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Partner

Janora L. Hawkins

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Partner

Janora L. Hawkins

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  • United StatesUnited States

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  • German

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[email protected]

T:+1 404 856 5495

F:+1 404 856 5747

Atlanta

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1355 Peachtree St NE STE 900

Atlanta GA 30309

United States

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Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • German

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Email

[email protected]

T:+1 404 856 5495

F:+1 404 856 5747

Atlanta

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1355 Peachtree St NE STE 900

Atlanta GA 30309

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • German

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 404 856 5495

F:+1 404 856 5747

Atlanta

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1355 Peachtree St NE STE 900

Atlanta GA 30309

United States

Connect via Linkedin
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Leading Fragomen's Atlanta office, Janora provides strategic business counsel to clients at the intersection of immigration policy and employment law.

Her clientele comprises a remarkable variety of companies, ranging from Fragomen’s largest clients to both mid- and small-sized businesses across a wide variety of industries and cross-sectors.

This diverse portfolio inspires Janora’s focus on mission-critical workflow. Drawing on a decade and a half of experience, she collaborates with clients by learning about their desired approach to immigration, identifies inefficient or redundant processes in their immigration programs, and then streamlines them, or, if need be, eliminates them.

This approach lowers costs and reduces the time and resources required for case preparation while creating a more seamless employee experience. Her clients are freed up to focus time and energy on their core missions.

A clear communicator with a knack for explaining difficult concepts and process points, she appreciates that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. She simplifies complex immigration laws and policies for her clients and is passionate about developing unique solutions to their immigration challenges. This tenacity serves as the foundation for her work as a client advocate. She empowers them to respond quickly and flexibly to expected and unexpected events, including merger and acquisition transactions, increases or reductions in their workforce, strikes, increased visa processing times and global pandemics.

The loyalty of her clients—many of whom have worked with her for more than a decade—is a direct result of her holistic understanding of their business objectives and employee culture. She listens to her clients and partners with them to develop processes and solutions that meet their unique and specific immigration program needs.

Janora serves on the boards of, as well as works with, nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to providing pro bono services to victims of violence and trafficking as well as to stopping the cycle of homelessness. She is also an active member, at the local and national levels, of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and is routinely invited by a diverse array of organizations nationwide to speak on business-immigration topics.

Janora speaks English and German.

This approach lowers costs and reduces the time and resources required for case preparation while creating a more seamless employee experience. Her clients are freed up to focus time and energy on their core missions.

A clear communicator with a knack for explaining difficult concepts and process points, she appreciates that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. She simplifies complex immigration laws and policies for her clients and is passionate about developing unique solutions to their immigration challenges. This tenacity serves as the foundation for her work as a client advocate. She empowers them to respond quickly and flexibly to expected and unexpected events, including merger and acquisition transactions, increases or reductions in their workforce, strikes, increased visa processing times and global pandemics.

The loyalty of her clients—many of whom have worked with her for more than a decade—is a direct result of her holistic understanding of their business objectives and employee culture. She listens to her clients and partners with them to develop processes and solutions that meet their unique and specific immigration program needs.

Janora serves on the boards of, as well as works with, nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to providing pro bono services to victims of violence and trafficking as well as to stopping the cycle of homelessness. She is also an active member, at the local and national levels, of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and is routinely invited by a diverse array of organizations nationwide to speak on business-immigration topics.

Janora speaks English and German.

Education

  • Brooklyn Law School, J.D., cum laude , 2008
  • University of Southern Mississippi, B.A., magna cum laude , 2002

More from Janora L.

Admissions

Bar Admissions: New York, Georgia

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 2020 to 2027

Listed in Chambers USA, 2021 to 2026

Professional accomplishments

Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

Member, Gala Planning Committee, Our House, Atlanta, GA (2018-present)

Board of Governors, AILA National (2020-2021)

Immediate Past Chair, AILA Georgia-Alabama Chapter (2021-2022)

Former Chair, AILA Georgia-Alabama Chapter (2020-2021)

Former Member, Member Engagement Committee, AILA National (2020-2022)

Co-Chair and Member, Conference Planning Committee, AILA Georgia-Alabama Chapter (2016-2018)

Co-Host, Beyond the Border, WCEG Talk Radio (2016-2021)

