Senior Counsel
Karin Lestelle
Country / Territory
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Languages
- English
- French
Contact information
Karin provides immigration policy guidance, strategic planning counsel and program development and support to international corporations. She works with companies of all sizes across a variety of industries including, financial and banking services, insurance, information technology, consumer and luxury goods, scientific research, accounting and travel. She provides hands-on, personalized advice on complex issues and assists clients with major employment-based temporary and permanent visa categories. As one of few native French speaking immigration attorneys in the U.S., Karin is able to deftly assist companies based in France.
Clients appreciate Karin’s accessibility and transparency. At the start of each case, she ensures that the client clearly understands the entire process, from start to finish and outlines potential challenges as well as possible solutions. She is a trusted advisor on all global mobility matters and is a great collaborator with other key parties in her clients’ immigration journey. Karin is often lauded for her immigration program and policy development due to her deep understanding of her clients’ business, their business objectives and various jurisdictions. She believes strongly in the importance of a personal connection to create long-term relationships.
Karin’s own immigration story guides her commitment to immigration law—not only to create successful outcomes for clients—but also to use her skills in a pro bono capacity. She enjoys working with various refugee and immigrant organizations in New York City to provide legal advice to these populations.
Education
- George Washington University, The National Law Center, J.D., 1982
- New York University, B.A., 1979
More from Karin
Admissions
Bar Admissions: New York
Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law
Awards
Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 2020 to 2023
Listed in Super Lawyers, 2011 to 2022
Listed as one of “The Top Women” in immigration in New York, Super Lawyers - New York Metro 2016: The Top Women
Professional accomplishments
Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
Board of Directors, French American Chamber of Commerce in New York
Member, French Founders
Former Chair, Women in Business Committee of French American Chamber of Commerce in New York
Former Member, Alumni Board of the Lycée Français de New York
Experience
Collaborated with major corporate client to develop global immigration program and vendor collaboration with tax and relocation providers.
Assisted prominent athletes, artists, scientists and business leaders with obtaining classification as persons of “extraordinary ability” for nonimmigrant and immigrant visa classification.
Advised multinational companies on the immigration consequences of mergers and acquisitions and other corporate restructurings, including the effects on H-1 and L-1 nonimmigrant visas as well as immigrant visa applications.
Publications and lectures
Panelist, “Hot Topics in post-pandemic Talent Mobility.” French American Chamber of Commerce – New York, 2 February 2023.
Speaker, French American Chamber of Commerce, New York, NY, March 2006, October 2008, April 2014, November 2017, November 2019 and November 2020.
Speaker, “Managing the Impact of COVID-19 on Your Business in the U.S.” Business France, April 23, 2020.
Author, “Immigration Updates.” French American Chamber of Commerce Monthly Newsletter, March 2013.
Author, “Member Article: H-1B & L-1 Updates.” French American Chamber of Commerce Monthly Newsletter, Winter 2011.
Speaker, Agoria, Brussels, Belgium, November 2008.
Speaker, Union Internationale des Avocats, Paris, France, October 2007.
Speaker, KPMG Roundtable, Stamford, CT, July 2007.
Karin’s insights
August 22, 2022 | Awards
October 26, 2020 | Awards
September 14, 2020 | Fragomen news
