State Department Attorney Joins BAL, Adding More High-Caliber Immigration Talent to Government Strategies Team

Tiffany Derentz served in the Visa Office and as Senior Advisor in the Office of the Legal Advisor

DALLAS (June 1, 2021) –“Immigration is central to recruiting top talent, and I am excited to work with businesses and assist them in navigating their global mobility needs,” said Derentz. “BAL is such a dynamic, forward-thinking firm, with genuine passion for what they do for clients. I’m eager to work with BAL’s talented and dedicated legal teams.”

Derentz joins BAL’s Government Strategies team, headed by Partner Lynden Melmed, who previously served as Chief Counsel at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The Government Strategies team helps clients navigate and shape policy developments in D.C., maintaining direct relationships with the White House and leaders on both sides of the aisle. In May, BAL submitted extensive and detailed comments to USCIS, recommending concrete actions to reduce barriers and restore faith in the legal immigration system.

“Companies are facing unprecedented mobility challenges in the ongoing pandemic, including heavily backlogged visa services at U.S. Consulates and evolving travel ban restrictions,” said Melmed. “Tiffany’s experience with the State Department – both at headquarters and on the ground at U.S. Consulates – will provide our clients with unique insights into changing visa policies and processes.”

Derentz served at the State Department for over eight years, working as an Advisor and Supervisory Attorney in the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ Visa Office, then as an attorney in the Office of the Legal Adviser, including as a Senior Advisor to the department’s Chief Legal Advisor for immigration affairs. The Bureau of Consular Affairs formulates and implements policies related to immigration and consular services and ensures that U.S. consulates around the world provide responsive and efficient visa services and other consular services.

“We’re excited to further bolster our Government Strategies team with Tiffany’s expertise,” said Managing Partner Jeremy Fudge. “We are already the nation’s preeminent firm for complex and sensitive immigration and compliance matters, advocating on behalf of business interests and influencing immigration policy in Washington. With this expansion of our team, we continue to attract the brightest minds in the industry to the benefit of our clients.”

Media Contact:
Emily Albrecht
Senior Director — Marketing & Communications
ealbrecht@bal.com
469-559-0174