Speaker

Before Jeff joined Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP as Senior Counsel, Jeff served as Chief of the Legal Advisory Opinion section of the Visa Office in the Department of State. For over a decade, he led the team and provided legal guidance to consular officers worldwide on visa matters.

During his tenure in Washington, DC, Jeff was a trusted advisor to senior policymakers and worked closely with counterparts at the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Justice. He assisted the Department of Justice on civil and criminal visa matters and testified for the government as an expert witness on visas. He twice earned the State Department’s Superior Honor Award.

Jeff also served in various positions at US consulates around the world and, before joining the government, worked as a criminal defense lawyer.

As Senior Counsel with Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP Jeff works in the Washington, D.C. office.  The government relations group helps to shape immigration policy, regulations and legislation and offers strategic guidance on working with government agencies.  Jeff is instrumental in overseeing the firm’s compliance and government affairs practices.