what it signals about the direction of UK immigration policy

Learn more

Video

Polish Citizenship by Descent: Do You Qualify?

Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala and Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek discuss how Polish citizenship by descent works, who may qualify, the documentation typically required and common eligibility challenges.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: Trump Admin Restores USCIS Power to Deny Immigration Requests Outright Without Seeking More Proof

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses USCIS’ restored authority to deny certain immigration benefit requests without first issuing a Request for Evidence and the importance of complete initial filings.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Comment on DHS Proposed Rule on Discretionary Employment AuthorizationLearn more

Blog post

How the Middle East Is Building Workforce Mobility Resilience Amid Regional Disruption

Partner Shayan Sultan discusses how geopolitical disruption, intensifying talent competition and digital transformation are reshaping workforce mobility and compliance across the Middle East.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Karolina Schiffter Recognised in Lexology Index: Thought Leaders Global Elite 2027

Partner Karolina Schiffter is recognised in the Lexology Index: Thought Leaders Global Elite 2027 report.

Learn more

Blog post

Canada’s Immigration Dual Reality: Narrower Access, Persistent Demand

Partner Jack Kim discusses how Canada’s increasingly selective and complex immigration system is affecting talent access, retention and long-term workforce planning for employers.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Temporary Shortage List Review: What the Migration Advisory Committee's Recommendations Mean for Employers

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explores what the recommendations mean, what’s still uncertain and what employers should be watching next

Learn more

Blog post

A1-Bescheinigung für Geschäftsreisen und Entsendungen: Was Arbeitgeber wissen müssen

In this blog, Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains when employers need an A1 certificate for employees traveling or working temporarily within Europe, the application process and how timely planning can help manage social security compliance risks.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Retains Band 1 Ranking & Receives Four Individual Rankings in Chambers High Net Worth 2026 Guide

Fragomen and UK team members are ranked in the “Immigration: High Net Worth Individuals – UK-wide” category of the Chambers High Net Worth 2026 Guide.

Learn more

Blog post

Establishing a Business Presence in Switzerland: Key Considerations for Employers

In this blog, Director Ana Bessa Santos explores what Swiss authorities expect from employers when assessing work permit applications—including why a well-developed business plan, realistic growth projections and evidence of a genuine operational presence are critical to supporting both initial applications and future permit renewals.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Migration Committee Proposes to Cut 24 Occupations From New Shortage List

Partner Louise Haycock discussed the Migration Advisory Committee’s Temporary Shortage List recommendations and the need for clear workforce plans and transitional arrangements.

Learn more
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August 7, 2026 | 🌐Worldwide: Temporary Ebola-Related Entry Restrictions Introduced
August 7, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Open Work Permit Eligibility for Manitoba Prospective Provincial Nominees Introduced
August 7, 2026 | MalaysiaMalaysia: Salary Threshold for Labour Market Test Exemption Increased
August 7, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: DHS Expands 9-11 Response Fee to H-1B and L-1 Extensions
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