A life-long love of research and writing drew me to the practice of law. I enjoy putting these skills to use every day in hopes of achieving the best possible outcome for my clients.
Mary Kate Fernandez’s litigation practice spans many areas, including commercial litigation, civil litigation, and labor and employment disputes. She has represented clients across a variety of industries, including hospitality, manufacturing, insurance, transportation, and maritime. In her labor and employment practice, Mary Kate has represented clients in administrative actions in front of the NLRB and EEOC.
Mary Kate also concentrates her practice on immigration, assisting clients in navigating all aspects of the business immigration process. Her practice focuses on advising clients on U.S. immigration laws and regulatory issues and helping clients through the visa petition process, including obtaining and transferring employment-based non-immigrant visas, as well as sponsoring employment-based and family-based immigrant visa petitions. She has experience preparing all types of visa petitions and responding to RFEs. She has represented large corporations, small businesses, startups, and individuals across a variety of industries.
Mary Kate’s client services include:
- Non-immigrant Visas: F-1, H-1Bs, L-1s, TNs, E-3s, H-3s, J-1s and J-1 Waivers, OPT STEM extensions
- All steps of the PERM process
- Immigrant Visas: EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 and Adjustment of Status
- Family-based cases including Adjustment of Status
- Consular processing, visa stamping and international travel guidance
- Visa renewals and transfers, initiating and tracking permanent residency, and auditing for various compliance purposes
Education
Bar Admissions
Areas of Practice
Acknowledgements
Warren E. Mouledoux Professional Responsibility Award, 2019
Professional Affiliations & Memberships
- Louisiana State Bar Association
- Federal Bar Association
- St. Thomas More American Inn of Court
- Women in Film and Television, Louisiana Chapter
- American Immigration Lawyers Association
Related Knowledge
News
Related Events
- "Who Pays for Remote Work Expenses? - Navigating Employer, Employee Responsibilities," Adams and Reese L&E Client Alert, February 2024
- "Navigating the H-1B Visa Lottery Registration: Essential Guide for Employers," Adams and Reese Business Immigration Client Alert, January 2024
- "Remedying the Doctor Shortage with the J-1 Visa Waiver: What is Conrad 30 and How Can It Help Your State," Adams and Reese Business Immigration Client Alert, May 2023, published in Physicians Practice
- "U.S. Fifth Circuit's Holding is Nail in the Coffin for Employers' Written Stipulation Rule," Adams and Reese Insurance Client Alert, September 2022
- "Employers Beware: La. Supreme Court Opens Line for Direct Negligence Claims from Employee Actions," Adams and Reese Global Trade, Transportation and Logistics Client Alert, July 2022
- "The Kids Don’t Stand a Chance: Unfair and Deceptive Advertising in Children’s Apps," 66 Loy. L. Rev. 211 (2020)
- "Epic Systems Corp. v Lewis: American Employees Suffer an Epic Loss in the Ongoing Arbitration Conflict," 65 Loy. L. Rev. 453 (2019)