Sang M. Shin
Practice Areas
Experience
- Diversity & Inclusion Counseling
- Employment Policies, Procedures, & Handbooks
- Employment Practice Audits
- International
- International Taxation
- South Korea
“Sang is awesome to work with. He is very professional while being personable and approachable.”
— Source Quoted in Chambers USA Guide, 2024
Biography
An experienced business immigration attorney, Sang Shin provides creative legal counsel to companies, individuals, investors, and institutions throughout the U.S. and internationally. He has broad experience managing employment-based immigration cases for nonimmigrant and immigrant visas, and immigration planning and compliance programs for entities engaged in a wide range of industries, including: energy, engineering, healthcare institutions, construction, financial services and banking, agriculture, architecture, technology, entertainment, food service, hospitality, retail, education, export and import, and other sectors.
Sang handles a wide range of nonimmigrant visas and petitions, and also provides advanced and strategic advice to clients on a variety of immigrant visas and labor certifications (PERM) for numerous occupations. He handles family-based cases and U.S. citizenship matters, and regularly represents companies in connection with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), U.S. Department of State (DOS), and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) audits.
He frequently works with international companies entering the U.S. market for the first time, helping them navigate the ever-changing U.S. legal landscape. Utilizing his broad network, Sang ensures a seamless market entry for his clients by making sure they are connected within their respective industries and are well-equipped to thrive long-term in the U.S.
Sang also advises start-ups, entrepreneurs, and high net-worth individuals regarding investment-based U.S. immigration opportunities. Sang partners with both individuals and large entities to ensure they remain compliant with government regulations and can withstand the highest level of scrutiny if faced with a government audit.
Named among The Best Lawyers in America (2021-2023) for immigration law, Sang prides himself in being a true counselor and business partner to his clients, providing hands-on consulting services that will ensure successful results.
Additional Languages
Korean
Education
B.A., University of North Carolina
J.D., Charlotte School of Law
Diversity and Inclusion Certification, Cornell University
Bar Admissions
Texas
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Up and Coming in Immigration – Texas, 2024
- Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2022
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), Immigration Law, 2021-2025
- “Top Lawyer: Immigration” in Best of Houstonia, Houstonia Magazine, 2021
- Best Under 40 Award, Asian Pacific Interest Section (APIS) of the State Bar of Texas, 2020
Publications
- “The Politics of Immigration and Its Impact on Business,” Texas Lawyer (November 2024)
- “Business Immigration Expectations Under a Second Trump Administration,” Jackson Walker Insights (November 2024)
- Co-author, “Student-Athletes as Employees Spells Legal Stressors for Schools,” Bloomberg Tax – Tax Management Memorandum (March 2024)
- Co-author, “Worker Intake and Classification Issues and the Related Legal Challenges for Employers,” 64 Tax Mgmt. Memo No. 4, 53 (Feb. 13, 2023)
- Co-author, “Worker Intake and Classification Issues and the Related Legal Challenges for Employers,” 51 Tax Mgmt. Comp. Plan J. No. 2 (Feb. 3, 2023)
- “Channeling Struggles to Create Opportunity,” The Texas Lawbook (May 2022)
- “Foreign Worker Policies Likely to Improve for Business,” Texas Lawyer (March 2021)
- “COVID-19 and Foreign National Workers in the United States,” The Houston Lawyer magazine (July 2020)
- “Impacts of COVID-19 on U.S. Immigration and Travel Policies,” Jackson Walker Business Immigration & Compliance Resources (July 2020)
Speaking Engagements
- Speaker, “Solid STEM OPTions: Keeping Talent In the United States,” UT Law CLE’s 48th Annual Conference on Immigration and Nationality Law (October 2024)
