David co-leads the firm’s Immigration Practice Group. He guides companies, nonprofit organizations, universities and entrepreneurs in preparing and submitting non-immigrant (temporary) and immigrant (permanent residence) petitions. He has extensive experience with cross-border transfers into the U.S., including along the Canadian border. He has assisted foreign medical graduates in obtaining waivers and lawful status, as well as individuals in obtaining marriage-based permanent residence and U.S. citizenship.

David is an Elected Director for the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Board of Governors. AILA is the leading global professional organization for attorneys practicing American immigration law. He has regularly served on national committees for AILA.

David is often a featured speaker at immigration conferences and has appeared on webinars, podcasts and radio shows where he discusses relevant issues in immigration law. He has also written various articles on assorted topics in immigration law. These articles have appeared in Benders’ Immigration Bulletin, ILW.com, the National Law Review and in various publications of AILA.

Education

Brigham Young University, B.A., cum laude

Cornell Law School, J.D.

Admissions

  • New York

Recognitions

  • 2024 President's Commendation for Outstanding Volunteer Service, American Immigration Lawyers Association
  • Recognized as Recommended by Who's Who Legal in the recent WWL: Corporate Immigration Ranking
  • Listed, Best Lawyers in America (Immigration Law) 2023 - 2025
  • Listed, Who's Who Legal Future Leaders, (Corporate Immigration) 2022; Recommended (Corporate Immigration) 2024
  • Listed, Upstate New York Super Lawyers Rising Stars, (Immigration: Business) 2017 - 2021

  • Joseph Minsky Young Lawyer Award, American Immigration Lawyers Association (2019)

  •  Mark T. Kenmore, Mentor of the Year Award, American Immigration Lawyers Association, Upstate New York Chapter (2018)
  •  William E. McKnight Volunteer Service Award, Volunteer Legal Services Project of Monroe County, Inc. (2012)

 

News & Insights

Civic

  • Member, Seneca Park Zoo Society Board of Trustees, 2024 - present

Professional

  • Elected Director, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Board of Governors
  • AILA Governance Committee
  • AILA Annual Conference Committee
  • AILA USCIS HQ (Benefits Policy) Liaison Committee
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David J. Wilks / News & Insights