Sophia Michelle Goring-Piard

Partner

Sophia Goring-Piard

Sophia Michelle Goring-Piard
Sophia Michelle Goring-Piard
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Sophia Goring-Piard

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

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  • English

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Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4120

F:+1 212 480 9930

San Francisco

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

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Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4120

F:+1 212 480 9930

San Francisco

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4120

F:+1 212 480 9930

San Francisco

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

Connect via Linkedin
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Sophia has served as a dedicated business immigration advisor to clients of every size and stripe for more than 20 years.

She has built her practice around three core principles:

  • Proactive advice based on government and industry intelligence. Sophia helps clients forecast necessary changes to their immigration programs in response to shifts in government policy, geopolitical conflict and economic pressure. She helps clients adjust internal policy, program management and workforce communications to anticipate and take advantage of developments others might miss.
  • Exceptional employee experience. Regardless of the size of their workforce or the volume of their caseload, clients rely on Sophia to maintain a responsive and respectful approach to individual employees. She partners with key stakeholders to understand employee culture through constant exchange of ideas and feedback. Sophia is especially attuned to the rapidly evolving communications tools used by employees and draws on this familiarity to develop communication strategies that counter misinformation, facilitate participation and reduce dissatisfaction.
  • Flexible, data-driven program design and diagnosis. Sophia dives deep into client and industry data to create new immigration programs for her clients—or to revitalize and streamline their existing efforts. By evaluating pain and pressure points, including lag time and success rates, she helps clients adjust resource allocation and increase transparency. She leverages her capacious industry experience to introduce clients to best practices from outside their sector.

    She also helps companies on the cusp of major growth to transform their current, bespoke immigration framework into full-blown programs handling hundreds or thousands of employees—a key factor in removing impediments to expansion.

Her specific capabilities include, but are not limited to, temporary visas, PERM programs, EB-1 petitions and National Interest Waivers. Her industry experience embraces high technology; telecommunications; banking, finance and asset management; and professional service providers, among others.

A dedicated pro bono attorney, Sophia has represented individuals in asylum and removal proceedings, family-based cases, special immigrant juvenile petitions, U-visa applications, VAWA self-petitions, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) issues and general immigration consultations. She is proudest of her work on behalf of a woman from Burkina Faso who was facing removal proceedings and for whom she helped secure asylum protection and permanent resident status.

Sophia is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, through which she engages in leadership development, service and community work.

Her specific capabilities include, but are not limited to, temporary visas, PERM programs, EB-1 petitions and National Interest Waivers. Her industry experience embraces high technology; telecommunications; banking, finance and asset management; and professional service providers, among others.

A dedicated pro bono attorney, Sophia has represented individuals in asylum and removal proceedings, family-based cases, special immigrant juvenile petitions, U-visa applications, VAWA self-petitions, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) issues and general immigration consultations. She is proudest of her work on behalf of a woman from Burkina Faso who was facing removal proceedings and for whom she helped secure asylum protection and permanent resident status.

Sophia is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, through which she engages in leadership development, service and community work.

Education

  • Fordham University School of Law, J.D., 2000
  • Washington University in St. Louis, B.A., 1994

More from Sophia

Admissions

Bar Admissions: New York, Massachusetts

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 2012 to 2027

Listed in Crain’s New York Business’s Notable Black Leaders, 2022

Stein Scholar in Public Interest Law and Ethics, Fordham University School of Law, 1997 to 2000

Thurgood Marshall Fellowship, City Bar Justice Center’s Immigrant Women and Children Project, Association of the Bar of the City of New York, 1999

Professional accomplishments

Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

Member, New York State Bar Association, Commercial and Federal Litigation – Committee on Immigration Litigation

Member, Metropolitan Black Bar Association

Publications and lectures

Speaker, “Keynote Panel – State of Mobility.” 2025 Bay Area Mobility Management Annual Mobility Conference, San Francisco, CA, 13 February 2025.

Speaker, “Navigating the Corporate Climb: Lessons from Women at the Top.” Women of Color in Pharma (WOCIP) 8th Annual Conference, Scottsdale, AZ, 10 November 2024.

Sophia’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

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

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

August 19, 2024 | Awards

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

Sophia’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

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

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

August 19, 2024 | Awards

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

Sophia’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

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

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st 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:+1 212 909 4120

F:+1 212 480 9930

San Francisco

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Sophia’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

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

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st 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:+1 212 909 4120

F:+1 212 480 9930

San Francisco

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Sophia’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

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

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st 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:+1 212 909 4120

F:+1 212 480 9930

San Francisco

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Sophia’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

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

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

August 19, 2024 | Awards

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

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Fragomen news

Comment on DHS Proposed $103,265 Fee on Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions.Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Receives Three 2026 Cartus Awards

Fragomen received three 2026 Cartus awards recognizing the firm’s immigration services, sustainability efforts and commitment to global citizenship.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Blog post

Net Migration Policy: An Explainer Comparing Australia, Canada and the UK

Partner Jack (Eui Chul) Kim, Senior Counsel Dr. Anna Boucher, UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit and Articling Student David Mucz examine how Australia, Canada and the UK measure net migration. They compare efforts to reduce migration with the need to maintain access to international talent, and explain the potential effects on employers, labor markets and economic growth.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: White House H-1B Order Puts Employer Layoffs Under Microscope

Partner K. Edward Raleigh discusses how US employers should consider displacement and conduct a risk analysis when assessing H-1B filings in light of recent policy changes.

