Photo of Michelle Shepard

Counsel

Michelle Shepard

Photo of Michelle Shepard
Photo of Michelle Shepard
  • People

Counsel

Michelle Shepard

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 857 305 4434

F:+1 617 226 4561

Boston

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

100 High St, 3rd Floor

Boston MA 02110

United States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 857 305 4434

F:+1 617 226 4561

Boston

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

100 High St, 3rd Floor

Boston MA 02110

United States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 857 305 4434

F:+1 617 226 4561

Boston

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

100 High St, 3rd Floor

Boston MA 02110

United States

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Michelle, Counsel at Fragomen’s Boston office, has more than 12 years of immigration experience, including with nonimmigrant and immigrant visa petitions, Requests for Evidence and other nonimmigrant visa related filings (Denials, NOIR, NOID, 221(g)), H-1B and AC21 matters.

Prior to joining Fragomen, Michelle was a Partner at an immigration law firm in Boston, where she managed the immigrant visa team. She assisted clients permanent residency strategy and family-based green card processing, including marriage-based and immediate-relative based filings. Michelle also previously managed her prior firm’s nonimmigrant visa department, including all aspects of H-1B, L-1, TN, E-3 and B-1 matters, among others. She worked with corporate clients to help them grow their businesses by ensuring their employees and employees’ families had the necessary visa strategy in place.

During law school, Michelle wrote for and was published in the New England Journal of International and Comparative Law.

Education

  • New England Law - Boston, J.D., 2012
  • Johnson and Wales University, B.S., 2009

More from Michelle

Admissions

Bar Admissions: Massachusetts, Georgia

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 2026 to 2027

Listed in Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star,” 2020-2022

Professional accomplishments

Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

Treasurer, AILA New England Chapter, 2023-2024

Member, AILA New England Chapter

Member, Law Student Liaison Committee, AILA New England Chapter

Member, Conference Planning Committee, AILA New England Chapter

Member, New England ProVisors

Publications and lectures

Speaker, “Life After Graduation: Immigration 101.” Fragomen and Interstride, Webinar, 12 February 2025.

Speaker, “Introductions, FDNS Site Visits, and RFE/Notice Expectations as a Result of the FY2024 CAP.” ITServe Alliance, Webinar, 10 May 2023.

Speaker, “Compliance Audits and Immigration Updates.” ITServe Alliance New England Chapter, 22 March 2023.

Michelle’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

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

December 3, 2025 | Webinar

Fragomen and Interstride Webinar Series: Family Based Immigration OverviewRead more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

Michelle’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

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

December 3, 2025 | Webinar

Fragomen and Interstride Webinar Series: Family Based Immigration OverviewRead more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

Michelle’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

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

December 3, 2025 | Webinar

Fragomen and Interstride Webinar Series: Family Based Immigration OverviewRead 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

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 857 305 4434

F:+1 617 226 4561

Boston

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

100 High St, 3rd Floor

Boston MA 02110

United States

Michelle’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

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

December 3, 2025 | Webinar

Fragomen and Interstride Webinar Series: Family Based Immigration OverviewRead 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

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 857 305 4434

F:+1 617 226 4561

Boston

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

100 High St, 3rd Floor

Boston MA 02110

United States

Michelle’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

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

December 3, 2025 | Webinar

Fragomen and Interstride Webinar Series: Family Based Immigration OverviewRead 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

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 857 305 4434

F:+1 617 226 4561

Boston

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

100 High St, 3rd Floor

Boston MA 02110

United States

Michelle’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

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

December 3, 2025 | Webinar

Fragomen and Interstride Webinar Series: Family Based Immigration OverviewRead 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

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

Media mentions

Business Insider: The Winners and Losers of the New H-1B Era

Partner Catherine Macris discusses how evolving H-1B policies are shaping employers’ ability to recruit foreign talent, particularly in highly specialized fields.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Professionals and Employee Network Shortlisted for 2027 TLC Lions Human Awards Europe

Two Fragomen professionals and our BeYou@Fragomen employee network have been shortlisted for the 2027 TLC Lions Human Awards Europe, recognising their contributions to inclusive leadership and a people-centred workplace culture.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen’s Worldwide Immigration Trends Report 2026 Wins at the FEM EMEA EMMAs

Fragomen is honored with the 2026 FEM EMEA EMMA in the "Thought Leadership - Best Survey or Research Study of the Year" category for its 2026 Worldwide Immigration Trends Report. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Law360: How A New Case Redefines The Birthright Citizenship Battle

Partner Daniel Pierce and Senior Associate Daniel D. Schaeffer examine US birthright citizenship challenges and the implications of recent court rulings for nationwide relief in immigration litigation.

