ImLaw Attorney Profile: Brian Mick

Brian Mick brings 15 years of immigration law experience to ImLaw. Since 2012, Brian has practiced exclusively immigration law including employment-based immigration and family-based immigration at ImLaw. He tells his story about how he discovered his passion for immigration law, his hobbies, and his work at ImLaw below. 

How did you first become interested in the field of law, and specifically immigration law? 

It happened by accident. I was a freshman in college and did not want to continue working at the local pizza place. I had never really been interested in the field of law, and did not even know there was a specialty related to immigration law. Through some family connections I was able to begin working as a part-time legal assistant with Susan Im. The rest, as they say, is history. I have been working with Susan ever since then. My perceptions of the field of law changed dramatically through my employment experience, and the field of immigration law in particular was so different from what typically comes to mind when someone talks about being a lawyer. Being able to see the profound impact we had on an individual’s life was huge for me. I began to envision myself as an immigration lawyer helping people achieve their goals and dreams each day. 

In general, what types of case(s) are your specialty? What are your primary areas of focus within immigration law? 

My primary area of focus is employment-based immigration. The most common types of cases that I handle are H-1B, L-1, E-2, PERM, I-140, and I-485.

What trends, changes, or emphasis are you seeing in that focus area recently?

Recently, I have been seeing increased demand for permanent sponsorship of employees. This has led to significantly longer processing times with government agencies and delays in being able to apply for the green card. 

We know that the U.S. immigration system can be outdated and backlogged. What are some specific pain points for you and your clients? How do you overcome these challenges?

It has required us to be more proactive and creative in finding solutions for clients. In some cases, that means beginning the process sooner than in the past, or changing to a different nonimmigrant status in the meantime, or departing the US for periods of time to be able to recapture that time on a future application. 

What are some recent improvements in the U.S. immigration system? 

Some of the processing times have been quicker and more consistent. The addition of online filing for some case types has also shown promise to be an improvement of the traditional paper-based filing process. 

What are the benefits of working alongside your fellow attorneys and the support staff at ImLaw, versus being either a solo attorney or working at a much larger firm? 

It is helpful to be able to run things by a fellow attorney or support staff. I like to think out loud, and being able to bounce ideas off my experienced coworkers makes me a better attorney.

What is one thing you appreciate about your role at ImLaw?

I have a great balance of interacting with my team and clients, researching legal issues, preparing legal documents, advising clients, and managing aspects of the firm. I have appreciated learning how to lead a team. It has allowed me to grow professionally and personally. 

What’s your favorite part of your job at ImLaw?

There is nothing boring about practicing immigration law. Each case provides a unique opportunity to stretch myself and grow.

Are you a part of any professional organizations? 

I am part of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the Treasurer of the Catholic Lawyers Association of West Michigan.

Where do you like to spend your time outside of work? 

I primarily spend my time with my family. There is never a dull moment raising five amazing children with my beautiful wife. We enjoy swimming in our pool, biking, hiking, camping, playing games, and spending quality time together. 

Do you have any community involvement or volunteer responsibilities?

I am actively involved in my local chapter of the Troops of St. George with two of my sons. 

Are you interested in working with Brian to help your business maintain talented employees? Get in touch with our knowledgeable legal team to get started.