About Donald

Donald Sheppard is certified as a legal specialist in immigration and nationality law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. Mr. Sheppard’s typical clients are companies in the high tech and start-up industries seeking to hire the brightest and best talent which includes foreign nationals who need employment sponsorship in a variety of professional fields. He works closely with client companies’ HR professionals, talent partners, corporate legal counsels, managers, and employees. He is committed to creating an atmosphere of trust that allows his clients to feel comfortable with letting him handle their case and devise the best immigration solutions on their behalves. He prides himself on providing the highest-level customer service and prompt and sound communication, which he deems essential to every relationship. His specific expertise includes: EMPLOYMENT-BASED IMMIGRATION Mr. Sheppard represents corporate clients in nonimmigrant and immigrant visa petitions and green card applications filed on behalf of foreign national employees and advises corporate clients in matters of I-9 compliance and audits. Representative cases he files on behalf of corporate clients include H-1B, TN, E, H-3, B-1, L-1, O, and P visa classifications. He represents corporate clients with green card processing for foreign national employees including employment-based immigrant petitions involving labor certifications, multinational executives/managers, extraordinary ability individuals, outstanding researchers, and national interest waivers. FAMILY-BASED & INDIVIDUAL IMMIGRATION In addition, Mr. Sheppard represents individual clients in filing immigrant petitions for alien relatives (spouses, parents, children, etc.) with adjustment of status and consular processing. He also assists with waiver applications when applicable, as well as fiancé(e) visa petitions. Further, he handles Applications under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA.) Mr. Sheppard is an active member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and a frequent speaker at conferences. He often participates in immigration advocacy issues, and previously served as the Chair of the San Diego Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Associations. He is on several liaison committees that include building relationships with USCIS, a Board Member of the Professional Alliance for Children, and Chair of the Immigration and Nationality Law Advisory Commission for the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. He is also involved in the Casa Cornelia Inn of Court. He was recognized as a Top Attorney for Immigration in San Diego by the San Diego Metro Magazine in February 2011 and was voted Best Attorney by San Diego Metropolitan Magazine in 2011 and 2012. In 2013 and 2014, and again in 2016. In 2017 and 2018, he was named a San Diego Super Lawyer®, an accolade obtained through a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Mr. Sheppard was also selected as one of San Diego Metropolitan Magazine’s 40 Under 40. His favorite way to spend free time is playing with his young children.

Practice Areas

Education

• New York Law School, J.D., graduated 2000
• Marshall University, B.B.A., graduated 1997

Bar Admissions

• California, State Bar of California

Languages