Former Executive Committee & Board Member, Our House, Atlanta, GA (2016-2022)

Former Board Member, Georgia Asylum & Immigration Network (GAIN), Atlanta, GA

Former Committee Member, Mid-Year Conference Planning Committee, AILA National (2019)

Former Vice-Chair, AILA Georgia-Alabama Chapter (2019-2020)

Former Chair, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) AILA Liaison Committee, AILA Georgia-Alabama Chapter

Former Vice Chair, CBP AILA Liaison Committee, AILA Georgia-Alabama Chapter

Former Committee Member, Distance Learning Committee, AILA National

Former Committee Member, Nebraska Service Center (NSC) Liaison Committee, AILA National

Former Treasurer, AILA Georgia-Alabama Chapter (2017-18)

Experience

Obtained approvals for nonimmigrant visas (including L-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-1/E-2, E-3, B-1, and J-1 visa petitions), permanent residence, including labor certifications (PERM), and multinational manager, extraordinary ability and outstanding researcher immigrant petitions.

Provided advice on consular processing and adjustment of status applications, naturalization, I-9 and LCA compliances, and the immigration aspects of corporate restructuring.

Guided clients through all aspects of family-based permanent residence applications.

Represented clients at immigration interviews in connection with naturalization and lawful permanent residence.

Publications and lectures

Speaker, “Navigating the Shifting U.S. Landscape: Solutions for Immigration, Relocation, and Tax in a Global Workforce.” Fragomen, Atlanta, GA, 18 June 2025.

Speaker, “I-140/Adjustment of Status Challenges in Fiscal Year 2023 and Beyond!” AILA Midwinter Conference & Webcast, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 20 January 2023.

Speaker, “’I Didn’t Know I Could Do That!’ Creative and Cautionary Uses of the B-1 Visa.” AILA Annual Conference on Immigration Law, Virtual, 9 June 2021.

Speaker, “Covid 19: Local Practice Updates & Hot Topics.” Georgia-Alabama AILA Chapter Annual Conference, June 2020.

Speaker, “Immigration Law – The New Normal & Immigration Litigation Strategies to Combat USCIS Delay and Denial.” Georgia-Alabama AILA Chapter Annual Conference, March 2020.

Speaker, “Business Immigration 101: Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Practicing.” AILA National Conference on Immigration Law, Orlando, Florida, June 2019.

Speaker, “Navigating Ethical Obligations in a Changing Business Environment.” GA-AL AILA Chapter Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, February 2019.

Speaker, “Employment-Based Green Cards - Focus on PERM.” ICLE: State Bar Series, Atlanta, Georgia, January 2019.

Speaker, “Getting USCIS to Say 'Yes' After the RFE.” AILA National Midwinter Conference on Immigration Law, Indian Wells, California, January 2019.

Speaker, “Anatomy of an L-1: Practical Preparation Tips.” AILA National Conference on Immigration Law, San Francisco, California, June 2018.

Speaker, “HOW Session: Prevailing Wage Determinations.” GA-AL AILA Chapter Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, February 2018.

Presenter, “Business Immigration Hot Topics: Best Practices and Current Trends.” Association of Corporate Counsel Deep Dive Luncheon, Dunwoody, Georgia, November 17, 2017.

Author, “Employing Foreign Graduates: What Companies Should Know.” Global Atlanta, 20 November 2017.

Speaker, “Trends in L-1 Adjudication.” AILA California Chapter Conference on Immigration Law, Los Angeles, California, October 2017.

Speaker, “Tricky LCA and PERM Issues for a Mobile Workforce.” AILA National Conference on Immigration Law, New Orleans, Louisiana, June 2017.

Speaker, “The Latest Issues with High Scrutiny Consular Posts.” Teleconference, AILA Telephone Conference Series, May 2017.

Speaker, “Update from Customs and Border Protection.” Spinning the Hits! Recording Award Winning Immigration Strategies, GA-AL AILA Chapter Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, February 2017.

Speaker, “Climbing the Visa Ladder: Moving to a Higher Immigrant Visa Category.” AILA National Conference on Immigration Law, Las Vegas, Nevada, June 2016.

