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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

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 858 793 1600

F:+1 858 793 1686

San Diego, CA

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, CA

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, CA

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

August 17, 2023 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 30th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read 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

August 17, 2023 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 30th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read 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

August 17, 2023 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 30th 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:+1 858 793 1600

F:+1 858 793 1686

San Diego, CA

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

August 17, 2023 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 30th 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:+1 858 793 1600

F:+1 858 793 1686

San Diego, CA

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

August 17, 2023 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 30th 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:+1 858 793 1600

F:+1 858 793 1686

San Diego, CA

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

August 17, 2023 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 30th 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

Business Insider: New H-1B Visa Rules Upgrade Some Lottery Applicants — and Squeeze Out Others

Partner K. Edward Raleigh on how the $100K H‑1B fee factors into hiring international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

China Daily: HK Softens Imbalance in Wealth Migration

Managing Director Magdalene Tennant and Director Kitty Lo highlight Hong Kong as an attractive destination for global investors.

Learn more

Blog post

Countdown to the Italy Winter Games 2026: What You Need to Know Before Travelling

IPM Business Process Manager Hazel Yaman outlines key visa, work authorisation and border considerations for athletes, media, event staff and spectators travelling to Italy for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, including the impact of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gulf News: Moving to the UAE from the UK? Here’s Your Visa Guide for Jobs, Business and Golden Visas

Corporate Services Director Elena Caron highlights key considerations for UK nationals moving to the UAE.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: The UK’s Earned Settlement Proposal: What HR Leaders Need to Know

Associates Charlotte Roberts and Karina Casey highlight how the UK’s earned settlement proposal may influence global talent and HR planning.

Learn more

Media mentions

Konfederacja Lewiatan: Procedura legalizacji zatrudnienia cudzoziemców w Polsce po zmianach w 2025 r.

Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala contributes to Konfederacja Lewiatan’s analysis on 2025 changes to work permits and foreign employment in Poland.

Learn more

Blog post

F and J Visa Updates: Social Media Checks Begin as DHS Proposes New Limits

Associate Alejandro Hernandez analyses new F and J visa screening practices, including social media vetting by US consulates and proposed DHS changes that could significantly alter admission periods for students and exchange visitors.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Ireland Awarded the KeepWell Mark by IBEC

Fragomen Ireland is accredited with IBEC’s KeepWell Mark™, recognizing the practice’s commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and responsible business.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Specustawa ukraińska wygasa: Pułapka dla pracodawców po 4 marca 2026

Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights a key development as Poland prepares to extend protection for Ukrainians, pointing to the growing role of the courts.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Scotsman: UK Offshore Immigration Crackdown Risks Stifling Growth Unless Policy Meets Reality

Director Kelly Hardman discusses how UK offshore immigration rules are creating challenges for energy and maritime operations.

Learn more

Media mentions

HR Headquarters: Irish Immigration Changes: What Employers Need To Know Now And Into 2026

Partner Ángel Bello Cortés outlines upcoming changes to Ireland’s immigration rules and their implications for employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

ABC7: CA, Other States Sue Trump Admin Over New $100K Fee for H-1B Visas

Partner Chad Ellsworth discussed the new $100,000 H-1B visa fee and ongoing demand for specialized talent across the US tech industry.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: New H-1B Visa Rules Upgrade Some Lottery Applicants — and Squeeze Out Others

Partner K. Edward Raleigh on how the $100K H‑1B fee factors into hiring international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

China Daily: HK Softens Imbalance in Wealth Migration

Managing Director Magdalene Tennant and Director Kitty Lo highlight Hong Kong as an attractive destination for global investors.

Learn more

Blog post

Countdown to the Italy Winter Games 2026: What You Need to Know Before Travelling

IPM Business Process Manager Hazel Yaman outlines key visa, work authorisation and border considerations for athletes, media, event staff and spectators travelling to Italy for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, including the impact of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gulf News: Moving to the UAE from the UK? Here’s Your Visa Guide for Jobs, Business and Golden Visas

Corporate Services Director Elena Caron highlights key considerations for UK nationals moving to the UAE.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: The UK’s Earned Settlement Proposal: What HR Leaders Need to Know

Associates Charlotte Roberts and Karina Casey highlight how the UK’s earned settlement proposal may influence global talent and HR planning.

Learn more

Media mentions

Konfederacja Lewiatan: Procedura legalizacji zatrudnienia cudzoziemców w Polsce po zmianach w 2025 r.

Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala contributes to Konfederacja Lewiatan’s analysis on 2025 changes to work permits and foreign employment in Poland.

Learn more

Blog post

F and J Visa Updates: Social Media Checks Begin as DHS Proposes New Limits

Associate Alejandro Hernandez analyses new F and J visa screening practices, including social media vetting by US consulates and proposed DHS changes that could significantly alter admission periods for students and exchange visitors.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Ireland Awarded the KeepWell Mark by IBEC

Fragomen Ireland is accredited with IBEC’s KeepWell Mark™, recognizing the practice’s commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and responsible business.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Specustawa ukraińska wygasa: Pułapka dla pracodawców po 4 marca 2026

Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights a key development as Poland prepares to extend protection for Ukrainians, pointing to the growing role of the courts.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Scotsman: UK Offshore Immigration Crackdown Risks Stifling Growth Unless Policy Meets Reality

Director Kelly Hardman discusses how UK offshore immigration rules are creating challenges for energy and maritime operations.

Learn more

Media mentions

HR Headquarters: Irish Immigration Changes: What Employers Need To Know Now And Into 2026

Partner Ángel Bello Cortés outlines upcoming changes to Ireland’s immigration rules and their implications for employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

ABC7: CA, Other States Sue Trump Admin Over New $100K Fee for H-1B Visas

Partner Chad Ellsworth discussed the new $100,000 H-1B visa fee and ongoing demand for specialized talent across the US tech industry.

Learn more

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