Nick Harling began practicing immigration law in 2008, when he joined the United States Department of Justice’s Office of Immigration Litigation through the Attorney General’s Honors Program.

Over the next decade, Nick gained a deep understanding of immigration law while litigating a wide range of issues on behalf of the federal government. Now in private practice, Nick draws on those experiences to help clients whose visa petitions have been arbitrarily denied or unreasonably delayed. Nick also represents clients who are subject to government employment investigations, such as I-9 audits.

Prior to law school, Nick spent four years teaching English in Japan, where he developed an appreciation for the country’s language and culture as well as an understanding of what it is like to work abroad on an employment visa. These experiences help Nick appreciate the challenges our clients face and advocate more effectively on their behalves.

Nick has experience in preparing both immigrant and nonimmigrant employment visa petitions.

Classes/Seminars

  • Presenter, "Form I-9: Alterations, Adjustments and Adaptations" Mecklenburg County Bar CLE, September 2023
  • U.S. Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program Alumni Association

Honors and Awards

  • Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America
  • Mecklenburg County Bar Leadership Institute

Published Works

  • Form I-9 inspections: A comprehensive guide for employers, Garfinkel Immigration Law Firm White Paper, October 2021
  • The new normal: Litigating visa petition denials and adjudication delays in federal court, Garfinkel Immigration Law Firm White Paper, July 2020

Bar Admissions

  • District of Columbia, 2009

Education

  • Charleston School of Law, Charleston, South Carolina (J.D. - 2008, Honors: Magna Cum Laude)
  • Davidson College, Davidson, North Carolina (B.A. - 2001, Honors: With Honors)

Professional Associations and Memberships

  • Japan America Society of North Carolina
  • Japan America Association of South Carolina