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Kate

Lopez Ley

Attorney

klopezley@cmlseattle.com
(206) 830-0984

 

Kate joined Cowan Miller & Lederman in 2014 after practicing immigration law in Vancouver, British Columbia and Seattle. Her practice focuses on employment and family-based U.S. immigration law. Kate assists both corporate and individual clients with all aspects of the immigration process, including temporary work visas, permanent residence, and naturalization. She also advises clients on U.S. immigration best practices and compliance. Kate is a published immigration author and a frequent speaker on immigration-related topics at conferences and seminars.

Education

  • College of Idaho, B.A. Political Science and Anthropology/Sociology, 2000

  • University of Washington School of Law, J.D., 2004

Awards & Recognition

  • U.S. News and World Report: Best Lawyers

  • The International Who’s Who of Corporate Immigration Lawyers®

Professional and Community Involvement

  • American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

    • Member

    • Past Chair, Essay Committee

  • Washington State Bar Association

    • Member

Why Do I Practice US Immigration Law?

I love practicing immigration law. I always knew that I wanted to find a career that allowed me to help people and make a difference, and I realized while in law school that immigration law was a perfect fit for me. I find it incredibly fulfilling to help guide individuals through the complex immigration process, acting as a resource for them during what is often a vulnerable and stressful time. I greatly enjoy getting to know all of my clients and watching as their personal and professional goals are realized. I also feel fortunate to play a role in helping U.S. companies employ highly skilled individuals from around the world.

Kate is prompt, thorough, and does an excellent job of explaining complex, constantly-evolving issues in a way that is easily understandable and quickly digestible. She has also gone the extra mile and has impressive knowledge of our industry which helps to make our applications successful and shows our staff that she is not just checking boxes...I know wholeheartedly that I can rely on her and that she cares about our success. 

Kate’s up to the moment knowledge of current immigration issues never fails to impress. We have highly technical staff in over a dozen countries. Kate can always be trusted to hop on a call and field what are often random and challenging questions by our staff in other jurisdictions. Her ability to answer those questions correctly, without sugar-coating potential issues, and for setting clear expectations about the process is not just valuable for our Company, but also for our staff who are typically quite nervous about the process.” - Corporate Client, HR Manager (2020)

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