- Speaker, Annual Aberdeen-Houston Gateway (March 2024)
- Speaker, “National Interest Waivers: Updates, Effective Strategies for the Exceptional and STEM, and How to Handle Complex RFEs,” TexasBarCLE Course for Advanced Immigration Law (February 2024)
- Speaker, “Legal: How to Impact Law Firm Diversity,” FutureCast 2022 (October 2022)
- Panelist, “U.S. Business Immigration Virtual Roundtable,” Jackson Walker Webinar (September 2022)
- Speaker, “Surviving an Unpredictable Economy: Legal Considerations You Can’t Afford to Ignore,” 2022 Asian Chamber Business Conference & Expo (August 2022)
- Speaker, “Market Update and Doing Business in Houston” Session of Aberdeen-Houston Gateway 2022 (March 2022)
- Speaker, “Preparation for Upcoming H-1B CAP Season,” State Bar of Texas Immigration & Nationality Law Section (January 2022)
- Panelist, “Recruiting & Retaining Diverse Talent,” Houston Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators (November 2021)
- Moderator, “Behind the Hiring Curtain,” Houston Young Lawyers Association (HYLA) First Generation Attorneys Committee panel (February 2020)
In the News
- “Houston’s Business With South Korean Companies Nearly Quadrupled Over the Last Decade,” KHOU 11 (May 25, 2023)
- “Trade with South Korea is booming, but these Houston locals want more,” Houston Business Journal (May 7, 2023)
- “Banks, fintechs weigh fallout from H1-B work visa restrictions,” Banking Dive (July 15, 2020)
- “How Trump’s latest H-1B visa suspension will impact hiring at tech companies,” TechRepublic (June 30, 2020)
- “Trump’s H-1B work visa ban creates six-month headache,” TechTarget (June 24, 2020)
- “Suspending immigration could hurt international companies,” KPRC 2 Click2Houston (April 21, 2020)
Jackson Walker Fast Takes Podcast
- “Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month,” Jackson Walker Fast Takes Podcast (May 2022)
- “What Happens to President Trump’s Immigration Proclamations During President Biden’s First 100 Days?” (January 2021)
- “Immigration Policies Under a Biden Administration” (November 2020)
- “Employment Visa Restrictions: Past, Present, and Future” (July 2020)
- “H-1B Visa Considerations During Periods of High Unemployment” (June 2020)
- “Immigration Issues to Consider During the Coronavirus Epidemic” (April 2020)
- American Immigration Lawyers Association
- Asian American Bar Association of Houston
- Chair of Board of Directors, 2019-2022
- President, 2018
- Vice President of Community Relations, 2016
- Social Committee, 2015
- Law School & Mentorship Committee, 2014
- Asian American Bar Foundation of Houston
- Trustee, 2019-present
- State Bar of Texas, Asian Pacific Interest Section
- Chair-Elect, 2023
- Secretary, 2021-2022
- State Bar of Texas, Immigration Section
- Council Member, 2021-2023
- Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD), Fellows Program, 2022
- United Way
- Asian Chamber of Commerce
- Greater Houston Partnership, Business Resource Group–Business Beyond Borders
- Houston Advisory Council Development Committee, Wonders & Worries
February 10, 2025
Insights
When the Government Comes to Visit: Preparing for an Audit or Workplace Raid
By Sang M. Shin
The Trump Administration has signaled its intention to ramp up immigration enforcement activities, including workplace inspections and raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other government enforcement agencies. This article provides practical guidelines and best practices to prepare for and respond to any government actions at your workplace in a calm, professional, and lawful manner.
January 24, 2025
Insights
A Summary of President Trump’s Immigration-Related Executive Orders
By Phillip Pullig, Yenmi Tang, Sang M. Shin, and Christian A. Triantaphyllis
On January 20 and 21, 2025, President Trump declared a national emergency and issued several executive orders on immigration. The Declaration and Executive Orders address “enhanced vetting” of visa applicants, birthright citizenship, border security, the U.S.‑Mexico-Canada Agreement, asylum, and refugee program.
