James A. Bach

PRO

James A. Bach

5.0
40 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 45 years

Immigration Lawyer at San Francisco, CA
Practice Areas: Immigration

100 Bush Street Suite 1980, San Francisco, CA

About James

Biography

Expert preparation of H-1B petitions, labor certs, and all employment and family based applications.

Employment and family based immigration for Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, and individuals.

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Immigration 100%

Complete range of immigration cases with a focus on labor certifications, H-1B visas, outstanding researchers, and family-based immigration

46 years

100%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2019 2010
Gold Client Champion
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in California for 45 years

State: California

Acquired: 1980

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Hawaii for 21 years

State: Hawaii

Acquired: 2004

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of James A. Bach

100 Bush Street Suite 1980, San Francisco, CA, 94104

immilaw.com/

James A. Bach's Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (32) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 11 - 15 of 20 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Sharon | July 02, 2012 | Immigration

Knowledgeable, Efficient and Caring

I am pleased to recommend Mr. James Bach who helped me obtain an H-1b visa. He is extremely knowledgable and had my visa request taken care of very quickly. He continuously kept me updated and involved; answered all my questions and gave me all the information I needed to make the best decisions. ...Would definitely recommend and work again with in the future.

Posted by Bhargav | March 07, 2011 | Immigration

Truly outstanding attorney!!

James Bach is my company’s attorney and I must say that I am lucky enough to have him represent my case. The working pattern of James and his team has always impressed me. They are very detail oriented, quick to respond, honest, and very professional. James is very quick in understanding the situatio...n and provides very apt suggestions. He also explains all the possibilities and honestly discusses the issue/concerns in very detail. So far, James has processed my L1B, H1B, PERM and I140 (EB-2) applications and we have had quick approvals in all of them. Note that it is very difficult to get approval from USCIS on I140 (EB-2), if a person is having 3+2 years of Masters Degree. But this wasn’t a problem for me because Jim’s thorough research, perfect analysis and great response never gave any chance to USCIS. James and his team are absolutely fantastic to work with and I really appreciate his help and highly recommend his services to anyone.

Posted by Srikant | January 27, 2011 | Immigration

In my opinion, one of the best, most highly experienced, trustworthy and knowledgeable immigration attorneys in the US

I've worked with many immigration attorneys for my various H1 visas and green card, and I can honestly say without a doubt that Jim Bach is one of the best, most highly experienced, trustworthy and knowledgeable immigration attorneys in the US. He did my first H1 visa in 1995, and also my green card..., and even came with me for my green card interview. He allayed all of my tensions and fears due to his in depth knowledge of the rules as well as his excellent disposition and empathic nature. He also has excellent and highly knowledgeable staff working in his office - the combination of everything makes for a very seamless, smooth and comfortable immigration process - if you need an immigration attorney, there is none other than Jim Bach that I would recommend - I've known him for 17 years now, and he is THE BEST of THE BEST!!!

Posted by Dan | September 07, 2010 | Immigration

Great Immigration Lawyer for Green Card Application

Mr. James Bach and his team have been excellent in helping me preparing all the required documents for my (including my wife and my son) Green Card EB2 application. He is very professional, knowlegeable and responsive immigration lawyer. I received my Green Card including my wife and my son in a s...hort period of time (it takes 3 months and 3-week only). I just wanted to thank your good office for doing such a great job on my Green Card application. I highly recommend services of James A. Bach to anyone who would want a very good and knowlegeable immigration lawyer.

Posted by erica | August 30, 2010 | Immigration

Proposed a solution when no one else had one!

I was searching for an attorney for a few months and no other attorney had an answer for me. I had almost given up, but then I found Mr. Bach and went to the consultation. At first, I didn't want to go to the consultation because it would cost me a fee, but I am very happy that I did. When I refused ...the consultation, he assured me that it would be worth my while, and that no one else had a solution for my case. Mr. Bach put in a lot of time and effort into my case, and for that I am very grateful. When other attorneys constantly told me "there is nothing you can do"....Mr Bach gave me an option. After gong through all the proceedings our case was successful and my life was forever changed. I would recommend Mr.Bach to anyone who needed an immigration attorney, and I do recommend him to people that I meet. You wont be disappointed!

See All Client Reviews

James A. Bach's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James
Sunil C Patel headshot
Sunil Patel

Immigration lawyer | May 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Paul J. Molinaro headshot
Paul Molinaro

Immigration lawyer | Sep 15

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

David John Holcomb headshot
David Holcomb

Immigration lawyer | Mar 04

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"As both a fellow attorney AND recent client, I am in a unique position to endorse Jim Bach. Since I knew almost nothing about immigration, I turned to Jim to help me immigrate my wife. In short, both Jim's advice, and his representation, were astute, spot-on, efficient, and successful. I have recommended other clients to his office, with similar successful and satisfactory results. I very highly recommend the office of James A. Bach."

George William Wolff headshot
George Wolff

Immigration lawyer | May 04

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. Jim is a highly competent and professional counsel for immigration matters, especially complicated matters and business related immigration issues and proceedings."

Clifford Abraham Blackman headshot
Clifford Blackman

Immigration lawyer | Aug 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jim Bach has been a fellow educator at the Bay Area Lawyers Network, lecturing frequently to the attorneys about the changes in immigration law. Mr. Bach is known to be a lawyer of the highest ethical standards and legal ability. He has a nationwide practice that is well known for achieving excellent results for clients, particularly those coming to the US for work. I highly recommend Mr. Bach to anyone seeking an immigration lawyer!"

Kip Evan Steinberg headshot
Kip Steinberg

Immigration lawyer | Aug 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. James Bach has an excellent reputation. He is known for first rate legal work and the highest ethical standards."

