Thompson Hine LLP is pleased to announce it has expanded its Immigration practice with the addition of Kelli L. Hayes, who joins as a partner in Columbus, and Dwight D. Myfelt, who joins as counsel in Cincinnati. The pair have worked together for over eight years, the last five of which were at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP.
Hayes and Myfelt advise a broad range of corporate clients, from startups to Fortune 1000 companies, on global talent acquisition and retention strategies. They provide guidance on employment-based immigration to clients in diverse industries, with significant experience in the information technology/high-tech and manufacturing sectors, as well as in the health care field. They assist with temporary and permanent employment-based sponsorship. In addition, they counsel employers on compliance with immigration-based regulations.
The pair cited the firm’s commitment to innovation as a driving force in their move. “Thompson Hine’s forward-thinking mindset and novel and comprehensive resources produce innovative client solutions,” said Hayes of her move to the firm. “I am excited to join a sophisticated immigration team within a robust labor and employment practice.” Myfelt added, “Data is key for our clients – and they will benefit greatly from Thompson Hine’s innovative reporting, resource allocation and budget forecasting.”
Hayes and Myfelt noted that their clients will also benefit from the services provided by several of the firm’s other practices, particularly Corporate, Tax and International Trade.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Kelli and Dwight to our firm,” announced Nancy Barnes, the Labor & Employment practice group chair. “Their extensive experience will greatly benefit our national client base, especially those relocating to or establishing in Central Ohio, amidst the region’s economic upswing. With Columbus witnessing an influx of domestic and international companies, there’s a growing demand for skilled immigration services.”
Thompson Hine’s Immigration practice advises on global talent management and cross-border employment issues, counseling employers across a variety of industries, including manufacturers, retailers, food producers and distributors, IT firms, health care and pharma companies. The group also represents artists, musicians and professional athletes. The practice has three primary focuses: developing strategic immigration policies consistent with employers’ global talent acquisition and retention goals; supporting employers’ immigration sponsorship for their employees; and advising on compliance with immigration-based regulations. As part of the firm’s broader Labor & Employment practice, the group offers employers comprehensive advice and solutions for a variety of issues that arise within the immigration context, often drawing upon resources from other firm practices. For instance, the firm’s international trade partners can help handle deemed export control issues and employee benefits and tax partners assist clients with the development of international assignment packages.
Hayes received her J.D. from University of Dayton School of Law and her B.A. from Wittenberg College. Myfelt received his J.D. from University of Cincinnati College of Law and his B.A. from Cedarville University.