Porthole Headshot image of Fragomen [SanDiego][Associate][RuthSpillane]

Partner

Ruth Spillane

Landscape hero image of Fragomen [SanDiego][Associate][RuthSpillane]
Porthole Headshot image of Fragomen [SanDiego][Associate][RuthSpillane]
  • People

Partner

Ruth Spillane

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

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  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 858 793 1600

F:+1 858 793 1686

San Diego

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

5355 Mira Sorrento Place, Suite 750

San Diego CA 92121

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 858 793 1600

F:+1 858 793 1686

San Diego

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

5355 Mira Sorrento Place, Suite 750

San Diego CA 92121

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 858 793 1600

F:+1 858 793 1686

San Diego

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

5355 Mira Sorrento Place, Suite 750

San Diego CA 92121

United States

Connect via Linkedin
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Clients seek Ruth’s advice on the policies that guide and define their immigration programs. This work involves deep analysis of her clients’ business objectives, which she translates into a set of policy principles that serve both the individual immigrant employee and the company as a whole.

She is also a skilled tactician, offering practical, day-to-day guidance that balances clients’ business objectives against the external variables that impact the immigration process, including turmoil caused by economic tumult, shifts in regulatory policy and public health crises. Her obsession with detail and tireless oversight of her clients’ projects often yield strategic opportunities that would otherwise remain overlooked.

As a result, she’s forged long-term, highly cooperative relationships with clients, many of whom have worked with her for more than a decade and have come to regard her counsel as an integral part of their evolving business strategy. Her largest single client—a Fortune 500 technology company—has relied on her advice and positive influence through 15 years of company-altering transactions, economic downturns and recoveries, and whipsaw changes in immigration policy.

Ruth was inspired to pursue a career in immigration law by the experiences of her father, who immigrated to the United States from Ireland in his early 20s, and a law school internship with the Legal Aid Society through which she worked on refugee and asylum cases. These early encounters with the process introduced her to the unique human experience of the immigrant—a concern that remains at the core of her work to this day.

She continues to represent disadvantaged and marginalized people as a volunteer attorney for the Casa Cornelia Law Center, where she assists with the preparation of Violence Against Women Act petitions for immigrant victims of domestic violence and U visa petitions to provide immigration benefits to victims of criminal activity.

She also proudly serves on the board of the San Diego County Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of the San Diego County Bar Association, an organization that advocates for communities impacted by poverty, abuse and discrimination.

Ruth was inspired to pursue a career in immigration law by the experiences of her father, who immigrated to the United States from Ireland in his early 20s, and a law school internship with the Legal Aid Society through which she worked on refugee and asylum cases. These early encounters with the process introduced her to the unique human experience of the immigrant—a concern that remains at the core of her work to this day.

She continues to represent disadvantaged and marginalized people as a volunteer attorney for the Casa Cornelia Law Center, where she assists with the preparation of Violence Against Women Act petitions for immigrant victims of domestic violence and U visa petitions to provide immigration benefits to victims of criminal activity.

She also proudly serves on the board of the San Diego County Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of the San Diego County Bar Association, an organization that advocates for communities impacted by poverty, abuse and discrimination.

Education

  • Thomas Jefferson School of Law, Juris Doctor, 2008
  • Florida Atlantic University, Bachelor of Arts, 2004

More from Ruth

Admissions

Bar Admissions: California

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Listed in San Diego Business Journal’s Women of Influence in Law, 2025

Named to Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch, 2024

Inn of Court Pro Bono Publico Award, Casa Cornelia Law Center’s 10th Annual La Mancha Awards, 2019

Listed among “Top 40 Under 40,” Daily Transcript, 2019

Listed in Super Lawyers as “Rising Star,” 2016 to 2018

San Diego County Top Attorney Finalist in Immigration Law, 2013

Professional accomplishments

Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

Member, California Bar Association

Member, San Diego Bar Association

Member, Lawyers Club of San Diego

Board Member, San Diego County Bar Foundation

Experience

Represents companies across various industries in structuring and managing NIV and permanent residency programs, including providing strategic solutions to complex issues, advising on travel and consular issues and I-9 compliance.

Oversight of NIV programs, including H-1B, L-1, TN, E-3 and O-1 filings. This includes coordinating high volume H-1B cap lottery registration and filings for large global corporations as well as smaller-sized industry leaders.