December 16, 2024
Newsletters
JW Belonging & Inclusion Newsletter – December 2024
View Jackson Walker’s December 2024 Belonging & Inclusion Newsletter, Perspectives.
November 20, 2024
Insights
The Politics of Immigration and Its Impact on Business | Texas Lawyer
In this Texas Lawyer article, Sang M. Shin delves into the often-overlooked business side of immigration, highlighting how employment-based visas and investment options are crucial for filling labor gaps and fostering economic growth in the U.S. The article also discusses the potential negative impacts of reducing immigrant labor.
November 12, 2024
Insights
Business Immigration Expectations Under a Second Trump Administration
By Sang M. Shin
With the re-election of former President Donald Trump, employers and international investors should prepare for significant changes in U.S. immigration policies. Based on his first term, campaign promises, and recent analyses, we can anticipate a range of actions that will impact business immigration. In this article, we summarize potential Trump administration policies related to business immigration and provide key actions and considerations for employers.
September 24, 2024
Speaking Engagements
Sang Shin to Present on Creating Pathway for STEM Workers Through Non-Legislative Means at UT Law CLE’s Immigration and Nationality Law Conference
Jackson Walker partner Sang M. Shin will participate as a panelist at The University of Texas School of Law’s 48th Annual Conference on Immigration and Nationality Law,
August 23, 2024
Newsletters
JW Belonging & Inclusion Newsletter – August 2024
View Jackson Walker’s August 2024 Belonging & Inclusion Newsletter, Perspectives.
August 15, 2024
Attorney News
Sang Shin Appointed Chair of the Asian Pacific Interest Section of the State Bar of Texas
Jackson Walker proudly congratulates Houston partner Sang M. Shin on his appointment as Chair of the Asian Pacific Interest Section (APIS) of the State Bar of Texas.
August 15, 2024
Attorney News
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Features 306 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2025 Edition, Including 9 “Lawyers of the Year” and 75 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 306 Jackson Walker attorneys across 81 specialty practice areas in its 2025 edition, including 9 Lawyers of the Year and 75 Ones to Watch. In this year’s guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (75 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (55 attorneys) and the addition of 27 attorneys as Best Lawyers.
Immigration Attorney Serving Austin, Dallas, Houston, & San Antonio Texas
Sang’s extensive background working with clients on their immigration matters allows him to assist clients in all aspects of:
- Labor & Employment-based Visas
- Investment-related Visas
- Naturalization
- Permanent Residence Processes
- Immigration Compliance
Recognition & Accolades
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Up and Coming in Immigration – Texas, 2024
- Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2022
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), Immigration Law, 2021-2025
- “Top Lawyer: Immigration” in Best of Houstonia, Houstonia Magazine, 2021
- Best Under 40 Award, Asian Pacific Interest Section (APIS) of the State Bar of Texas, 2020
Publications & Speeches
Publications
- “The Politics of Immigration and Its Impact on Business,” Texas Lawyer (November 2024)
- “Business Immigration Expectations Under a Second Trump Administration,” Jackson Walker Insights (November 2024)
- Co-author, “Student-Athletes as Employees Spells Legal Stressors for Schools,” Bloomberg Tax – Tax Management Memorandum (March 2024)
- Co-author, “Worker Intake and Classification Issues and the Related Legal Challenges for Employers,” 64 Tax Mgmt. Memo No. 4, 53 (Feb. 13, 2023)
- Co-author, “Worker Intake and Classification Issues and the Related Legal Challenges for Employers,” 51 Tax Mgmt. Comp. Plan J. No. 2 (Feb. 3, 2023)
