Debra Auerbach Clephane

Shareholder

Debra Clephane is a shareholder in the Immigration Department and has extensive experience handling immigration matters and counseling employers in I-9 compliance actions. Ms. Clephane advises both U.S. and non-U.S. employers who seek to employ foreign nationals in the United States, and has experience facilitating the employment of U.S. workers abroad. She regularly counsels management and professional organizations on strategic planning immigration issues related to establishing new U.S. enterprises. Ms. Clephane also facilitates on-site employer training for human resource personnel on temporary classifications, student employment, national interest waivers, university professor and researcher issues, permanent residence procedures, use of contract employees, I-9 compliance, NAFTA and IRCA discrimination matters.


Practice Areas

Immigration Law


Education

Wayne State University Law School (J.D., cum laude, 1991)

Note & Comment Editor, The Wayne Law Review

Wayne State University (B.A. in Economics, high distinction, 1986)

Languages - Spanish


Awards & Recognitions

The Best Lawyers in America (2009 & 2010)

Michigan Super Lawyers (2006, 2008, & 2009)

 

Presentations

Presentation, "The Face of Immigration Under the Obama Administration," for International Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan (2009)

Presentation, "IRCA & the Balancing Act: I-9 Compliance vs. Discrimination," for Michigan College & University Professors Association (2005)

Presentation, "Vigilence vs. Discrimination: I-9 Compliance for Your Workforce," for M. Lee Smith’s HR Hero Audio Conference Series (2003)

 

Publications

Author, "Recent Developments in Immigration Law: Part II," Michigan International Lawyer, Vol. XX, No. 1, Winter 2008

Author, "Recent Developments in Immigration Law: Part I," Michigan International Lawyer, Vol. XIX, No. 3, Fall 2007

Co-author, "The Attorney-Client Privilege and the Work Product Doctrine in Michigan," Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education (1992)

Author of numerous articles on immigration law in professional journals and immigration newsletters

Editor, "The Immigration Corner," monthly column in Michigan Employment Law Letter

 

Professional & Community Activities

Chair, International Employment Law and Immigration Committee, International Law Section, State Bar of Michigan (2006-2007 & 2007-2008)

International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit (former Board Member)

American Arab and Jewish Friends, a group affiliated with Metropolitan Detroit Interfaith Roundtable (former Board Member)

 


Memberships & Appointments

State Bar of Michigan (Chair, International Employment Law and Immigration Committee, International Law Section; Council Member since 2009)

American Immigration Lawyers Association (Member)