Lorna De Bono

Senior Counsel

Lorna A. De Bono has advised U.S. and multinational employers on a wide range of business immigration matters for more than 25 years. She represents companies across diverse industries, including technology, engineering, manufacturing, retail, professional services, and emerging growth businesses, helping them attract and retain global talent while navigating an increasingly complex immigration landscape.

Ms. De Bono’s practice focuses on employment-based immigration, including H-1B, TN, L-1, and O-1 nonimmigrant visas, PERM labor certifications, I-140 immigrant petitions, adjustment of status applications, consular processing, and employment eligibility verification (Form I-9) compliance. She regularly counsels employers on workforce mobility strategies, immigration program management, government audits, and compliance issues affecting both domestic and international employees.

Known for her practical, business-oriented approach, Ms. De Bono works closely with human resources professionals, executives, and in-house counsel to develop immigration solutions that align with organizational goals. She has extensive experience managing high-volume corporate immigration programs and designing efficient processes that promote consistency, compliance, and exceptional client service.

Ms. De Bono is a dedicated member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, serving as a past chair of the AILA Southern California Chapter, as member or chair of numerous AILA-USCIS Liaison Committees, and as a frequent organizer and speaker at both local and national AILA conferences throughout her career.

Practice Areas

Education

Bar Admissions

Recognition

Memberships and Leadership

American Immigration Lawyers Association, member since 2000
AILA Board of Governors, 2010–2011
AILA Southern California Chapter, Chair, 2010–2011
AILA USCIS and Service Center Liaison Committees, member and chair, 2011–present
Immigration Center for Women and Children, Board of Directors, 2006–2015

Selected Speaking

Tricky COVID-Times NIV Compliance Issues, AILA Midwinter Conference, 2022
Module 1: H-1B Basics and Overview, Faculty, H-1B Online Course, AILA University, 2021
Managing and Winning RFEs and NOIDs, AILA Annual Conference, 2018
Hitting a Moving Target: Setting Up Your PERM to Ensure an Approvable I-140, AILA PERM/H-2B Practice Conference, 2017
Preparing and Updating the H-1B Public Access File — Not as Simple as It Looks, AILA Annual Conference, 2014

Selected Publications

Managing and Winning RFEs and NOIDs, with Matthew D. Stump, Lisa Baker Jones and Debra Schneider, AILA Spring Conference Handbook, 2019, and Immigration Practice Pointers, AILA 2018–19 Ed.
Hitting a Moving Target: Setting Up Your PERM to Ensure an Approvable I-140, with Avalyn Castillo Langemeier and Ronald Y. Wada, AILA PERM/H-2B Practice Conference Handbook, 2017
Preparing and Updating the H-1B Public Access File — Not as Simple as It Looks, with Kimberley Best Robidoux and Neil S. Dornbaum, Immigration Practice Pointers, AILA 2014–15 Ed.
26th Annual (2013) California Chapters Handbook, Editor, with Andrew Knapp
Success with L-1Bs in an Era of Increased USCIS Scrutiny, with Catherine L. Haight and Angelo A. Paparelli, 13 Bender's Immigration Bulletin 1153, 2008, and 41st Annual Immigration & Naturalization Handbook, Practising Law Institute, 2008