Management of permanent residency programs, including PERM, immigrant petitions and green card filings This oversight includes providing guidance relative to policy decisions, updates on procedures and trends and training with corporate clients’ internal immigration teams.

Strategically manages immigration updates from mergers and acquisitions, including coordinating requisite filings with internal teams, communication to employees and developing strategies for complex cases.

Publications and lectures

Quoted, “How Trump's Latest Suspension of Worker Visas Could Affect Tech Industry.” The Recorder, 23 June 2020.

Quoted, “Employment Authorization Delays Leave Businesses in Lurch.” Law360, 26 March 2019.

Quoted, “ICE Work-Site Enforcement Likely to Borrow from Obama, Bush.” Bloomberg Law, 5 February 2018.

Ruth’s insights

July 8, 2025 | Awards

Partners Nadine Bahnan, Ruth Spillane and Karine Wenger Named to San Diego Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence in LawRead more

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

October 24, 2023 — October 26, 2023 | Training session

Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) Risk Management and Compliance WorkshopRead more
More related insights

Ruth’s insights

July 8, 2025 | Awards

Partners Nadine Bahnan, Ruth Spillane and Karine Wenger Named to San Diego Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence in LawRead more

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

October 24, 2023 — October 26, 2023 | Training session

Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) Risk Management and Compliance WorkshopRead more
More related insights

Ruth’s insights

July 8, 2025 | Awards

Partners Nadine Bahnan, Ruth Spillane and Karine Wenger Named to San Diego Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence in LawRead more

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

October 24, 2023 — October 26, 2023 | Training session

Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) Risk Management and Compliance WorkshopRead more
More related insights

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 858 793 1600

F:+1 858 793 1686

San Diego

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

5355 Mira Sorrento Place, Suite 750

San Diego CA 92121

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Ruth’s insights

July 8, 2025 | Awards

Partners Nadine Bahnan, Ruth Spillane and Karine Wenger Named to San Diego Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence in LawRead more

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

October 24, 2023 — October 26, 2023 | Training session

Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) Risk Management and Compliance WorkshopRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 858 793 1600

F:+1 858 793 1686

San Diego

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

5355 Mira Sorrento Place, Suite 750

San Diego CA 92121

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Ruth’s insights

July 8, 2025 | Awards

Partners Nadine Bahnan, Ruth Spillane and Karine Wenger Named to San Diego Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence in LawRead more

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

October 24, 2023 — October 26, 2023 | Training session

Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) Risk Management and Compliance WorkshopRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 858 793 1600

F:+1 858 793 1686

San Diego

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

5355 Mira Sorrento Place, Suite 750

San Diego CA 92121

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Ruth’s insights

July 8, 2025 | Awards

Partners Nadine Bahnan, Ruth Spillane and Karine Wenger Named to San Diego Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence in LawRead more

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

October 24, 2023 — October 26, 2023 | Training session

Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) Risk Management and Compliance WorkshopRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Times Higher Education: UK Student Visa Applications Fall in October

Senior Manager Jonathan Hill discusses factors behind the decline in UK student visa applications, including recruitment restrictions, rising costs and changes to post-study work rights.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Comment on USCIS’s Proposed Rule to Eliminate Deference to Prior ApprovalsLearn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Appoints Timo Heck as Managing Partner of DACH Region

Fragomen has appointed Timo Heck as Managing Partner of the DACH region, encompassing Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Professionals Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in Mexico™

Eight professionals in Fragomen’s Mexico City office have been recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in Mexico™ for Immigration Law.

Learn more

Blog post

How Employers Can Support Integration and Retain International Talent in Germany

Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explores how employers in Germany can look beyond the initial immigration process to support integration, long-term stability and the retention of international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Scottish Legal News: Scotland’s Investment Ambitions Depend on Workforce Readiness

Director Kelly Hardman explores why workforce planning is essential to Scotland’s investment ambitions and long-term economic growth.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Comment on DHS Proposal to Eliminate the 60-day Grace PeriodLearn more

Fragomen news

Comment on DHS proposal to impose up to $100,000 in Optional Practical Training FeesLearn more

Media mentions

Human Resources Director: Fixed-Term Contract Limits Squeeze Visa Sponsorship, Research Warns

Co-authors Partner Charles Johanes, Senior Counsel Anna Boucher and Allens Partner Tarsha Gavin explore the intersection of Australia’s migration and employment laws and the implications for employers sponsoring temporary visa holders.

