Founders
Immigration as accelerant
We help you turn immigration into a competitive advantage for early-stage startups, founders and entrepreneurs
You need better, faster and more cost-conscious immigration solutions to launch and scale your business in the U.S. We help you turn immigration into a lever for growth.
Whether you need to build a self-sponsored founder pathway or help recruiting the best and brightest global talent, we specialize in arming innovators with what they need to succeed.
Your Attorney
Michael Serotte
Founding Partner
Michael founded Serotte Law because he saw a gap: immigrant founders kept getting legal advice built for corporate HR departments, not for someone trying to stay in the country long enough to ship a product. He built a practice around understanding how startups actually work: the fundraising timelines, the pivot cycles, and everything that can go sideways between a term sheet and a first hire.
That bet paid off. Michael is now immigration counsel to Stanford’s StartX accelerator and a founding immigration partner at Unshackled Ventures. He’s helped hundreds of founders secure their own status in the U.S. and build the teams around them — from first visa to first sponsored hire to green card strategy as the company scales.
Your visa first, then your team
For foreign-born founders, everything depends on your own ability to stay in the country and work on your company. It’s an uncommon employment situation which requires creative visa solutions.
Your first sponsored hire
You found someone great, and they need a visa. You've never done this before, there's no HR department to hand it off to, and the wrong choice could delay the hire by months.
Scale in stride
At some point, you stop being a founder who needs a visa and become a CEO running a company in need of an immigration program. We help you make that transition without missing a beat.
Your visa first, then your team
We build founder strategies around the categories that actually fit how startups operate. For most, that's the O-1A (which we file on the basis of funding, press, patents, advisory roles, and other markers of extraordinary ability).
For founders with longer track records, we evaluate the EB-1A self-petition and National Interest Waiver as direct paths to a green card (with no employer sponsor required).
We'll tell you honestly which fits your profile today, where a case is weaker and requires strengthening, and how to time the filing around your funding and business milestones.
Your first sponsored hire
For most first-time sponsors, H-1B is the default assumption. But depending on your hire's nationality and credentials, a TN, O-1, or L-1 may get them to a start date faster and without the cap lottery.
We walk you through the realistic costs and timeline before you commit, discuss the pros and cons of each pathway, and then handle the obligations clearly so you can sponsor with confidence.
Scale in stride
As headcount grows, we move from one-off filings to a structured program. That means tracking expirations across the team and managing the annual H-1B lottery in bulk; it also means starting green card sponsorship early enough that you don't lose key people to better-resourced competitors.
Immigration is recruitment, too. Candidates comparing offers (often with Big Tech) will weigh visa support heavily. Being able to say “we have an immigration partner and here’s your individualized timeline” is a huge lever in your recruiting pitch.
When you reach the stage where you need full compliance infrastructure (PAF management, worksite change protocols, audit readiness), we’re already there because we’ve been with you since the beginning.
In their own words
I cannot say enough wonderful things about the entire team at Serotte Law, and how seamless they made my process in obtaining my nonimmigrant E1 Treaty Trader visa. I had the distinct pleasure of working with Rita Georges as my lawyer and Brenna Scanlon as my paralegal, both of whom offered incredible guidance through every step of the process. They both went out of their way to provide support not only outside standard business hours, but even during the Thanksgiving weekend when an urgent matter arose in my case. Danielle Roberts also played an important role supporting me throughout my journey and her dedication and timeliness were invaluable. Although the process was backlogged due to delays related to the pandemic, the entire team was continually in touch with me providing updates and any time I had a question (and there were many) I received a response almost instantly. Truly "white-glove", five star service from start to finish. Of note, the firm is especially skilled in working with entrepreneurs such as myself and was extremely detailed and meticulous in assembling my application package, leaving no detail to chance. In the instance I needed a referral to a business plan expert, they were quick to provide a recommendation with whom I also had an outstanding experience. Even for some unexpected issues in my case (namely, administrative processing) the entire team was both knowledgeable and supportive about what needed to be done such that I was ultimately successfully issued my E1. Your search for a law firm ends here.