Speaker, “To H-1B or Not to H-1B: Alternatives When the H-1B Cap is Met.” Lights, Camera, Action—How to Produce Award Winning Immigration Cases, GA-AL AILA Chapter Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, February 2016.

Co-Author, “An Immigration Year-End Review.” Global Atlanta, 6 January 2016.

Speaker, “H-1B Visas—Within Our Grasp, but Often Out of Reach.” AILA National Conference on Immigration Law, National Harbor, Maryland, June 2015.

Speaker, “Update from Customs and Border Protection.” A Brave New World—Facing Challenges in the New Immigration Landscape, GA-AL AILA Chapter Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, February 2015.

Speaker, “Employment-based Immigrant Visas - Part II (Alien Labor Certification Application).” AILA Fundamentals of Immigration Law Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana, October 2014.

Janora L.’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

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

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Janora L.’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

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

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Janora L.’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

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

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • German

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 404 856 5495

F:+1 404 856 5747

Atlanta

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1355 Peachtree St NE STE 900

Atlanta GA 30309

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Janora L.’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

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

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • German

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 404 856 5495

F:+1 404 856 5747

Atlanta

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1355 Peachtree St NE STE 900

Atlanta GA 30309

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Janora L.’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

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

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • German

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 404 856 5495

F:+1 404 856 5747

Atlanta

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1355 Peachtree St NE STE 900

Atlanta GA 30309

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Janora L.’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

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

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

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Malta Citizenship by Merit and Vision 2050: Who May Qualify and What Contributions Matter?

Director Isobel Neilson and Manager Sophie Jo Wasson examine how Malta’s Citizenship by Merit framework considers exceptional achievement and contribution alongside the country’s long-term priorities under Vision 2050, and what applicants should consider when developing a credible case.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: UK Right to Work Check Changes: What Businesses Need to Know

Partner Naomi Goldshtein discusses how new UK right to work requirements extend beyond direct employees and the steps businesses should take to understand and manage workforce compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty at 70: How “Friendly” is it in Practice?

Partners Aviva Meerschwam and Christine Sullivan, Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup and Junior Immigration Consultant Gabriela Gonzalez examine how the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty operates in the Netherlands and the US, and what the differences mean for entrepreneurs, investors and businesses pursuing transatlantic growth.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Named a Top 10 Finalist for the 2026 Cartus Masters Cup

Fragomen is a Top 10 finalist for the 2026 Cartus Masters Cup, Cartus’ highest supplier honor recognizing exceptional service, collaboration, innovation and commitment to clients and relocating employees.

Learn more

Media mentions

SHRM: Proposed $103,265 H-1B Is Changing Talent Acquisition Strategy

Partner Bo Cooper discusses the proposed $103,265 H-1B fee, potential legal challenges and its broader implications for employers and high-skilled immigration.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: The Hidden Sacrifices of Chasing an H-1B Career in America

Partner Aaron Blumberg discusses how proposed changes to the H-1B program could affect workers facing layoffs and families navigating dependent visa status.

Learn more

Blog post

Permanent Residence in Germany: Why Eligible Foreign Nationals Should Consider Applying Early

Senior Associate Arta Djahanschiri outlines the principal pathways to permanent residence in Germany, the flexibility and security the status can provide and why eligible foreign nationals should consider applying early.

Learn more

Blog post

Proposed Changes to Naturalisation by Residency in Ireland: What Does it Mean for Employers and Global Mobility Programmes?

Immigration Manager Jo Crawford examines proposed changes to Ireland’s naturalisation requirements and what they could mean for employers and global mobility programmes, including talent retention, workforce planning and business mobility. 

Learn more

Fragomen news

Comment on DHS Proposed $103,265 Fee on Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions.Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Receives Three 2026 Cartus Awards

Fragomen received three recognitions at the 2026 Cartus Global Network Conference for excellence in service, sustainability leadership and global citizenship.

Learn more

Blog post

Net Migration Policy: An Explainer Comparing Australia, Canada and the UK

Partner Jack (Eui Chul) Kim, Senior Counsel Dr. Anna Boucher, UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit and Articling Student David Mucz examine how Australia, Canada and the UK measure net migration. They compare efforts to reduce migration with the need to maintain access to international talent, and explain the potential effects on employers, labor markets and economic growth.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: White House H-1B Order Puts Employer Layoffs Under Microscope

Partner K. Edward Raleigh discusses how US employers should consider displacement and conduct a risk analysis when assessing H-1B filings in light of recent policy changes.

