David W. Leopold
Ohio
Thompson Hine LLP
3900 Key Center
127 Public Square
Cleveland, OH 44114
Tel: 216.566.5543
Email:
David.Leopold@ThompsonHine.com
Web:
www.thompsonhine.com
David is a partner in the firm’s Immigration and Labor & Employment groups. His practice focuses on employment- and business-based immigration, Form I-9 compliance and complex immigration litigation, including removal defense and federal court matters.
With more than four decades of experience, David represents employers, health systems, research institutions, and individuals in matters spanning visa and citizenship issues, consular processing, and agency investigations. His strategic and pragmatic counsel helps clients navigate the full spectrum of immigration challenges in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
A nationally recognized authority on U.S. immigration law and policy, David is ranked Band 1 by Chambers and has served as both president and general counsel of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), the nation’s premier bar association for immigration lawyers and professors. He has advised policymakers and testified before the U.S. Congress as an expert on immigration law and reform. In addition to his legal practice, he has taught immigration law as an adjunct professor and frequently speaks at national conferences and before industry and government audiences.
An accomplished writer and commentator, David’s perspectives on immigration policy and reform have appeared in leading outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Politico, and CNN. He regularly contributes to MSNBC.com, CNN.com, TPM.com, USA Today, The Hill, and Huffington Post. Recognized for both his thought leadership and client advocacy, David continues to shape national dialogue on immigration issues and guide clients through evolving legal and policy landscapes.
Our immigration group advises employers on global talent management and cross-border employment issues. Our practice has three primary focuses – developing strategic immigration policies for employers consistent with our clients’ global talent acquisition and retention goals; supporting our clients’ immigration sponsorship for their employees; and advising our clients on compliance with immigration-based regulations.
Because our immigration group is within a broader employment group and part of a full-service law firm, we are able to offer our clients comprehensive advice and solutions for the issues that arise within the immigration context. For instance, we call on our international trade partners to handle deemed export control issues, and we call on our employee benefits and tax partners to assist with the development of international assignment packages for clients.
Through innovative legal project management and alternative fee billing, we are able to offer these sophisticated and comprehensive resources at fees competitive with those of many boutique immigration firms.
The firm has been recognized by the National Law Journal as a Legal Technology Trailblazer and featured by Bloomberg for its innovative service delivery models, which drive accuracy and predictability. The firm’s commitment to innovation is embodied in Thompson Hine SmartPaTH – a smarter way to work – predictable, efficient and aligned with client goals.
“A standout authority in immigration law, David is praised for his ability to combine deep technical expertise with a sophisticated understanding of policy and enforcement trends. Clients appreciate his clarity and judgment in high-stakes matters, while peers commend his national influence and longstanding contributions to the development of immigration law.”