Press Releases - Recognition BAL scores highest ranking in Chambers USA Guide 2026 for immigration Share this article LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) June 4, 2026 The Chambers USA Guide 2026 is out, marking BAL’s 14th year of being nationally recognized as a top immigration law firm in one of the legal industry’s premier guides. This year, BAL is proud to celebrate our highest number of office and attorney recognitions — 12 offices and 19 attorneys were ranked. The latest guide adds Washington, D.C., to our office rankings and includes more BAL lawyers than ever, showcasing our growth in key jurisdictions and continued commitment to superior client service. “At BAL, we set high standards for our work and our people,” said Managing Partner Frieda Garcia. “Our latest Chambers rankings encourage us to continue to push the bar, innovate new solutions in our industry and pursue the exceptional for our clients with the best legal minds in immigration.” BAL received the highest possible ranking among immigration law firms on a national level, one of only two firms to achieve Band 1. BAL’s offices in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Texas and Virginia also received Band 1 rankings; our offices in Washington, D.C., and Georgia received Band 3; and New York received Band 4. The following BAL attorneys achieved high ranks from Chambers for their outstanding legal ability and client service, among other factors: Ruth Clark Sharon Cook Josiah Curtis Maria DeLapp Tiffany Derentz Michael Dubitzky Jeremy Fudge Michelle Funk Frieda Garcia Michelle Gergerian John Hamill Jeff Joseph Jim King Steve Ladik Lynden Melmed Gabriel Mozes Jessica Mullins-Ta Russell Swapp Petra Tang (new) Additionally, Chambers distinguished these BAL attorneys at the nationwide level: Jeff Joseph Lynden Melmed Russell Swapp (new nationwide) Chambers rankings are based on independent, thorough research of the legal market and client feedback. During the research and interview period, our clients expressed praise for the BAL teams supporting their immigration and global mobility programs. One client noted that BAL’s “extensive network of legal professionals … enable[s] the firm to meet changing business demands” with “agility” and described BAL’s service and responsiveness as “top-notch.” Other clients validated our commitment to exceptional client service, expressing “full confidence in BAL and their ability to do the right thing, communicate clearly and deliver the level of service promised.” Our oneBAL culture was also a major theme in client feedback. As one client shared in their interview, “BAL brings the resources and expertise of a large global firm, as well as the benefit of a dedicated, core small team of attorneys that we partner with on a daily basis.” BAL is a leader in corporate immigration — our team of immigration experts support organizations with end-to-end case management, strategic insights and best-in-class client service to successfully manage a global workforce. Connect with our Chambers-ranked attorneys to receive tailored guidance for your immigration program. Copyright © 2026 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.