Learn more

Media mentions

Prawo: Pracodawca na pierwszej linii: jak reforma zatrudniania cudzoziemców przesuwa odpowiedzialność na firmy

Partner Karolina Schiffter examines how Poland’s proposed foreign employment reforms could increase employers’ administrative and compliance responsibilities.

Learn more

Blog post

Trusted Digital Identity Is Critical Infrastructure for Global Mobility

In the first blog in a new series, Managing Director, Digital Identity Amit Sharma explores why trusted digital identity is becoming increasingly important to global mobility, how reusable digital credentials could work and why interoperability across systems and jurisdictions will be critical.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Global Talent Visa vs Innovator Founder Visa: A Guide for Tech Professionals, Researchers and Founders

Senior Associate Amelia Haynes compares the UK’s Global Talent and Innovator Founder visa routes, examining who each route may suit, the evidence required, professional flexibility and potential pathways to settlement.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Higher Education: UK Student Visa Applications Fall in October

Senior Manager Jonathan Hill discusses factors behind the decline in UK student visa applications, including recruitment restrictions, rising costs and changes to post-study work rights.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Comment on USCIS’s Proposed Rule to Eliminate Deference to Prior ApprovalsLearn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Appoints Timo Heck as Managing Partner of DACH Region

Fragomen has appointed Timo Heck as Managing Partner of the DACH region, encompassing Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Professionals Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in Mexico™

Eight professionals in Fragomen’s Mexico City office have been recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in Mexico™ for Immigration Law.

Learn more

Blog post

How Employers Can Support Integration and Retain International Talent in Germany

Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explores how employers in Germany can look beyond the initial immigration process to support integration, long-term stability and the retention of international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Scottish Legal News: Scotland’s Investment Ambitions Depend on Workforce Readiness

Director Kelly Hardman explores why workforce planning is essential to Scotland’s investment ambitions and long-term economic growth.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Comment on DHS Proposal to Eliminate the 60-day Grace PeriodLearn more

Fragomen news

Comment on DHS proposal to impose up to $100,000 in Optional Practical Training FeesLearn more

Media mentions

Human Resources Director: Fixed-Term Contract Limits Squeeze Visa Sponsorship, Research Warns

Co-authors Partner Charles Johanes, Senior Counsel Anna Boucher and Allens Partner Tarsha Gavin explore the intersection of Australia’s migration and employment laws and the implications for employers sponsoring temporary visa holders.

Learn more

Media mentions

Prawo: Pracodawca na pierwszej linii: jak reforma zatrudniania cudzoziemców przesuwa odpowiedzialność na firmy

Partner Karolina Schiffter examines how Poland’s proposed foreign employment reforms could increase employers’ administrative and compliance responsibilities.

Learn more

Blog post

Trusted Digital Identity Is Critical Infrastructure for Global Mobility

In the first blog in a new series, Managing Director, Digital Identity Amit Sharma explores why trusted digital identity is becoming increasingly important to global mobility, how reusable digital credentials could work and why interoperability across systems and jurisdictions will be critical.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Global Talent Visa vs Innovator Founder Visa: A Guide for Tech Professionals, Researchers and Founders

Senior Associate Amelia Haynes compares the UK’s Global Talent and Innovator Founder visa routes, examining who each route may suit, the evidence required, professional flexibility and potential pathways to settlement.

Learn more
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Important Updates
Important Updates
November 12, 2026 | MexicoFragomen Professionals Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in Mexico™
November 13, 2026 | CanadaCanada: 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan Maintains Overall Targets and Adds Permanent Residence Spaces
November 13, 2026 | United KingdomTimes Higher Education: UK Student Visa Applications Fall in October
November 12, 2026 | United StatesComment on USCIS’s Proposed Rule to Eliminate Deference to Prior Approvals
November 12, 2026 | Austria, Germany, SwitzerlandFragomen Appoints Timo Heck as Managing Partner of DACH Region
November 12, 2026 | MexicoFragomen Professionals Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in Mexico™
November 13, 2026 | CanadaCanada: 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan Maintains Overall Targets and Adds Permanent Residence Spaces
November 13, 2026 | United KingdomTimes Higher Education: UK Student Visa Applications Fall in October
November 12, 2026 | United StatesComment on USCIS’s Proposed Rule to Eliminate Deference to Prior Approvals
November 12, 2026 | Austria, Germany, SwitzerlandFragomen Appoints Timo Heck as Managing Partner of DACH Region
November 12, 2026 | MexicoFragomen Professionals Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in Mexico™
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