Partner

James Pack

  • People

Partner

James Pack

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 949 862 9443

F:+1 949 261 2821

Irvine

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

18401 Von Karman Ave #255

Irvine CA 92612

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 949 862 9443

F:+1 949 261 2821

Irvine

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

18401 Von Karman Ave #255

Irvine CA 92612

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 949 862 9443

F:+1 949 261 2821

Irvine

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

18401 Von Karman Ave #255

Irvine CA 92612

United States

Connect via Linkedin
  • PrintPrint
  • SaveSave

Leading the firm's Irvine office, James has built a well-rounded, robust immigration practice that delivers Fragomen’s large-firm resources with a small-firm service touch.

The common denominator of his practice is its variety. He represents clients of many sizes from every stage in the corporate lifecycle, from Fortune 500 companies through individual entrepreneurs (and their families).

They are drawn from a diversity of industries and sectors, including technology (semiconductor, biomedical and wireless companies) entertainment (movie studios, animation studios and video game producers), manufacturing (appliances and electric vehicle manufacturers) and pharmaceutical companies.

This wide-ranging experience allows James to deploy the full range of immigration options on behalf of his clients. He develops effective strategies that are tailored to the specific challenges of each client; he particularly enjoys helping companies with a handful of employees transition into programs managing hundreds of immigration cases.

Relentless improvement and re-evaluation of processes are key to his success. He subjects new client programs and policies to an exhaustive analysis to define the client’s objectives and capabilities; longtime clients benefit from periodic and regular reimagination of their programs from the ground up.

James serves his profession and the wider community through the Orange County Bar Association, which he has served in several capacities. He is currently a board member of the Association’s charitable fund. He has also served as Chair of the Southern California Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and as President of the Orange County Asian American Bar Association.

This wide-ranging experience allows James to deploy the full range of immigration options on behalf of his clients. He develops effective strategies that are tailored to the specific challenges of each client; he particularly enjoys helping companies with a handful of employees transition into programs managing hundreds of immigration cases.

Relentless improvement and re-evaluation of processes are key to his success. He subjects new client programs and policies to an exhaustive analysis to define the client’s objectives and capabilities; longtime clients benefit from periodic and regular reimagination of their programs from the ground up.

James serves his profession and the wider community through the Orange County Bar Association, which he has served in several capacities. He is currently a board member of the Association’s charitable fund. He has also served as Chair of the Southern California Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and as President of the Orange County Asian American Bar Association.

Education

  • Arizona State University, Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, J.D., 1997
  • Arizona State University, B.Sc., 1994

More from James

Admissions

Bar Admissions: California, Arizona

Certified Specialist, Immigration & Nationality Law, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 2019 to 2027

Named as a 2021 Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers, 2021

Professional accomplishments

Former Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association, USCIS Ombudsman Liaison Committee

Former Chair, American Immigration Lawyers Association, California Service Center Liaison Committee

Former Chair, American Immigration Lawyers Association, Southern California Chapter

Former Chair, Orange County Bar Association Immigration Section

Member, Orange County Bar Association Board of Directors

Former President, Orange County Asian American Bar Association

Chair, Orange County Bar Association Charitable Fund, Annual Golf Tournament Committee

Member, Arizona State University Alumni Group

Experience

Provided immigration counsel to companies that employ highly educated scientists working on cutting-edge wireless communication technologies

Worked with entertainment studios, video game developers, and other companies in the computer graphics design field

Secured an intracompany transfer visa for the Chief Technical Officer of a company that designs and develops custom applications for major online social networking websites and brand name high technology products

Obtained green cards for scientists and engineers working in biotechnology, alternative energy sources, and wildlife conservation through National Interest Waivers and other immigrant visa classifications

Publications and lectures

Quoted, “The 2027 H-1B Season: Revised Strategies for Sponsoring Employers and Implications for Aspirants.” Times of India, 12 February 2026.

Speaker, “Fragomen Semiconductor Industry Webcast: Workforce Strategies for a Changing Global Landscape.” Fragomen, Webinar, 10 December 2025.

Speaker, “Immigration Law for Agribusiness Employers.” California Lawyers Association, Webinar, 21 March 2023.