- “Channeling Struggles to Create Opportunity,” The Texas Lawbook (May 2022)
- “Foreign Worker Policies Likely to Improve for Business,” Texas Lawyer (March 2021)
- “COVID-19 and Foreign National Workers in the United States,” The Houston Lawyer magazine (July 2020)
- “Impacts of COVID-19 on U.S. Immigration and Travel Policies,” Jackson Walker Business Immigration & Compliance Resources (July 2020)
Speaking Engagements
- Speaker, “Solid STEM OPTions: Keeping Talent In the United States,” UT Law CLE’s 48th Annual Conference on Immigration and Nationality Law (October 2024)
- Speaker, Annual Aberdeen-Houston Gateway (March 2024)
- Speaker, “National Interest Waivers: Updates, Effective Strategies for the Exceptional and STEM, and How to Handle Complex RFEs,” TexasBarCLE Course for Advanced Immigration Law (February 2024)
- Speaker, “Legal: How to Impact Law Firm Diversity,” FutureCast 2022 (October 2022)
- Panelist, “U.S. Business Immigration Virtual Roundtable,” Jackson Walker Webinar (September 2022)
- Speaker, “Surviving an Unpredictable Economy: Legal Considerations You Can’t Afford to Ignore,” 2022 Asian Chamber Business Conference & Expo (August 2022)
- Speaker, “Market Update and Doing Business in Houston” Session of Aberdeen-Houston Gateway 2022 (March 2022)
- Speaker, “Preparation for Upcoming H-1B CAP Season,” State Bar of Texas Immigration & Nationality Law Section (January 2022)
- Panelist, “Recruiting & Retaining Diverse Talent,” Houston Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators (November 2021)
- Moderator, “Behind the Hiring Curtain,” Houston Young Lawyers Association (HYLA) First Generation Attorneys Committee panel (February 2020)
In the News
- “Houston’s Business With South Korean Companies Nearly Quadrupled Over the Last Decade,” KHOU 11 (May 25, 2023)
- “Trade with South Korea is booming, but these Houston locals want more,” Houston Business Journal (May 7, 2023)
- “Banks, fintechs weigh fallout from H1-B work visa restrictions,” Banking Dive (July 15, 2020)
- “How Trump’s latest H-1B visa suspension will impact hiring at tech companies,” TechRepublic (June 30, 2020)
- “Trump’s H-1B work visa ban creates six-month headache,” TechTarget (June 24, 2020)
- “Suspending immigration could hurt international companies,” KPRC 2 Click2Houston (April 21, 2020)
Jackson Walker Fast Takes Podcast
- “Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month,” Jackson Walker Fast Takes Podcast (May 2022)
- “What Happens to President Trump’s Immigration Proclamations During President Biden’s First 100 Days?” (January 2021)
- “Immigration Policies Under a Biden Administration” (November 2020)
- “Employment Visa Restrictions: Past, Present, and Future” (July 2020)
- “H-1B Visa Considerations During Periods of High Unemployment” (June 2020)
- “Immigration Issues to Consider During the Coronavirus Epidemic” (April 2020)
Community Involvement
- American Immigration Lawyers Association
- Asian American Bar Association of Houston
- Chair of Board of Directors, 2019-2022
- President, 2018
- Vice President of Community Relations, 2016
- Social Committee, 2015
- Law School & Mentorship Committee, 2014
- Asian American Bar Foundation of Houston
- Trustee, 2019-present
- State Bar of Texas, Asian Pacific Interest Section
- Chair-Elect, 2023
- Secretary, 2021-2022
- State Bar of Texas, Immigration Section
- Council Member, 2021-2023
- Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD), Fellows Program, 2022
- United Way
- Asian Chamber of Commerce
- Greater Houston Partnership, Business Resource Group–Business Beyond Borders
- Houston Advisory Council Development Committee, Wonders & Worries
Areas of Service
Immigration Attorney Serving Austin, Dallas, Houston, & San Antonio Texas
Sang’s extensive background working with clients on their immigration matters allows him to assist clients in all aspects of:
- Labor & Employment-based Visas
- Investment-related Visas
- Naturalization
- Permanent Residence Processes
- Immigration Compliance