Shannon N. Barnes, Associate

P: (858) 642-0420 x 370
F: (858) 642-0431
sbarnes@larrabee.com

Ms. Barnes holds the position of Associate with the firm Larrabee | Mehlman | Albi | Coker LLP. She has been employed in the field of business immigration law since 2002, and has been an employee of the firm since early 2006.

In her position, Ms. Barnes plays an integral role in performing legal research and drafting motions/appeals for filing with the government including the Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals of the U.S. Department of Labor in relation to applications for permanent employment certification and for filing with the Administrative Appeals Office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in relation to other employment-based immigration matters. Other particular areas of interest include business immigration benefits such as the nonimmigrant H-1B, L, and TN visas as well as the employment-based green card process. 

Before transitioning into the Associate position with the firm in early 2010, Ms. Barnes held the position of Sr. Paralegal with a focus on PERM applications for permanent employment certification. Ms. Barnes gained extensive experience and knowledge in the PERM process, including the special handling process for university professors. Additionally, Ms. Barnes conducted research of DOL regulations and policy guidance to prepare post-filing audit responses and to issue spot applications for established audit triggers.

Prior to joining Larrabee | Mehlman | Albi | Coker LLP, Ms. Barnes worked for the west Michigan law firm, Miller Johnson, where she assisted the firm’s business immigration practice group.

Ms. Barnes’ interest in U.S. immigration law began during her employment with Miller Johnson, and was further expanded while she concurrently finished her Senior Thesis for her undergraduate studies at the Lee Honors College of Western Michigan University. During Ms. Barnes’ thesis project, she undertook a study of the growing need for foreign-born scientists and engineers to stimulate and promote further economic growth in the United States. At the conclusion of this thesis project, Ms. Barnes discovered a deep rooted desire to build her career by acting as an advocate for business immigration.