Quoted, “Trump Orders Freeze on Many Work Visas Through End of Year (3).” Bloomberg Law Daily Labor Report, 23 June 2020.

Presenter, “Immigration Impact of COVID-19.” Octane, 13 May 2020.

Quoted, “Fragomen guides US visa holders through fog of pandemic.” Daily Journal, 20 April 2020.

Quoted, “Caution Student-Employees Against Travel Abroad During ‘Cap-Gap’ Period.” Society for Human Resource Management, 18 April 2019.

Moderator, “Managing Client Expectations.” 2018 American Immigration Lawyers Association Annual Conference on Immigration Law, June 2018.

Moderator, “Building a Practice of Extraordinary Clients.” 2017 American Immigration Lawyers Association Annual Conference on Immigration Law, June 2017.

Discussion leader, “Show Me the Money! Corporate Law for the Immigration Practitioner.” Web conference, American Immigration Lawyers Association, March 15, 2016.

Discussion leader, “My ‘Professional’ Employee Doesn’t Have a Degree! NIV Options for Non-Degreed Professionals.” Presentation, American Immigration Lawyers Association Annual Conference, Washington, D.C., June 17, 2015.

Author, “What happens to work visas when employees are laid off?” Daily Journal, June 3, 2015: n. pag. Web.

Panel presenter, “CBP, You Have to Let Me Know—Should I Stay or Should I Go? Issues in Maintaining LPR Status.” American Immigration Lawyers Association Annual Conference, June 2015.

Panel presenter, “The Dangers of Material Misrepresentation and Fraud in Immigration.” American Immigration Lawyers Association Annual Conference, June 2014.

Panel presenter, “Keeping a Proper Scorecard – I-9 Compliance and E-Verify.” Southern California Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, February 2015.

Panel presenter, “Hot Topics in PERM.” Southern California Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, January 20, 2010.

Panel presenter, Nexus Journal, Immigration Law Symposium, Chapman University of Law, February 20, 2008.

Panel Presenter, “Immigration Update.” 80th Annual Meeting of the State Bar of California, September 28, 2007.

Panel presenter, “O’s and P’s: Getting Results.” Southern California Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, February 24, 2004.

James’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

February 13, 2026 | Media mentions

Times of India: The 2027 H-1B Season: Revised Strategies for Sponsoring Employers and Implications for AspirantsRead more

December 10, 2025 | Webinar

Fragomen Semiconductor Industry Webcast: Workforce Strategies for a Changing Global LandscapeRead more
More related insights

James’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

February 13, 2026 | Media mentions

Times of India: The 2027 H-1B Season: Revised Strategies for Sponsoring Employers and Implications for AspirantsRead more

December 10, 2025 | Webinar

Fragomen Semiconductor Industry Webcast: Workforce Strategies for a Changing Global LandscapeRead more
More related insights

James’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

February 13, 2026 | Media mentions

Times of India: The 2027 H-1B Season: Revised Strategies for Sponsoring Employers and Implications for AspirantsRead more

December 10, 2025 | Webinar

Fragomen Semiconductor Industry Webcast: Workforce Strategies for a Changing Global LandscapeRead more
More related insights

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 949 862 9443

F:+1 949 261 2821

Irvine

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

18401 Von Karman Ave #255

Irvine CA 92612

United States

Connect via Linkedin

James’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

February 13, 2026 | Media mentions

Times of India: The 2027 H-1B Season: Revised Strategies for Sponsoring Employers and Implications for AspirantsRead more

December 10, 2025 | Webinar

Fragomen Semiconductor Industry Webcast: Workforce Strategies for a Changing Global LandscapeRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 949 862 9443

F:+1 949 261 2821

Irvine

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

18401 Von Karman Ave #255

Irvine CA 92612

United States

Connect via Linkedin

James’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

February 13, 2026 | Media mentions

Times of India: The 2027 H-1B Season: Revised Strategies for Sponsoring Employers and Implications for AspirantsRead more

December 10, 2025 | Webinar

Fragomen Semiconductor Industry Webcast: Workforce Strategies for a Changing Global LandscapeRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 949 862 9443

