Wendy Stewart Transitions to Of Counsel

Jewell Stewart & Pratt (JSP) is pleased to announce that firm Principal Wendy Stewart, following sixteen years of practice with the firm, will transition from Principal to Of Counsel effective January 1, 2021. 

Following her admission as a barrister and solicitor in Ontario, Canada, Wendy joined JSP (then Jewell & Associates) in 2004.  In her sixteen years with JSP, including five years as a Principal, Wendy has been recognized as a leader internally and externally in the complex and highly regulated area of PERM labor certifications and I-140 immigrant petitions for employment-based immigrants.  She has trained and developed the firm’s PERM/I-140 team in the intricacies of those matters, and we take pride in the level of expertise and service the group provides to our clients. 

Wendy is a member of the California State Bar and is a Certified Specialist in Immigration  & Nationality Law by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization, is recognized by Who’s Who Legal for Corporate Immigration, has been an invited speaker in her field at immigration law conferences, and has handled  diverse array of pro bono matters including volunteer asylum work at the border in South Texas, and work on behalf of immigrant minors applying for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. 

In Wendy’s new Of Counsel role, she will continue to be a part of the firm’s management team and will continue to support clients in PERM, I-140, and related matters.  JSP’s PERM/I-140 team, which has been led by JSP Principal Jennifer Carr since 2019, will continue under Jennifer’s leadership. 

Congratulations to Wendy! 

© Jewell Stewart & Pratt PC 2021

JSP Statement on the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election

Dear Clients & Friends,

JSP welcomes the election of President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris, and looks forward to the Biden-Harris Administration’s resolution of many damaging policies left behind by the current administration. With more than 900 changes to regulation and policy made in the past four years, this is no small feat for a new administration already tasked with enormous challenges.   

As we posted four years ago, we are a nation built by immigrants and strengthened by each new generation. Our firm strongly believes that our shared prosperity relies on welcoming the innovation and creativity of immigrants from all over the world, from all walks of life, and from all faiths and cultural traditions. We will continue to work tirelessly to help our clients achieve their dreams.

As always, we are following legal developments and will carefully consider strategies and implications for our clients’ cases as information becomes available during this transitional period and beyond. Our dedicated staff of attorneys and paralegals will continue to use every resource and tool at our disposal to further our work that promotes justice and a fair and reasonable immigration law and policy.  

Onward!

© Jewell Stewart & Pratt PC 2020

Statement on the Passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

JSP mourns the loss of the inspirational and irreplaceable Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She not only blazed a trail for women in the law, but set an example for reaching the very highest levels of achievement in the practice. Our hearts are heavy, and we send our condolences to her family and loved ones.

Five JSP lawyers selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers® for 2020

Jewell Stewart & Pratt (JSP) is pleased to announce that five of its lawyers have been selected for inclusion in Northern California Super Lawyers® in 2020. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas, including immigration, who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations.

Founder & Principal Phyllis Jewell was named a Super Lawyer at the inception of the Northern California Super Lawyers list in 2004, and has been named to the list each year from 2004 to 2013, and 2015 to present. Principal & Managing Attorney Claire Pratt has been named to the Super Lawyers list from 2019 to present, having previously received Rising Stars designation since 2015. Only 5 percent of lawyers in a state are selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers. 

Principal Jennifer Carr has been selected in Rising Stars from 2017 to present. In addition, Associate Attorneys Zdeni Amadio and Nicole Tahtouh were selected as Rising Stars for the first time in 2020. To be eligible for inclusion in Rising Stars, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger or in practice for 10 years or less. No more than 2.5 percent of lawyers in a state are named to Rising Stars.

Congratulations to Phyllis, Claire, Jennifer, Zdeni, and Nicole!

© Jewell Stewart & Pratt PC 2020

Statement on the U.S. Supreme Court's DACA Ruling

JSP applauds the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”), which ruled that the administration’s attempts to rescind the program were unlawful. The Court ruled not on the merits of the program, but whether the administration complied with agency policy requirements in issuing the rescission. While this is positive news following years of litigation, we have to keep fighting. Today we renew our call on Congress to enact a humane solution for all of our undocumented neighbors.

In solidarity,

JSP

© Jewell Stewart & Pratt PC 2020

JSP Principals Phyllis Jewell, Wendy Stewart, and Claire Pratt Recognized by Who’s Who Legal

Jewell Stewart & Pratt principals Phyllis Jewell, Wendy Stewart, and Claire Pratt have again been selected by Who’s Who Legal (“WWL”) as Global Leaders in Corporate Immigration for 2020. The firm’s WWL profile may be found here; and Claire Pratt’s biography, where she receives plaudits for her "unparalleled knowledge of the immigration space" may be found here.  

