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 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Compassion

Posted by Snell | January 30, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Great and Professional

I had been using his lawyer for over 10 years. always reliable and professional. he is able to give advice and explain the Pro and Con of different approach. our case was denied by USCIS and James is able to calm us and guide us thru the process to repeal and filing a lawsuit. I feel that it is my fo...rtunate that James is handling my case and end up with good outcome.

Posted by Joshua | January 23, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Absolutely amazing, kind, considerate and great at his work.

James Bach and Shawn Fuson have been an absolute delight to work with. From the consultation to the process (which got complicated) we were able to relax and feel confident that things would be taken care of for us. The office is responsive. James Bach knows the law inside and out. And he and his tea...m seem to genuinely care about your case. In my case it was an immigration issue for my wife, and their first response was always congratulatory for our new and budding family.

Posted by Alex | January 03, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Experienced and patient professional

After more than two decades of trials and errors, trying to immigrate to the United States, James and Shawn took us over the finish line - my family and I became US legal permanent residents. As undocumented immigrants, my family and I could immigrate only through consular processing abroad - an ov...erwhelmingly risky undertaking in our situation. In such a context, I can't imagine better counselors than James and Shawn - always patient, reassuring, very knowledgeable and prompt to answer any legal questions or provide advice. We are deeply grateful for their professional services provided at affordable cost.

Posted by anonymous | September 20, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Excellent Service - Fast Handling - Extraordinary Care

Mr. James Bach and Shawn Fuson have been absolute wonderful in helping me thru each step of my first H1B visa application in 2009. Since that time the Bach Law Office handled all necessary immigration matters for me and successfully completed my Green Card application this year. Mr. Bach and his t...eam have been extremely knowledgeable, responsive and very patient in answering all my questions and concerns. Thru the entire immigration journey I had the feeling they really care and that they will do their utmost best to get me thru this process. I highly recommend Mr. James Bach and his professional team - Shawn Fuson, Siobhan Prendergast and Ray Grewal

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!!!

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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Jonathan Montag

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David Commins

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Christopher Morales

Criminal defense lawyer

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Michael Spiegel

Antitrust and trade law lawyer

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David Porter

Litigation lawyer

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George Wolff

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Clifford Blackman

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Lincoln Stone

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Robert Werner

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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

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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