F:+1 949 261 2821

Irvine

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

18401 Von Karman Ave #255

Irvine CA 92612

United States

Connect via Linkedin

James’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

February 13, 2026 | Media mentions

Times of India: The 2027 H-1B Season: Revised Strategies for Sponsoring Employers and Implications for AspirantsRead more

December 10, 2025 | Webinar

Fragomen Semiconductor Industry Webcast: Workforce Strategies for a Changing Global LandscapeRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post

UK Budget 2026: What the Government’s Immigration Plans Mean for Employers

In a new blog, UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines what this direction could mean for employers, including why access to international talent may increasingly be considered alongside investment, productivity, innovation, regional growth and long-term workforce development.

Learn more

Video

UAE – Demographic Diversity Requirements | #MobilityMinute

The UAE’s demographic diversity requirements are designed to encourage a more diverse workforce among companies operating in the mainland jurisdiction. In this Mobility Minute, Manager Devika Thamattat explains the requirements, potential consequences of noncompliance and steps employers can take to help maintain the required nationality balance.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Could Increase Hiring Costs for Visa-Dependent Employers

Partner K. Edward Raleigh explains how proposed changes to the H-1B salary exemption threshold could affect US employers’ hiring practices and why enactment this year remains unlikely.

Learn more

Video

Family Reunification in Germany: Who Qualifies and How Does It Work?

In this video, Fragomen Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains who may qualify for family reunification in Germany, the requirements that may apply, employment and education rights for accompanying family members and important considerations when preparing an application.

Learn more

Media mentions

Dziennik Gazeta Prawna: Nielegalne zatrudnienie cudzoziemca? Pracodawca może stracić więcej niż pieniądze

Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how digitalization is transforming immigration procedures in Poland and how law firms can adapt to evolving client expectations.

Learn more

Blog post

Who Qualifies for Costa Rica Permanent Residence?

Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman explains who may qualify for permanent residence in Costa Rica, the key benefits of permanent status and important considerations for foreign nationals planning to live and work in the country long term.

Learn more

Media mentions

BioSpace: As H-1B Visa Changes Keep Coming, Biopharmas Adjust Hiring Approach

Partner Audrea Golding discusses how H-1B visa changes, including the $100,000 fee and weighted selection process, are affecting biopharma hiring and access to global talent.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Blog post

EU Visa Code Reform: Priorities for Better Schengen Business Travel

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm outline Fragomen Consulting Europe’s recommendations for EU Visa Code reform, including more consistent business travel rules, improved visa appointment access, greater transparency and a potential Schengen-wide trusted-employer framework.

Learn more

Blog post

Argentina Announces New Citizenship by Investment Programme: What Investors Need to Know

In a new blog, Manager Sophie Jo Wasson and Country Manager María Inés Menvielle explore what is known so far, the potential mobility benefits of Argentine citizenship and what prospective applicants should consider as implementation develops.

Learn more

Media mentions

Conexão Ásia: Além da China, profissionais das Filipinas, Índia, Japão e Bangladesh se destacam na imigração laboral asiática para o Brasil

Managing Director Diogo Kloper examines how immigration trends reveal the diverse economic ties between Brazil and Asia and the role of international mobility in supporting business growth.

Learn more

Media mentions

AILA Law Journal: Administrative Proxies in Immigration Adjudication

Partner David Grunblatt examines how USCIS uses administrative proxies in immigration adjudication and explains why these tools must support, rather than replace, statutory standards and individualized legal analysis.

Learn more

Blog post

International Talent in the Netherlands: Building a Talent Pipeline Without Losing Sight of Compliance

Manager Cherida Hooijer and Immigration Assistant Manager Kaatje Droesbeke examine how employers in the Netherlands can build an international student-to-graduate talent pipeline while managing the immigration and employment compliance requirements that apply at each stage.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Budget 2026: What the Government’s Immigration Plans Mean for Employers

In a new blog, UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines what this direction could mean for employers, including why access to international talent may increasingly be considered alongside investment, productivity, innovation, regional growth and long-term workforce development.