Nominees for WWL are selected based upon a comprehensive, independent survey of both general counsel and private practice lawyers worldwide. Only specialists who have met stringent independent research criteria are listed. The publication features leading corporate immigration attorneys who come highly regarded for their experience in assisting corporate entities navigate the increasingly complex regulatory environments in jurisdictions around the world through sophisticated immigration planning and counseling advice.

© Jewell Stewart & Pratt PC 2020

Statement on the Police Murder of George Floyd

Dear Community,

It can be tempting to stay in our lane and only comment on immigration-related news. However, as civic-minded individuals and advocates of justice for all, we could not stay silent on the police murder of George Floyd and law enforcement’s outrageous treatment of protesters across the country. America has long been a beacon of hope and inspiration for other nations and people seeking refuge, but the events of the last week have made it clear that we must redouble our efforts to dismantle systemic injustice and bias in the United States, and to ensure that Black Americans are treated with respect, dignity, and equality. Only then will America be capable of providing the kind of moral leadership and inspiration that so many of us yearn for.

In solidarity,

JSP

© Jewell Stewart & Pratt PC 2020

Principal Claire Pratt is named the firm's Managing Attorney

JSP is pleased to announce that the principals of the firm have named Claire Pratt as its Managing Attorney, effective July 1, 2019.  Claire has been with the firm since 2008, became a principal of the firm in 2016, and recently completed her tenure as Chair to the American Immigration Lawyers Association’s Northern California Chapter.  Principal Phyllis Jewell, the firm’s Founder and Managing Attorney since 1996, remains an active member of the firm’s leadership team and will continue to focus on counseling clients and mentoring the firm’s other lawyers.  This leadership transition is a key step in the firm’s overall long-term planning and we look forward to serving our clients and community for generations to come.  Congratulations to Claire and Phyllis!  

© Jewell Stewart & Pratt PC 2019

JSP Principals Phyllis Jewell, Wendy Stewart, and Claire Pratt Recognized by Who’s Who Legal

Jewell Stewart & Pratt is happy to announce that firm principals Phyllis Jewell, Wendy Stewart, and Claire Pratt were selected by Who’s Who Legal (“WWL”) in Corporate Immigration for 2019. Nominees are selected based upon a comprehensive, independent survey of both general counsel and private practice lawyers worldwide. 

Only specialists who have met stringent independent research criteria are listed. The publication features leading corporate immigration attorneys who come highly regarded for their experience in assisting corporate entities navigate the increasingly complex regulatory environments in jurisdictions around the world through sophisticated immigration planning and counseling advice.

The firm’s WWL profile may be found here; and Claire Pratt’s biography may be found here.  Kudos to Phyllis, Wendy, and Claire!

© Jewell Stewart & Pratt PC 2019

Christopher Beckerson and Jennifer Carr are named Principals of the firm

We are pleased to announce that JSP has named Christopher Beckerson and Jennifer Carr Principals of the firm. Hearty congratulations to them both!

JSP congratulates its most recent Certified Specialist!

Jewell Stewart & Pratt (JSP) is pleased to announce that attorney Jennifer Carr has been accorded the status of a “Certified Specialist, Immigration & Nationality Law” by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. This is a rare distinction that only 39 immigration lawyers in San Francisco have achieved. JSP now counts five Certified Specialists in its attorney ranks, with Jennifer joining Phyllis Jewell, Wendy Stewart, Claire Pratt, and Christopher Beckerson.    

The legal specialization application process is wholly voluntary and represents an extraordinary achievement in the practice of immigration law in California. The process is also arduous, requiring a written exam, professional references, and case experience that includes the full range of immigration matters, including deportation/removal proceedings, employment- and family-based applications, to naturalization. Very hearty congratulations to Jennifer for reaching this milestone!

© Jewell Stewart & Pratt PC 2018

Jewell Stewart & Pratt lawyers selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers®

Jewell Stewart & Pratt is pleased to announce that four of its lawyers have been selected for inclusion in Northern California Super Lawyers® in 2018. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas, including immigration, who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations.

Phyllis Jewell, a principal of the firm and its Managing Attorney, was named a Super Lawyer at the inception of the Northern California Super Lawyers list in 2004, and has been named to the list each year from 2004 to 2013, and 2015 to present (2018). Only 5 percent of lawyers in a state are selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers.

Principal Claire Pratt and Associate Attorney Chris Beckerson have been selected as Rising Stars from 2015 to 2018. In addition, Associate Attorney Jennifer Carr has been selected in Rising Stars from 2017 to 2018. To be eligible for inclusion in Rising Stars, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger or in practice for 10 years or less. No more than 2.5 percent of lawyers in a state are named to Rising Stars.

