of the US Immigration systems to help realise their version of their American dream makes for a very rewarding practice. With over 20 years of experience, my US Immigration practice focuses on employmentbased immigration. More specifically, I specialise in assisting entrepreneurs, athletes and US corporations to complement our firm’s general Immigration practice that covers all other US immigration-related matters. What are your professional plans for the latter half of 2023? I currently serve as the President of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Foundation that spearheads three legal connection programs where the lawyers combine efforts to give back to the community through philanthropic initiatives. Collectively, I plan to steer my colleagues through our various programs like the Student Law Academy, Military Matters and Domestic Violence Alliance programs to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status, have access to legal representation and assistance when they need it most. Please tell us a little about your journey into law. I started my journey into law when I graduated law school at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. During my final years of law school, I articled for Deputy Judge President van der Walt of the High Court in Pretoria. After graduation, I was admitted to practice as an Advocate (barrister) in South Africa, taking on cases briefed by attorneys (solicitors). I was subsequently admitted as a Solicitor of England and Wales. I got an opportunity to practice law in the United States in 2003 when I was successful with my ex parte motion to the Missouri Supreme Court to waive the requirement of having graduated from an accredited American Law School to be eligible to sit for the Missouri Bar. After passing the Missouri Bar, I was admitted to practice law in the US. What attracted you to immigration law as your area of specialization? As an immigrant to the US myself, helping others navigate the complexities As an immigrant to the US myself, helping others navigate the complexities of the US Immigration systems to help realise their version of their American dream makes for a very rewarding practice. Leon Versfeld is an immigration lawyer who represents a variety of small and Fortune Companies both nationally and internationally. He provides counsel to human resources departments on the hiring of foreign national workers, executives and specialised workers, and advises them on labour certifications and all issues relating to immigration employment compliance. Leon’s work has been highly praised and recognised by his peers and clients as published in ‘Best of the Bar’, ‘Super Lawyers’ and MartinDale Hubble’s ‘Preeminent Lawyer’, to name but a few. Versfeld & Hugo, LLC is a Kansas City-based immigration law firm with offices in the US and Australia. The firm works with a wide range of national and international companies, assisting them in bringing key employees to the United States or Australia for short periods or for permanent residency. Versfeld & Hugo also works with individuals who are planning to migrate to the United States or Australia, or who would like to extend a temporary stay. Contact Leon Versfeld Co-Founder Versfeld & Hugo, LLC 4717 Grand Dr Suite 250, Kansas City, MO 64112, USA Tel: +1 816-565-4040 E: lv@versfeldlaw.com www.versfeldlaw.com MY LEGAL LIFE 39
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