James A. O’Malley
Partner

James A. O’Malley is a Partner with Hemrick O’Malley PLLC, specializing in immigration law. Having emigrated to United States from Ireland for college to study American Literature, James discovered he had a natural affinity for immigration law. He also found an easier path to becoming an attorney than Ireland’s apprenticeship system, and began to practice law in New York City immediately following law school graduation and passing the bar exam.

He began as solo practitioner, initially focusing on the Irish community in the Greater New York Metropolitan area, helping individuals immigrating for work or to live with family and those seeking dual citizenship. As his reputation for achieving success for clients grew, he began working with individuals and businesses from all over Europe. He established satellite offices in Cork and Dublin, Ireland, to accommodate the growing need for local counsel for individuals wanting to immigrate to the United States. The firm later expanded its corporate immigration law services to meet the needs of multinational companies.

James provides expert legal representation to individuals and businesses in matters involving executive and managerial transferees; investment visas; professional and specialty occupation visas; outstanding researcher, extraordinary ability, and entertainment visas; permanent residence issues; and dual citizenship issues. He is especially proud of his representation of artists and entertainers as a lifelong supporter of the arts community. He helped many performers come the United States to tour, including the cast and crew of Wicked from the West End London production. He has helped countless others launch productions and performances, including U2, The Rolling Stones, operas, Broadway shows, and symphony orchestras from all over the world.

His commitment to serving those in need is evident in the many pro bono cases he has undertaken throughout this lengthy career. His pro bono cases included helping a child to escape genocide in Burundi, helping families separated at the U.S./Mexico border escape incarceration, and assisting siblings who thought they were in the U.S. illegally to claim inherited American citizenship.

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