Congratulations to Phyllis, Claire, Chris, and Jennifer!

© Jewell Stewart & Pratt PC 2018

JSP Principal Claire Pratt Elected Chapter Chair of AILA’s Northern California Chapter

On May 8, 2018, JSP Principal Claire Pratt was elected Chapter Chair of the American Immigration Lawyers Association’s Northern California Chapter (“AILA NorCal”) at the Chapter’s Annual Meeting. AILA is an association of immigration lawyers established to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members. Member attorneys represent tens of thousands of families, U.S. businesses, foreign students, researchers, entertainers, entrepreneurs and asylum seekers.

AILA NorCal encompasses the majority of Northern California counties, has nearly 1,000 members, and is one of the largest and most active AILA Chapters. As an elected board member for the past three years, and now as Chapter Chair, Claire is responsible for coordinating educational programming and conferences, liaison relationships to government agencies, advocacy and lobbying efforts, media involvement, pro bono opportunities, member engagement, and coordination with the national organization. Congratulations to Claire!      

© Jewell Stewart & Pratt PC 2018

JSP congratulates its most recent Certified Specialist!

Jewell Stewart & Pratt is pleased to announce that attorney Chris Beckerson has been accorded the status of a “Certified Specialist, Immigration & Nationality Law” by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. This is a rare distinction that only 38 immigration lawyers in San Francisco have achieved (including JSP's three principals, Phyllis Jewell, Wendy Stewart, and Claire Pratt). The legal specialization process is wholly voluntary. It is also arduous, requiring a written exam, professional references, and case experience that includes the full range of immigration matters, from deportation/removal proceedings to naturalization. Very hearty congratulations to Chris!

© Jewell Stewart & Pratt PC 2018

JSP Principal Wendy H. Stewart Recognized by Who’s Who Legal

Jewell Stewart & Pratt is happy to announce that firm principal Wendy H. Stewart was selected by Who’s Who Legal in Corporate Immigration for 2018. Nominees are selected based upon a comprehensive, independent survey of both general counsel and private practice lawyers worldwide.

Only specialists who have met stringent independent research criteria are listed. According to Who’s Who, this year’s research features leading corporate immigration attorneys who come highly regarded for their experience in assisting corporate entities navigate the increasingly complex regulatory environments in jurisdictions around the world through sophisticated immigration planning and counselling advice. 

Wendy is a Certified Specialist in Immigration & Nationality Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, and she leads the firm’s employment-based permanent residency practice group. Congratulations to Wendy! 

© Jewell Stewart & Pratt PC 2018

Statement on the rescission of DACA

Dear Clients, Friends, and Community –

Like many of you, we are dismayed at President Trump’s rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. DACA  enabled 800,000 of our neighbors to come out of the shadows and be an unafraid part of the nation to which they already belong. We stand with them today in calling on Congress to enact a humane solution.

We are following legal developments and will carefully consider strategies and implications for our clients as information becomes available.

For those of you in the San Francisco Bay Area, DACA supporters are gathering at the San Francisco Federal Building at 5:00PM today.

In solidarity,
Jewell Stewart & Pratt PC

© Jewell Stewart & Pratt PC 2017

USCIS reports 27.7% increase in applications for U.S. citizenship

News Release from Jewell Stewart & Pratt PC – June 4, 2017 On April 30, 2017, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) released data related to the number of applications and petitions it processed in the first quarter of its 2017 fiscal year (October 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016). The number of N-400 applications for naturalization was 239,628, compared with 187,635 for the same period in the prior fiscal year – an increase of 27.7%.

Current and historical USCIS data on Form N-400 applications can be found at the USCIS website here. Further coverage of the spike in naturalization applications can be found in the May 30, 2017 edition of the Daily Journal legal newspaper, for which Jewell Stewart & Pratt PC principal Claire Pratt was interviewed and quoted.

© Jewell Stewart & Pratt PC 2017

Jewell Stewart & Pratt attorneys selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers ®

News Release from Jewell Stewart & Pratt PC Jewell Stewart & Pratt is pleased to announce that three of its lawyers have been selected for inclusion in Northern California Super Lawyers ® in 2016. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations.

Phyllis Jewell, a principal of the firm and its Managing Attorney, has been selected in Super Lawyers from 2004 to 2013, 2015, and now again in 2016. Only 5 percent of lawyers in a state are selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers. Principal Claire Pratt and associate Chris Beckerson were selected as Rising Stars in 2015, and have been selected again in 2016. To be eligible for inclusion in Rising Stars, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger or in practice for 10 years or less. No more than 2.5 percent of lawyers in a state are named to Rising Stars.

Congratulations to Phyllis, Claire, and Chris!

© Jewell Stewart & Pratt PC 2016