Learn more

Video

What Is ESTA? Five Common Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to the US

Los Angeles Partner Emily Allen explains what ESTA is, who may be eligible under the US Visa Waiver Program and five common mistakes travelers should avoid when visiting the United States for business or tourism.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Fragomen news

Case Study: Securing a Positive Outcome in a Complex Adult Dependent Relative Appeal

Fragomen supported an Adult Dependent Relative applicant through a complex appeal, using coordinated medical and social care evidence to demonstrate his holistic care needs before the Home Office withdrew its refusal and indicated that the application would be granted.

Learn more

Blog post

Moving Talent, Moving Families: Navigating Family Reunification in Europe

Senior Manager Andreia Ghimis and Senior Immigration Consultant Louise Farren explore how family reunification rules across Europe can affect international moves and why employers should assess family eligibility, immigration requirements and likely timelines alongside an employee’s work authorization.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: How Would the $70,000 Fee on International Students Working in the US Impact Schools and Grads? 2 Lawyers Break It Down.

Partner Aaron Blumberg discusses how a proposed $70,000 fee for international students seeking US work authorization could affect students, universities and employers.

Learn more

Blog post

How to Qualify for Permanent Residence and Polish Citizenship

Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala and Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek outline the principal pathways to permanent residence and Polish citizenship, including key residence, language and income considerations and potential future reforms.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Comment on USCIS Mandatory Electronic Filing RuleLearn 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

Media mentions

Business Insider: The Winners and Losers of the New H-1B Era

Partner Catherine Macris discusses how evolving H-1B policies are shaping employers’ ability to recruit foreign talent, particularly in highly specialized fields.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Professionals and Employee Network Shortlisted for 2027 TLC Lions Human Awards Europe

Two Fragomen professionals and our BeYou@Fragomen employee network have been shortlisted for the 2027 TLC Lions Human Awards Europe, recognising their contributions to inclusive leadership and a people-centred workplace culture.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen’s Worldwide Immigration Trends Report 2026 Wins at the FEM EMEA EMMAs

Fragomen is honored with the 2026 FEM EMEA EMMA in the "Thought Leadership - Best Survey or Research Study of the Year" category for its 2026 Worldwide Immigration Trends Report. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Law360: How A New Case Redefines The Birthright Citizenship Battle

Partner Daniel Pierce and Senior Associate Daniel D. Schaeffer examine US birthright citizenship challenges and the implications of recent court rulings for nationwide relief in immigration litigation.

Learn more

Video

What Is ESTA? Five Common Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to the US

Los Angeles Partner Emily Allen explains what ESTA is, who may be eligible under the US Visa Waiver Program and five common mistakes travelers should avoid when visiting the United States for business or tourism.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Fragomen news

Case Study: Securing a Positive Outcome in a Complex Adult Dependent Relative Appeal

Fragomen supported an Adult Dependent Relative applicant through a complex appeal, using coordinated medical and social care evidence to demonstrate his holistic care needs before the Home Office withdrew its refusal and indicated that the application would be granted.

Learn more

Blog post

Moving Talent, Moving Families: Navigating Family Reunification in Europe

Senior Manager Andreia Ghimis and Senior Immigration Consultant Louise Farren explore how family reunification rules across Europe can affect international moves and why employers should assess family eligibility, immigration requirements and likely timelines alongside an employee’s work authorization.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: How Would the $70,000 Fee on International Students Working in the US Impact Schools and Grads? 2 Lawyers Break It Down.

Partner Aaron Blumberg discusses how a proposed $70,000 fee for international students seeking US work authorization could affect students, universities and employers.

Learn more

Blog post

How to Qualify for Permanent Residence and Polish Citizenship

Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala and Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek outline the principal pathways to permanent residence and Polish citizenship, including key residence, language and income considerations and potential future reforms.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Comment on USCIS Mandatory Electronic Filing RuleLearn more
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Important Updates
Important Updates
October 19, 2026 | United StatesAILA Law Journal: Administrative Proxies in Immigration Adjudication
October 20, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
October 20, 2026Middle East: Penalties Introduced for Late Payment of Social Insurance Contributions
October 20, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 20, 2026 | SingaporeSingapore: Updates Introduced to Streamline Application and Document Upload Process
October 19, 2026 | United StatesAILA Law Journal: Administrative Proxies in Immigration Adjudication
October 20, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
October 20, 2026Middle East: Penalties Introduced for Late Payment of Social Insurance Contributions
October 20, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 20, 2026 | SingaporeSingapore: Updates Introduced to Streamline Application and Document Upload Process
October 19, 2026 | United StatesAILA Law Journal: Administrative Proxies in Immigration Adjudication
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