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George Ernst

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George Ernst

Partner
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Biography

George Ernst is a Partner in our Little Rock office whose practice specializes in immigration, international business, and labor and employment matters. Also proficient in German, he has over a decade of experience representing multi-national corporations across various industries.

His practice focuses on advising clients in highly complex matters relating to the employment of foreign nationals under the EB-5 program for international investors, EB-1 and EB-2 visas for employment-based immigration, national interest waivers, E-2 treaty investor visas, and both H-1b and O-1 temporary work visas for STEM professionals, specialty occupations, and individuals of extraordinary ability.

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Because of the nature of immigration representation, George is able to represent clients on issues pertaining to U.S. immigration laws and procedures throughout the United States and abroad, without geographic limitation.

Prior to joining HBS, George served as a director with a local law firm where he gained experience in business immigration matters and supported the firm’s employment defense practice group, specifically related to assisting employers in government-initiated I-9 audits and charges. He also frequently writes and lectures on matters relation to immigration and employment law.

George earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh where he served as the Executive Editor for the Journal of Technology Law and Policy. George went on to receive his Master of Laws at the Humboldt University of Berlin. He also earned his Bachelor of Arts, with honors, in German and Philosophy at the University of Kansas.

Credentials

Admitted

State Courts:

  • Arkansas
  • Pennsylvania

U.S. District Courts:

  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas

Education

  • J.D., University of Pittsburgh
  • LL.M., Humboldt University of Berlin
  • B.A., with honors, German, University of Kansas
  • B.A., with honors, Philosophy, University of Kansas

Memberships

  • American Bar Association
  • American Immigration Lawyers Association
  • Friends of KLRE/KUAR, Board of Directors
  • Jewish Federation of Arkansas, Board of Directors

Recognition

  • 100 Leading Immigration Lawyers, Lawdragon, 2023 (news article)
  • Mid-South Rising Star, Super Lawyers®, 2019-2020

Presentations

  • Hiring Foreign National Workers & Immigration Primer
    University of Arizona Little Rock’s Talk to an Attorney Series; October 4, 2023
  • An Afternoon in HR
    HBS Helping Businesses Succeed Series; September 21, 2023
  • What Every Employer Needs to Know About the Impact of Recent NLRB Rulings and the Challenges Surrounding Immigration Compliance
    Leading Age 2023 Annual Meeting + EXPO; June 22, 2023

Publications

In the Press

HR Legal & Compliance Excellence: George Ernst on 2024 H-1B Sponsorship Tips for Employers

In an article published on December 29, 2023, for HR.com’s HR Legal & Compliance Excellence magazine, Little Rock Partner George Ernst discusses the challenges associated with the H-1B visa program, including restrictions of new visas and the process of sponsoring foreign nationals
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55 Hall Booth Smith Lawyers Recognized as 2024 Best Lawyers® Award Recipients

We're pleased to announce that 55 lawyers have been included in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.
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The Legal Intelligencer: George Ernst on USCIS Visa Guidance Implications for TV, Movie Industries

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Part B News: George Ernst on How Foreign Doctors Can Fill Hiring Gaps & Potential Difficulties

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