Jonathan David Montag headshot
Jonathan Montag

Immigration lawyer | Aug 27

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer's work. A very knowledgable attorney."

Michael Ivan Spiegel headshot
Michael Spiegel

Immigration lawyer | Aug 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. He is knowledgeable, articulate, and honest."

Christopher Francis Morales headshot
Christopher Morales

Immigration lawyer | Aug 27

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Jim is simply an outstanding immigration attorney. Jim is a Board Certified Specialist in Immigration law, less than 1 % of attorneys have this designation. He is also one of the more experienced veteran immigration attorneys in the Bay Area, he has seen it all. I wholeheartedly endorse his work."

David Harald Saxe Commins headshot
David Commins

Immigration lawyer | Aug 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I wholeheartedly endorse Jim Bach. I have known Jim since we were both young lawyers in the same big firm. He has handled work for employees of my firm and I have confidently referred others to him over the years. He is thoughtful, honest and efficient, besides which he is a decent guy, a man of real integrity."

David Mark Porter headshot
David Porter

Immigration lawyer | Aug 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have known Mr. Bach for 24 years, since we worked in the same law firm. He is a long time expert in immigration and is certified by the State Bar as a specialist in that field. I have referred all immigration matters to him for many years and unhesitatingly endorse him as an expert in his field."

Robert George Werner headshot
Robert Werner

Immigration lawyer | Aug 25

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Jim is an excellent and very experienced immigration lawyer with the highest ethical standards. He also has an unusual combination of in-depth experience with both business related visas and deportation/removal issues in immigration court."

View All Endorsements
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Michael Cardoza

Criminal defense lawyer

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Drew Henwood

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer

David Blake Newdorf headshot
David Newdorf

Litigation lawyer

Albert Gustav Stoll headshot
Albert Stoll

Car accident lawyer

Kip Evan Steinberg headshot
Kip Steinberg

Immigration lawyer

Jonathan David Montag headshot
Jonathan Montag

Immigration lawyer

David Harald Saxe Commins headshot
David Commins

Litigation lawyer

Christopher Francis Morales headshot
Christopher Morales

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael Ivan Spiegel headshot
Michael Spiegel

Antitrust and trade law lawyer

David Mark Porter headshot
David Porter

Litigation lawyer

George William Wolff headshot
George Wolff

Construction and development lawyer

Clifford Abraham Blackman headshot
Clifford Blackman

Personal injury lawyer

Lincoln Lee Stone headshot
Lincoln Stone

Immigration lawyer

Robert George Werner headshot
Robert Werner

Immigration lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Certified Specialist in Immigration and Naturalization Law, State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization

2025

AV Rated since 2000, Martindale-Hubbell

2025

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2025

SuperLawyers, California Super Lawyers

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

Work Experience

1990 - Present

Principal Attorney, Law Offices of James A. Bach

1986 - 1990

Associate, Crosby Heafey Roach & May

Associations

2013 - Present

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Moderator, Ethics Forum

2004 - Present

Hawaii State Bar Association

Inactive Member

1992 - Present

Dartmouth Lawyers Association

Member

1980 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

1980 - Present

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Member

2022 - 2023

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Member, 2022-2023 Ethics Committee

2022 - 2025

State Bar of California

Fee Arbitrator

2017 - 2025

Bay Area Lawyers Network

Chair

2012 - 2013

State Bar of California Immigration and Nationality Law Advisory Commission

Commissioner

2011 - 2012

State Bar of California Immigration and Nationality Law Advisory Commission

Chair

2008 - 2011

State Bar of California Immigration and Nationality Law Advisory Commission

Commissioner

2007 - 2022

Bar Association of San Francisco

Arbitrator

Sample of Legal Cases

In the Matter of MELTWATER NEWS US1, INC.

New precedent with nation-wide impact

Untitled to protect client confidentiality

Petition approved, and applicant now has her green card.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1979

University of California College of the Law, San Francisco

JD - Juris Doctor

1975

Dartmouth College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2023

Bay Area Lawyers Network

"What is Our Immigration System, and Is It Broken?"

2023

American Immigration Lawyers Association Annual Conference

Ethical Impediments to Innovation -- Limited Scope Practice in Immigration

2019

MCLE Approved Seminar

Attorney Competence

2018

Life Cycle of a Company from Formation to M&A or Bankruptcy

Visa Options For Start-Ups and Growing Companies

2014

Bay Area Lawyers Network

Visa Options For Investors and Executives

2013

Bay Area Lawyers Network

An Anatomy of an I-9 Audit

2011

CCE

Immigration Opportunities for the World's Top Athletes, Artists, Performers, and Scientists

2011

CCE

Avoiding Liability in H-1B Cases

2011

Bay Area Lawyers Network

Immigration Based on Extraordinary Ability

2009

MCLE Conference

The Essentials of Family-Based Immigration

2008

MCLE Conference

Social Security Administration No-Match Letters

2007

MCLE Conference

The H-1B Visa: Working Status for Professionals

2006

MCLE Conference

Implied Attorney/Client Relationship and Withdrawal as Attorney

2005

Heavenly Valley MCLE Conference

Dual Representation Of Clients With Potentially Competing Interests

2004

MCLE Conference

Immigration Strategies for the Very Rich and the Very Poor

2003

MCLE Conference

Patriot Act

2001

MCLE Conference

Immigration Policy in the Wake of 9/11

2000

MCLE Conference

Immigration Solutions for Engineers and Scientists

Publications

2023

American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) The Limits of Attorney Threats

2014

American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) What To Do When Things Go South

1992

American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Taxation of Foreign Students and Scholars

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution