Press Releases - Recognition Best Lawyers® recognizes 59 BAL attorneys, names Partner Michelle Gergerian 2027 Immigration Law “Lawyer of the Year” Share this article LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) August 20, 2026 Best Lawyers® has recognized 59 BAL attorneys in the 2027 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America® for the immigration law practice area. Across 10 U.S. cities, 32 attorneys were recognized in The Best Lawyers in America, and 27 attorneys were recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America. In addition, Partner Michelle Gergerian was named the 2027 Immigration Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Boston, an honor awarded to one practitioner per practice area in a metropolitan region based on the highest aggregate peer-review feedback. “I am deeply honored to be recognized as Boston’s Immigration Law ‘Lawyer of the Year’ by Best Lawyers and grateful to my colleagues and clients for their trust and partnership,” Gergerian said. “While this award carries my name, it reflects the dedication, collaboration and oneBAL spirit of an extraordinary team committed to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service to our clients every day.” “We are excited to see 59 BAL attorneys recognized for their outstanding immigration expertise and service, and we congratulate Michelle on her well-deserved ‘Lawyer of the Year’ distinction,” said Managing Partner Frieda Garcia. “These recognitions express the breadth of our legal talent and our strong commitment to supporting organizations with their immigration and talent mobility needs.” The following BAL attorneys were recognized in The Best Lawyers in America: Jason Burritt, Roberto Caballero, Shehryar Chaudhry, Ruth Clark, Sharon Cook, Josiah Curtis, Ashley Foret Dees, Maria DeLapp, Kelli Duehning, Andy Finkle, Jeremy Fudge, Michelle Funk, Frieda Garcia, Michelle Gergerian, Delya Ghosh, Kortney Gibson, Mark Johnson, Jim King, Steve Ladik, Betsy Lawrence, Eileen Lohmann, Elizabeth McKee, Lynden Melmed, Gabriel Mozes, Jessica Mullins-Ta, Guillermo Ortiz, Marty Robles-Avila, Shelly Song, Russell Swapp, Petra Tang, Susan Wehrer and Mark Yelich. The following BAL attorneys were recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America: Femi Adeyemi, Peter Alphonso, Shane Andrews, Christopher Barnett, Lynn Bonnello, Gabriel Castro, Taylor Chapman, Jessica Chi, Erin Corber, Kristine Cruz, Diana Dominguez, Saima Hussain, Keith Jensen, Jowanda Jones, Susan Kivuvani, Brittany Murry, Jonathan Nagel, Kristi Ngo, Steven Quezada, Lauren Randle, Golare Dabiri Tanha, Ashley Tseung, LaQuanda Tysinger, Claudia Villaseñor-Sanchez, Danielle Westgard, Emily Yao and Samantha Lokich Zylber. Best Lawyers employs peer-review methodology to compile annual guides to the legal industry. Immigration attorneys across the country voluntarily evaluated BAL attorneys in their region based on professional expertise and ethics. According to Best Lawyers, only 5% of lawyers in the United States are recognized. BAL is a leader in corporate immigration, with an award-winning team of immigration experts helping employers of all sizes with employment authorization and workforce compliance. Connect with our recognized attorneys for support with 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.
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