Learn more

Video

UAE – Demographic Diversity Requirements | #MobilityMinute

The UAE’s demographic diversity requirements are designed to encourage a more diverse workforce among companies operating in the mainland jurisdiction. In this Mobility Minute, Manager Devika Thamattat explains the requirements, potential consequences of noncompliance and steps employers can take to help maintain the required nationality balance.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Could Increase Hiring Costs for Visa-Dependent Employers

Partner K. Edward Raleigh explains how proposed changes to the H-1B salary exemption threshold could affect US employers’ hiring practices and why enactment this year remains unlikely.

Learn more

Video

Family Reunification in Germany: Who Qualifies and How Does It Work?

In this video, Fragomen Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains who may qualify for family reunification in Germany, the requirements that may apply, employment and education rights for accompanying family members and important considerations when preparing an application.

Learn more

Media mentions

Dziennik Gazeta Prawna: Nielegalne zatrudnienie cudzoziemca? Pracodawca może stracić więcej niż pieniądze

Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how digitalization is transforming immigration procedures in Poland and how law firms can adapt to evolving client expectations.

Learn more

Blog post

Who Qualifies for Costa Rica Permanent Residence?

Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman explains who may qualify for permanent residence in Costa Rica, the key benefits of permanent status and important considerations for foreign nationals planning to live and work in the country long term.

Learn more

Media mentions

BioSpace: As H-1B Visa Changes Keep Coming, Biopharmas Adjust Hiring Approach

Partner Audrea Golding discusses how H-1B visa changes, including the $100,000 fee and weighted selection process, are affecting biopharma hiring and access to global talent.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Blog post

EU Visa Code Reform: Priorities for Better Schengen Business Travel

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm outline Fragomen Consulting Europe’s recommendations for EU Visa Code reform, including more consistent business travel rules, improved visa appointment access, greater transparency and a potential Schengen-wide trusted-employer framework.

Learn more

Blog post

Argentina Announces New Citizenship by Investment Programme: What Investors Need to Know

In a new blog, Manager Sophie Jo Wasson and Country Manager María Inés Menvielle explore what is known so far, the potential mobility benefits of Argentine citizenship and what prospective applicants should consider as implementation develops.

Learn more

Media mentions

Conexão Ásia: Além da China, profissionais das Filipinas, Índia, Japão e Bangladesh se destacam na imigração laboral asiática para o Brasil

Managing Director Diogo Kloper examines how immigration trends reveal the diverse economic ties between Brazil and Asia and the role of international mobility in supporting business growth.

Learn more

Media mentions

AILA Law Journal: Administrative Proxies in Immigration Adjudication

Partner David Grunblatt examines how USCIS uses administrative proxies in immigration adjudication and explains why these tools must support, rather than replace, statutory standards and individualized legal analysis.

Learn more

Blog post

International Talent in the Netherlands: Building a Talent Pipeline Without Losing Sight of Compliance

Manager Cherida Hooijer and Immigration Assistant Manager Kaatje Droesbeke examine how employers in the Netherlands can build an international student-to-graduate talent pipeline while managing the immigration and employment compliance requirements that apply at each stage.

Learn more
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Travel and Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastNavigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Travel and Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Important Updates
Important Updates
October 30, 2026 | Republic of the PhilippinesPhilippines: Amendments to Simplify and Streamline Labor Market Test, Other Alien Employment Permit Processes
October 30, 2026 | ChinaChina: APEC Business Travel Card Validity Extended
October 30, 2026 | IrelandIreland: Employment Permits Portal Offline Following Unauthorized Activity
October 30, 2026 | IrelandIreland: Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme Extended
October 30, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 30, 2026 | Republic of the PhilippinesPhilippines: Amendments to Simplify and Streamline Labor Market Test, Other Alien Employment Permit Processes
October 30, 2026 | ChinaChina: APEC Business Travel Card Validity Extended
October 30, 2026 | IrelandIreland: Employment Permits Portal Offline Following Unauthorized Activity
October 30, 2026 | IrelandIreland: Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme Extended
October 30, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 30, 2026 | Republic of the PhilippinesPhilippines: Amendments to Simplify and Streamline Labor Market Test, Other Alien Employment Permit Processes
Subscribe

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • AI Transparency Statement
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • AI Transparency Statement
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • TikTok
  • Twitter

© 2026 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.