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Thompson Hine LLP, a full-service business law firm with approximately 400 lawyers in 8 offices, was ranked number 1 in the category “Most innovative North American law firms: New working models” by The Financial Times and was 1 of 7 firms shortlisted for The American Lawyer’s inaugural Legal Services Innovation Award. The firm has been recognized by the National Law Journal as a Legal Technology Trailblazer and featured by Bloomberg for its innovative service delivery models, which drive accuracy and predictability. The firm’s commitment to innovation is embodied in Thompson Hine SmartPaTHTM – a smarter way to work – predictable, efficient and aligned with client goals. For more information, please visit ThompsonHine.com and ThompsonHine.com/SmartPaTH.

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Kelli is a partner in the Immigration practice. She counsels a broad range of clients, including startups, large international businesses, education institutions, and nonprofit entities, on all aspects of business-immigration related laws.

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For more than 10 years, Kelli has worked with clients on global talent acquisition and retention strategies, helping them develop novel approaches using work visas and green cards to meet business needs. She further assists clients with matters of immigration and worksite compliance, particularly in times of heightened immigration enforcement.

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Kelli believes every company is unique, and everyone’s immigration journey is also unique. She strives to deliver dedicated, personalized service to every client throughout all phases of the immigration process.

University of Dayton School of Law, J.D., 2014

Wittenberg University, B.A., 2010

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<p>Examples of Kelli’s experience include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Strategizing with clients in the preparation and filing of nonimmigrant and immigrant petitions</li>
<li>Architecting legal and practical measures to handle large volumes of cases</li>
<li>I-9 compliance, including training, audits, and E-Verify</li>
<li>Developing company immigration policies</li>
<li>Due diligence and counseling to identify immigration issues and harmonize workforces and policies in mergers and acquisitions</li>
</ul>


Kelli L. Hayes

<ul>
<li>Selected for inclusion in <em>The Best Lawyers in America®</em> 2022-2024 for Immigration Law</li>
</ul>


Distinctions

<h3>Professional Associations</h3>
<ul>
<li>American Immigration Lawyers Association</li>
<li>Ohio Women’s Bar Association</li>
</ul>
<h3> Professional Activities</h3>
<ul>
<li>University of Dayton School of Law Alumni Association board of directors, member, 2014-present; secretary, 2021-present</li>
</ul>


Professional and Civic

<ul>
<li>Presenter, &#8220;A Presidential Change: Expected Immigration Policy Shifts,&#8221; Thompson Hine Webinar, December 2024</li>
</ul>


Kelli L.Hayes

Kelli L.Hayes

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