Garrett J. Wilkes (He/Him)

Small Business, Corporate and Trusts & Estates Liaison at Garrett J. Wilkes

Garrett J. Wilkes is a highly skilled bilingual business professional who possesses extensive international experience in the application of international and immigration law. He has successfully managed immigration case files in collaboration with attorneys, law firms, and coordinated team environments. With a decade of experience in criminal law, Wilkes is well-versed in assessing qualifications for business-related visas. His background is characterized by empathy, compassion, patience, and creativity, making him a uniquely versatile and knowledgeable bilingual business professional proficient in English and Spanish.

Wilkes obtained a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a minor in Spanish from Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ, in 2007. He pursued further education at the Phoenix School of Law in Phoenix, AZ, where he earned his Juris Doctor in 2011. Over the years, Wilkes has also acquired several certifications, including the Arizona Attorney General Mediation Certification in 2014 and Certified Immigration Consultant (UT and CA) in 2021 and 2022 respectively. Currently, he awaits his AASBC Business Consultant Certification.

Since March 2018, Wilkes has been serving as a business consultant and immigration case specialist at Perennial Solutions (Non-Legal Entity) in Phoenix, AZ. In this capacity, he provides immigration case consultations and prepares case work for businesses, corporations, law firms, and non-profit organizations on a case-by-case basis. He manages case files and collaborates extensively with legal and corporate professionals on various nonimmigrant applications, such as E Visas, H-1B and H-2B visas, L-1, PERM certifications, and other nonimmigrant visa applications and renewals. Wilkes also assists in the preparation and review of different types of visa and AOS applications for attorneys and non-profit organizations. Additionally, he has excelled as a mentor, providing guidance and training in both English and Spanish to diverse groups of individuals, both remotely and in-person, to enhance efficiency and achieve higher success rates.

From February 2021 to December 2021, Wilkes worked as an immigration case consultant at The Sobampo Law Firm in Phoenix, AZ. During this period, he specialized in complex case analysis and consulting, specifically dealing with the Immigration Nationality Act, Removal Defense, Asylums, and Adjustment of Status. Wilkes demonstrated his expertise by preparing comprehensive memoranda and legal arguments for attorneys, conducting in-depth research on various immigration, civil, appellate, and criminal issues for personal use and court submission. He actively collaborated with the firm's owner to strategize on the best ways to serve and assist immigration clients. Wilkes also played a key role in maintaining case files and establishing policies to ensure timely filings and the establishment of clear expectations.

In November 2020, Wilkes served as an immigration case consultant at All Business Visas in Tempe, AZ. In this position, he provided expert analysis and consultation on cases involving INA 245(i), Child Status Protection Act, and Criminal-Immigration issues. He conducted thorough research and prepared case analyses and court documents for individuals facing removal proceedings and bond hearings. Additionally, Wilkes oversaw business-related visas, including L-1, PERM, H-1B, H-2B, TN, E-Visas, and O-Visas, playing a vital role in the successful establishment and opening of the business.

From February 2019 to November 2020, Wilkes worked as an immigration case consultant at Rafael Tirado & Associates in Phoenix, AZ. As an immigration specialist and resource for the owner and attorneys, he provided consistent monitoring and follow-up with employees and government agencies such as USCIS, NVC, and DHS. Wilkes conducted case assessments and consultations on a case-by-case basis, skillfully managed business-related visas, and prepared criminal motions and arguments, including Motions to Suppress, Rule 32B Post-Conviction Relief, Motions to Set Aside, and Deviation Requests. He effectively communicated with clients, businesses, and other involved parties in both English and Spanish, working towards the successful attainment of visas and adjustment of status (AOS) approvals.

In May 2016, Garrett Wilkes embarked on a new chapter in his legal career by establishing his own law firm, Garrett Wilkes Law, PLLC. With offices in Phoenix, Tucson in Arizona, and Nogales, Sonora in Mexico, he took on the role of owner and legal advocate. Through his firm, Wilkes provided comprehensive consultation and assistance throughout all stages of visa completion with USCIS and NVC, specializing in various types of visas, such as L-1, PERM, H-1B, H-2B, TN, E-Visas, O-Visas, AOS, 601 waivers, and 212 waivers required for certain visas.

Garrett Wilkes proactively developed and nurtured relationships in both northern Mexico and Arizona, as well as with the Mexican Consulate. This enabled him to facilitate the process of obtaining both family-based and business-related visas for individuals. With his expertise, Wilkes adeptly navigated the intricate immigration procedures with USCIS, NVC, and DHS, ensuring that his clients experienced a smooth and efficient visa process.

Furthermore, Wilkes assumed a leadership role within his professional environment. He mentored, managed, led, and provided instruction to a diverse group of over 20 individuals. Through training sessions conducted in both English and Spanish, he aimed to enhance employee efficiency and success rates.

Before establishing his own law firm, Garrett Wilkes worked as a Supervisor/Legal Advocate at Rafael Tirado & Associates in Phoenix, AZ, from May 2014 to May 2016. During his tenure at the firm, he successfully handled various stages of visa completion with USCIS and NVC, including H-1B Visas, E-Visas, TN Visas, AOS, 601 waivers, and 212 waivers. In addition to his legal responsibilities, Wilkes played a pivotal role in expanding the firm's business by identifying and pursuing new opportunities. He actively participated in discussions on Spanish radio stations, establishing trust within the community and increasing the firm's revenue.

Throughout his career, Garrett Wilkes has consistently demonstrated his expertise in immigration law. He has built strong relationships with clients and institutions, navigated complex procedures, and successfully expanded business opportunities. With his profound knowledge, dedication, and ability to effectively communicate in English and Spanish, Wilkes continues to make a significant impact in the field of immigration law, ensuring that individuals and businesses can navigate the immigration system with confidence and achieve their desired outcomes.

Links

Work style

How I prefer to work

Office

Morning

Mostly on my own

Qualities I value in my colleagues

  • Efficiency
  • honesty
  • politeness
  • creativity
  • patience

My communication style

  • Casual
  • open
  • polite
  • tactful
  • curious

My pet peeves

  • Disloyalty
  • close-mindedness
  • selfishness
  • unreliability
  • impatience

Timeline

  • Small Business, Corporate and Trusts & Estates Liaison

    Current role