Senior Associate
Richard Lear
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- English
Contact information
Richard is a Senior Associate at Fragomen’s New York office, where he represents multinational companies and manages their U.S. nonimmigrant and immigrant visa matters. His experience includes developing and implementing immigration strategies for large and mid-size companies in the technology, consulting, financial services, fashion and pharmaceutical industries, as well as representing small companies and start-ups with their initial U.S. immigration programs. He has extensive experience advising on H-1B, L-1, E-3, TN and O-1 visas, as well as employment-based green card processes.
Richard previously served as in-house counsel for a global technology company, where he led the internal immigration program and assisted with employment and HR matters, including advising on hiring, termination and related HR policies. Earlier in his career, Richard served as an Associate at Fragomen from 2011 through 2017.
Richard’s pro bono experience includes representing victims of trafficking and domestic violence to secure T and U visas, as well as representing individuals applying for affirmative asylum. While in law school, Richard served as a Managing Editor of Tulane Law Review.
Education
- Tulane University School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude , 2011
- Lafayette College, B.A., summa cum laude , 2006
More from Richard
Admissions
Bar Admissions: New York
Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law
Professional accomplishments
Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association
Experience
Collaborated with large technology client on overhauling green card sponsorship program, establishing revamped batch PERM program with significant cost savings to the client.
Established and led in-house immigration practice for multinational technology company, including the development and streamlining of immigration processes, creating the internal green card sponsorship and Blanket L visa programs, and drafting and implementing related immigration policies.
Assisted startup software companies with acquiring initial visas and establishing their immigration programs to match company growth.
Secured extraordinary ability visas for numerous fashion designers at startup and established fashion companies.
Richard’s insights
September 1, 2021 | Fragomen news
