Adrian Pandev and Michael Hayes, AttorneyIn an interview with Manage HR, Adrian Pandev and Michael Hayes, attorneys at Pandev Law, discuss their unique approach to a client’s case. They also share insights into their methodology for finding workarounds for antiquated immigration laws in order to streamline clients cases.
Delivering holistic immigration solutions
Adrian: Pandev Law is, first and foremost, a boutique law firm that combines its immigration, corporate, and tax law expertise to deliver custom-tailored solutions to clients. We primarily serve startups, businesses, and foreign investors. Throughout our career, we’ve noticed that focusing on clients’ business and financial goals and devising legal strategies to advance these facilitates positive outcomes for their immigration cases. Aside from our team’s collective experience in corporate, tax, and immigration law, we differentiate ourselves from our competition by integrating cutting-edge technology into our business processes, which enhances productivity as our team can manage cases regardless of where a client is located.
Michael: Often, clients are unsure of the type of visa they should apply for, as it depends on their specific circumstances. When they approach us for a consultation, they’re given a comprehensive analysis of their options, including the pros and cons from a business, tax, and immigration perspective. Instead of using a blanket solution, we approach each case with a creative mindset to find the best holistic solution.
Challenges that Pandev Law, LLC, addresses
Adrian: One of the most significant issues we’ve witnessed in the immigration space is the mobility of the workforce, including business owners and their employees. Living in Miami and working for a company in a different city is normal today. This poses an issue in immigration, as visas can be restrictive. This is where the customization aspect of our approach comes into play, as we can adapt to situations like these. While the typical approach is to file for an amendment that costs a significant amount of money, instead we explore alternative options the can be more cost- and time-effective.
Michael: Another challenge we’ve consistently faced is the inability of immigration law to keep up with the modern business landscape and relevant technological advancements. However, the situation is becoming more welcoming with the introduction of the O-1A guidance geared toward individuals working in STEM fields. Many immigration laws are in critical need of modernization, as they were drafted in the context of a vastly different era of business. As such, these antiquated laws and regulations are incredibly difficult for modern businesses, and startups especially, to navigate and to fit themselves into the law’s rigid framework.
Bringing immigrants high-class, innovative services
Adrian: The team at Pandev Law, LLC, is well-versed in many languages, making it easier for international clients to effectively communicate with us. In turn, our clients gain access to all of the unique areas of expertise our team possesses. Prior to joining Pandev Law, LLC, I worked at the Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Immigration Litigation in Washington, D.C. I have extensive hands-on experience defending the U.S. government in immigration-related lawsuits. I’ve personally worked with the same agencies with which Pandev Law files cases, including USCIS, DOS, and CBP. I spent the last 12 years of my life working in the immigration field, working for some of the largest immigration law firms even before law school. Other team members have worked at corporate and boutique law firms. Our broad collective knowledge equips us to tackle any situation, including suing the government in federal court if needed. The diversity in our backgrounds drives our understanding of immigration from various angles, which enables us to tailor solutions for our clients.
We focus on the big picture and figure out creative ways to work within the current legal framework and achieve the desired result
Pandev Law’s slogan, “Your Journey to America Starts Here,” doesn’t extend solely to immigration. Tax planning and business structuring play an important role in the process as we always consider the tax implications when advising on the best visa option for clients. Investor visas and startup visas are one of our primary focuses, where structuring transactions properly is crucial to allow a client’s case to proceed as smoothly as possible. When clients approach other immigration firms, they’re often told the structure of their investment or startup company disqualifies them from a particular visa. Our experience in tax and corporate law helps us bypass this issue, as we know how to restructure their financial holdings and businesses in order to comply with the requirements of their desired visa category. Ultimately, our solutions give clients value that extends beyond their visas.
Helping clients reach their business and immigration goals
Adrian: As an example, Michael and I worked on a case where I dealt with the corporate side and he focused on the visa acquisition. The client had started a company that had been accepted into accelerators and incubators, immediately drawing interest from high-value investors. Immigration law would have barred him from virtually every visa he was eligible for, as owning 100 percent of a company would preclude the requisite employer-employee relationship. After he approached us, we worked on restructuring his company to comply with the applicable immigration rules. Michael then used the investor interest in the company to successfully obtain an O-1 visa. The client raised millions of dollars for his company and continues to thrive in his business.
