Karen Elson

Experience

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  Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy

  Nov 2006 - Nov 2013

  Senior Paralegal

  Oversee a team of entry-level and junior paralegals, providing training, mentoring and guidance on the preparation and analysis of NIV and IV cases, as well as assigning and reviewing work to the team.Review quarterly metrics to ensure adherence to client SLAs, identifying any pain points and provide recommendations to Partner/attorney regarding feasibility of SLAs.Work closely with Partners and Attorneys to resolve issues and file complex/white glove cases.

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  Pryor Cashman LLP

  Dec 2013 - Jul 2015

  Immigration Paralegal

  Collect and review documents to establish current and past immigration history, identify potential issues and prepare NIV and IV petitions.

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  American Express

  Apr 2016 - Nov 2019

  Manager - Legal Affairs, General Counsel's Office

  Provided immigration support for inbound U.S. employees requiring work visa sponsorship, managing the end-to-end immigration process to ensure a seamless and positive experience for colleagues and leaders.Evaluated immigration regulations, policy memos, adjudication, and RFE trends, adjusting company policies, models, and filings accordingly.Developed viable and compliant alternatives to ensure seamless U.S. work authorization in an increasingly challenging immigration climate.Provided support to various external and internal stakeholders, including Employee Relations, HRBPs, Recruiters, and Global Mobility Services, in the development and implementation of U.S. protocols and policies to ensure compliance with immigration regulations. Show less

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  Chewy

  Dec 2019 - now

  Immigration Manager

  Oversee fast-growing corporate immigration program for inbound U.S. employees requiring work visa sponsorship, as well as execute, manage, and apply company green card program/policy Led RFP for new immigration counsel, resulting in enhanced program management and lower costsManage relationship with outside immigration counsel including reviewing and signing off on petition documents, coordinating PERM recruitment, invoicing, budgeting, and SLAs, etc.Gather evidence for USCIS RFEs, DOL Audits, and oversee DHS/ICE site visitsTrack and summarize immigration alerts, policy/regulatory changes, and developments for relevant stakeholders, including c-suite audienceCreate and continually update ‘Immigration Homepage’ on company intranet site as the go-to space for immigration-related updates, internal immigration policies and SOPs, and self-help guides, as well as transition company to electronic postingsDevelop SOPs and conduct regular assessments to ensure compliance with USCIS & DOL regulations in a remote work setting, including coaching Compliance, TA, HRBPs, and Legal on immigration-related compliance and in the development and implementation of immigration protocols and policies Show less