Paul Virtue is a partner in the Firm’s Global Immigration & Mobility Practice Group in Washington, DC. Prior to his law firm service, Mr. Virtue served as the executive associate commissioner and general counsel of the US Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). As general counsel, Mr. Virtue was the agency’s chief legal officer tasked to supervise a nationwide litigation staff of more than 600 attorneys. He also provided legal and policy advice to the INS Commissioner and senior officials, the attorney general, the White House, and other federal agencies on issues under INS jurisdiction. He also participated in drafting the immigration provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement. In 1997, Mr. Virtue received the Attorney General’s Distinguished Service Award. He has also been recognized by Chambers USA, Chambers Global and Legal 500 as a leading lawyer in immigration law.
Practice Focus
Mr. Virtue has more than 25 years of experience in immigration law and related policy, regulatory and legislative areas. He routinely represents individuals, businesses, and institutional clients involving immigration law and policy.
Representative Legal Matters
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Represented a major US retailer in an investigation of unauthorized employment by its vendor companies.
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Represented a university client in a US Department of Labor investigation of compliance with H-1B wage and working condition obligations.
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Assisted the owners of a multimillion dollar Chinese manufacturing company to establish an after-sales service and spare parts business in the US.
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Assisted a US National Ice Dancing champion with obtaining special citizenship legislation that allowed her to win a silver medal on behalf of the US in the 2006 Olympic Games.
Professional Associations and Memberships
- American Immigration Law Foundation - Vice Chairman, Board of Directors
- National Immigration Forum - Member, Board of Directors
- American Immigration Lawyers Association - Member
Admission
District of Columbia~United States (1999)
Maryland~United States (1982)
Education
West Virginia University College of Law
(J.D.)
(1982)
West Virginia University
(B.S.)
(1978)
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