Learn more

Blog post

Malta Citizenship by Merit and Vision 2050: Who May Qualify and What Contributions Matter?

Director Isobel Neilson and Manager Sophie Jo Wasson examine how Malta’s Citizenship by Merit framework considers exceptional achievement and contribution alongside the country’s long-term priorities under Vision 2050, and what applicants should consider when developing a credible case.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: UK Right to Work Check Changes: What Businesses Need to Know

Partner Naomi Goldshtein discusses how new UK right to work requirements extend beyond direct employees and the steps businesses should take to understand and manage workforce compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty at 70: How “Friendly” is it in Practice?

Partners Aviva Meerschwam and Christine Sullivan, Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup and Junior Immigration Consultant Gabriela Gonzalez examine how the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty operates in the Netherlands and the US, and what the differences mean for entrepreneurs, investors and businesses pursuing transatlantic growth.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Named a Top 10 Finalist for the 2026 Cartus Masters Cup

Fragomen is a Top 10 finalist for the 2026 Cartus Masters Cup, Cartus’ highest supplier honor recognizing exceptional service, collaboration, innovation and commitment to clients and relocating employees.

Learn more

Media mentions

SHRM: Proposed $103,265 H-1B Is Changing Talent Acquisition Strategy

Partner Bo Cooper discusses the proposed $103,265 H-1B fee, potential legal challenges and its broader implications for employers and high-skilled immigration.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: The Hidden Sacrifices of Chasing an H-1B Career in America

Partner Aaron Blumberg discusses how proposed changes to the H-1B program could affect workers facing layoffs and families navigating dependent visa status.

Learn more

Blog post

Permanent Residence in Germany: Why Eligible Foreign Nationals Should Consider Applying Early

Senior Associate Arta Djahanschiri outlines the principal pathways to permanent residence in Germany, the flexibility and security the status can provide and why eligible foreign nationals should consider applying early.

Learn more

Blog post

Proposed Changes to Naturalisation by Residency in Ireland: What Does it Mean for Employers and Global Mobility Programmes?

Immigration Manager Jo Crawford examines proposed changes to Ireland’s naturalisation requirements and what they could mean for employers and global mobility programmes, including talent retention, workforce planning and business mobility. 

Learn more

Fragomen news

Comment on DHS Proposed $103,265 Fee on Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions.Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Receives Three 2026 Cartus Awards

Fragomen received three recognitions at the 2026 Cartus Global Network Conference for excellence in service, sustainability leadership and global citizenship.

Learn more

Blog post

Net Migration Policy: An Explainer Comparing Australia, Canada and the UK

Partner Jack (Eui Chul) Kim, Senior Counsel Dr. Anna Boucher, UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit and Articling Student David Mucz examine how Australia, Canada and the UK measure net migration. They compare efforts to reduce migration with the need to maintain access to international talent, and explain the potential effects on employers, labor markets and economic growth.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: White House H-1B Order Puts Employer Layoffs Under Microscope

Partner K. Edward Raleigh discusses how US employers should consider displacement and conduct a risk analysis when assessing H-1B filings in light of recent policy changes.

Learn more
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Important Updates
Important Updates
October 1, 2026 | JapanJapan: Stricter Permanent Residence Requirements
October 2, 2026 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Draft Code on Expanded Right to Work Scheme Clarifies Employer Obligations
October 2, 2026 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Expanded RTW Scheme in Effect; Further Employer Guidance Published
October 2, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: September 2026 DOL PERM and PWD Processing Times
October 2, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: U.S. Consular Services in Brazil Suspended
October 1, 2026 | JapanJapan: Stricter Permanent Residence Requirements
October 2, 2026 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Draft Code on Expanded Right to Work Scheme Clarifies Employer Obligations
October 2, 2026 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Expanded RTW Scheme in Effect; Further Employer Guidance Published
October 2, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: September 2026 DOL PERM and PWD Processing Times
October 2, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: U.S. Consular Services in Brazil Suspended
October 1, 2026 | JapanJapan: Stricter Permanent Residence Requirements
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