Learn more

Blog post

The Compliance Risks of International Remote Working and Hush Trips

International remote working can offer valuable flexibility, but undisclosed “hush trips” may expose employers to immigration, social security, insurance, employment-law and tax risks that they cannot properly assess or manage.

Learn more

Blog post

The Narrowing Talent Pipeline: From International Student to Corporate America

Counsel Susan Steger examines recent policy changes and litigation affecting the pathway from F-1 study and practical training through H-1B sponsorship and permanent residence, and the considerations for US employers recruiting and retaining early-career international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The National Interest: How Boosting Your Privacy Will Make America More Secure

Managing Director, Digital Identity Amit Sharma explores how digital identity can strengthen privacy and security.

Learn more

Media mentions

CEDA: The Drive to Reduce Net Overseas Migration and the Challenges for Business

Managing Partner, Australia and New Zealand Teresa Liu discusses how Australia’s efforts to reduce net overseas migration are affecting businesses amid ongoing skilled workforce shortages.

Learn more

Media mentions

Australian Broadcasting Corporation: Overnights

Senior Counsel Dr. Anna Boucher discusses Australia’s net migration figures and recent changes to the country’s migration policies.

Learn more

Blog post

Can International Graduates in the Netherlands Qualify for the 30% Ruling? Eligibility Rules Explained

Tiemen Peters, Silvia Norte Mercade and Soraya Driessen outline when international graduates who studied in the Netherlands may qualify for the 30% ruling and the key eligibility, timing and compliance considerations for graduates and employers.

Learn more

Blog post

Right to Work Changes: What Do They Mean for Employers in Northern England?

Manager Ko Ito, Senior Immigration Consultant Danielle Barks, Associate Naureen Malik and Trainee Solicitor Amna Ali outline how the expanded UK Right to Work Scheme could affect employers in Northern England and the practical steps businesses can take ahead of the 1 October 2026 changes.

Learn more

Media mentions

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Fragomen news

Comment on DHS Proposed $103,265 Fee on Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions.Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Receives Three 2026 Cartus Awards

Fragomen received three 2026 Cartus awards recognizing the firm’s immigration services, sustainability efforts and commitment to global citizenship.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Blog post

Net Migration Policy: An Explainer Comparing Australia, Canada and the UK

Partner Jack (Eui Chul) Kim, Senior Counsel Dr. Anna Boucher, UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit and Articling Student David Mucz examine how Australia, Canada and the UK measure net migration. They compare efforts to reduce migration with the need to maintain access to international talent, and explain the potential effects on employers, labor markets and economic growth.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: White House H-1B Order Puts Employer Layoffs Under Microscope

Partner K. Edward Raleigh discusses how US employers should consider displacement and conduct a risk analysis when assessing H-1B filings in light of recent policy changes.

Learn more

Blog post

The Compliance Risks of International Remote Working and Hush Trips

International remote working can offer valuable flexibility, but undisclosed “hush trips” may expose employers to immigration, social security, insurance, employment-law and tax risks that they cannot properly assess or manage.

Learn more

Blog post

The Narrowing Talent Pipeline: From International Student to Corporate America

Counsel Susan Steger examines recent policy changes and litigation affecting the pathway from F-1 study and practical training through H-1B sponsorship and permanent residence, and the considerations for US employers recruiting and retaining early-career international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The National Interest: How Boosting Your Privacy Will Make America More Secure

Managing Director, Digital Identity Amit Sharma explores how digital identity can strengthen privacy and security.

Learn more

Media mentions

CEDA: The Drive to Reduce Net Overseas Migration and the Challenges for Business

Managing Partner, Australia and New Zealand Teresa Liu discusses how Australia’s efforts to reduce net overseas migration are affecting businesses amid ongoing skilled workforce shortages.

Learn more

Media mentions

Australian Broadcasting Corporation: Overnights

Senior Counsel Dr. Anna Boucher discusses Australia’s net migration figures and recent changes to the country’s migration policies.

Learn more

Blog post

Can International Graduates in the Netherlands Qualify for the 30% Ruling? Eligibility Rules Explained

Tiemen Peters, Silvia Norte Mercade and Soraya Driessen outline when international graduates who studied in the Netherlands may qualify for the 30% ruling and the key eligibility, timing and compliance considerations for graduates and employers.

Learn more

Blog post

Right to Work Changes: What Do They Mean for Employers in Northern England?

Manager Ko Ito, Senior Immigration Consultant Danielle Barks, Associate Naureen Malik and Trainee Solicitor Amna Ali outline how the expanded UK Right to Work Scheme could affect employers in Northern England and the practical steps businesses can take ahead of the 1 October 2026 changes.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Traveller: Six Months in, the EU’s Entry/Exit System Isn’t Working

Partner Christine Sullivan discusses the implementation of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) across member states and at border crossing points.

Learn more
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Important Updates
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September 23, 2026 | South AfricaSouth Africa: New Law Would Increase Locals in Labor Market
September 24, 2026Comment on DHS Proposed $103,265 Fee on Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions.
September 24, 2026 | CanadaFragomen Receives Three 2026 Cartus Awards
September 24, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
September 24, 2026 | QatarQatar: Wage Protection System Rules Amended
September 23, 2026 | South AfricaSouth Africa: New Law Would Increase Locals in Labor Market
September 24, 2026Comment on DHS Proposed $103,265 Fee on Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions.
September 24, 2026 | CanadaFragomen Receives Three 2026 Cartus Awards
September 24, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
September 24, 2026 | QatarQatar: Wage Protection System Rules Amended
September 23, 2026 | South AfricaSouth Africa: New Law Would Increase Locals in Labor Market
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