When a multinational company sends employees to work in other countries, the labyrinth of rules and regulations can be difficult to navigate. Laureen Berti, a graduate of Oakland University’s paralegal certificate program, helps companies tackle this challenge with confidence.
Berti is part of a professional staff at Fakhoury Global Immigration, the largest independent immigration law firm in the state. In her role, Berti works closely with companies in Germany, China, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica and Uruguay, helping with the visa application process for their employees.
“We specialize in assisting large to mid-sized companies with end-to-end employment immigration needs,” Berti said. “We can help our clients obtain work permits, entry permits, business visas, in-country registrations, translations and legalizations that allow their employees to work in over 140 countries worldwide. Since employment immigration is the only type of law we practice, it’s our specialty.”
Berti also handles billing requests and compiles weekly immigration alerts, keeping clients informed about how changes in immigration laws may affect them.
“There are always changes going on,” Berti said. “What’s legal in one country might not be legal in another. Right now, the European Union is moving to a new work permit. Canada’s making changes in their processes. It’s really important that we keep up with everything that’s happening.”
Desiree Schulz, manager of global operations at Fakhoury Global Immigration, said that Berti’s forward-thinking approach and attention to detail make her a valuable asset to the firm.
“Laureen has played an integral role in the development of our Global Immigration business,” said Schulz. “Over the last year, our firm has grown significantly and she has assisted with the creation and implementation of many important measures to streamline case processing.”
Berti graduated from Oakland’s paralegal program in 2016, completing the course requirements in one year. She said that while immigration law wasn’t initially among the options she was considering, it turned out to be the perfect fit for her.
“I never really thought about immigration law, but once I interviewed and found out more about it, I really liked it,” she said. “Especially with everything that’s been going on with the U.S. and immigration reform.”
Berti worked in retail management for several years before transitioning to her new career. She credits OU’s paralegal program for giving her a well-rounded education.
“The program opens you up to all different types of law,” said Berti. “It’s fast-paced, but it gives you the right amount of exposure to each area. It prepared me for my role here, and I’m really happy with where I am.”
Oakland’s paralegal program is approved by the American Bar Association and housed within the university’s Professional and Continuing Education Department. For more information on the program, contact program manager Linda Wallace at [email protected] or visit oakland.edu/pace/business/paralegal.