Adam Haroun
Google Review
Prompt, efficient and proactive professionals, while being communicative and transparent every step of the way!! But most importantly, kind, compassionate and responsible. That is how I would describe Serotte Law(yers), in the true sense of every word!! I switched over to Serotte law 5 years ago, and as we all know switching law firms is a more tedious process than starting afresh, but Brenna made it seamless for me. Brenna Scanlon, their Managing paralegal is a highly qualified immigration expert, extremely well versed in her field of knowledge, and all of this while being a kind and compassionate human being. I don’t know of any other law firm that will call you after hours but these guys will. They will treat your sense of urgency as their own and that’s what stands them apart from the plethora of immigration lawyers out there!! Rita George’s, a highly capable and forthcoming lawyer, a solution finder, will guide you smoothly through every situation, every step of the way!! Immigration applicants tend to face many interrelated issues as well, but Serotte law guides you to the best of their ability there too, and if it’s not their forte they will refer you to the best of the best in the business - kinda like a concierge service!!! Thank you once again to team Serotte, Rita George’s, Brenna Scanlon, Danielle Roberts, Asia Battle, Mike Farrell, and everybody else for your able guidance and services.
KHANNA, Sahil
Google Review
I have had the pleasure of working with Serotte Law for the past 10+ years, and I cannot recommend their services highly enough. From the very beginning, they have provided exceptional support and guidance through every step of my US immigration journey. Initially, Serotte Law assisted me with obtaining and renewing my L-1A visas. Their deep understanding of immigration law and meticulous attention to detail ensured a smooth and successful application process. Over the years, they have consistently demonstrated their expertise and dedication, making what could have been a stressful experience remarkably manageable. Most recently, Serotte Law helped me achieve a significant milestone: obtaining my green card. Their unwavering commitment and personalized approach were instrumental in this success. The team at Serotte Law, specifically Rita Georges and Asia Battle, is not only highly knowledgeable but also incredibly responsive and compassionate, always taking the time to address my concerns and keep me informed. If you are seeking reliable and professional assistance for your US immigration needs, look no further than Serotte Law. Their proven track record, coupled with their client-focused approach, makes them the ideal choice. I am immensely grateful for their support and wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone navigating the complexities of US immigration.
Bryan Shapcott
Google Review
I have worked with quite a few immigration attorneys in the last 7 years, and the team at Serotte Law is one of the best I have encountered. As an immigrant that requires work authorization to live in the US, immigration is always on my mind, and I am always stressing about it to some degree. This changed after my firm hired the team at Serotte Law. They handled my H1B transfer, PERM, I-140, and H1B Extension applications flawlessly. They guided me and my company through every step of the process and make sure we were on-track to meet the deadlines. My timeline to procure the I-140 was pretty tight. As such, Susan and team wasted no time in getting all the document in order, and staying on top of the case in the last 18 months. I received regular status updates, prompt email responses, and complete transparency in the process at every step of the way. I would 100% recommend hiring this team for all your work based immigration needs.
Dhaval Bajaria
Google Review
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Visa options for Founders.
Explore the visa types that may be applicable to your situation.
O-1 Visa
For individuals with extraordinary ability whose work places them at the very top of their field (and can prove it).
EB-1 Green Card
A fast-moving green card option for highly accomplished professionals whose work has national or international recognition.
National Interest Waiver (NIW)
A self-petitioned green card option for individuals whose work serves the national interest of the United States.
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
For investors and entrepreneurs from treaty countries who are building and running a business in the U.S.
H-1B Visa
The most common work visa for professionals in specialty occupations. Requires at least a bachelor's degree.
L-1 Visa
For multinational companies transferring executives, managers, or specialized employees to a U.S. office.