Judy J. Chang, Esq.

 
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Judy J. Chang, Esq.
Immigration Strategist | Silicon Valley's "Godmother" of Startup Immigration

For over 25 years, Judy J. Chang has architected immigration strategies for those building the future—from Fortune 500 executives to early-stage founders, from leading researchers to families seeking opportunity.

As a member of the Bar of the U.S. Supreme Court and founder of a bi-coastal practice spanning New York, New Jersey, and California, Judy doesn't just process visas. She builds legal infrastructure that aligns with business strategy, funding timelines, and life goals. Whether you're a multinational navigating complex workforce mobility or a founder racing to close a funding round, Judy brings both technical mastery and Silicon Valley ecosystem intelligence to every case.

Deep Roots in Innovation
Recognized as the "Godmother of Silicon Valley Immigration," Judy has guided startups through every stage of growth—from first hires to major funding rounds. As a Contributing Attorney to Startup Alliance and author of the Asan Voyager Playbook, she understands that immigration strategy must sync with cap tables, product launches, and growth trajectories.

Trusted Partner for Employers & Global Talent
Beyond the startup ecosystem, Judy counsels established corporations and their foreign national employees on employment-based immigration pathways, transfers, and compliance. She designs strategies that protect both employer interests and employee career trajectories, whether navigating H-1B caps, L-1 transfers, or PERM labor certifications.

Broader Impact
Judy's practice also serves individuals and families pursuing extraordinary ability petitions, national interest waivers, and other complex immigration matters. As an immigrant herself, she brings personal insight to every client's journey.

A recognized community leader, Judy serves on the boards of Bergen Community College Foundation and New York Classical Players, championing the immigrant communities that drive American innovation.

Immigration isn't just a legal process—it's the architecture of your future.

Strategic Practice Areas

As a legal strategist, Judy J. Chang operates at the intersection of business growth, global mobility, and regulatory compliance, advising clients where legal decisions materially impact long-term outcomes.

Her practice focuses on four core pillars:

  • Global Talent & Corporate Mobility

           Strategic employment-based temporary and permanent visa solutions for high-     growth startups and multinational corporations navigating cross-border expansion.

  • High-Complexity Advocacy

          Sophisticated representation in sensitive USCIS and consular appeals, waivers, and discretionary matters requiring nuanced legal judgment.

  • Founder & Individual Excellence

          Tailored immigration pathways for founders, entrepreneurs, and exceptional individuals, including E-2, O-1, EB-1, and NIW strategies, as well as the preservation of lawful permanent residence and naturalization.

  • Compliance & Longevity

           Proactive counsel on maintaining lawful non-immigrant status, mitigating risk, and designing sustainable long-term residency strategies. 

Startup Ecosystem & Innovation Strategy

As a long-standing advisor within the global startup corridor, Judy J. Chang bridges visionary founders with the realities of the U.S. regulatory environment.

  • Asan Nanum Foundation | Author & Lead Mentor

Co-architect of theU.S. Expansion Playbook(Visa & Global Mobility section) and Lead Mentor for MARU Connect, advising founders from early formation through scale and cross-border growth.

  • Startup Alliance | Corporate Member

Providing strategic legal counsel to Korea’s leading startup advocacy organization, supporting a more integrated U.S.–Korea innovation ecosystem.

  • Global Venture & Innovation Advisory

Trusted advisor to venture capital firms, business incubators, and innovation platforms on founder mobility, “human capital logistics,” and equity-aligned immigration planning.

  •  Civic Governance & Policy Leadership

Judy J. Chang is committed to shaping an immigration system that is both effective and principled, leveraging her senior legal standing to influence policy and institutional dialogue.

  • Bar of the U.S. Supreme Court | Member

Admission to the highest court in the United States, reflecting the highest level of professional vetting and legal authority.

  • Korean American Civic Empowerment (KACE) | Board Director & Legal Task Force

Leading strategic advocacy initiatives addressing systemic legislative reform and immigrant representation.

  • International Association of Korean Lawyers (IAKL) | Former Regional Governor

Formerly served in a senior governance role strengthening cross-Pacific collaboration among legal professionals.

Community & Institutional Leadership

Beyond her legal practice, Judy J. Chang maintains a sustained commitment to cultural, educational, and institutional stewardship.

  • Bergen Community College Foundation | Board of Directors

Supporting long-term strategic growth and access to education across diverse communities.

  • New York Classical Players (NYCP) | Board of Directors

Providing governance oversight for a premier ensemble dedicated to expanding access to world-class music.

  • Presbyterian Investment & Loan Program | Board of Directors

Contributing to national-level financial stewardship and institutional sustainability.

  • Korean Community Center (KCC) | Former Chairwoman of the Board

Previously served in executive leadership to strengthen one of the region’s most vital cultural institutions.

Licensure & Education

Admitted to Practice
New York, California

Court Admission
Bar of the U.S. Supreme Court

Education
J.D., University of Toronto Faculty of Law
B.A. (Honors), Western University, Canada (Scholar’s Electives)

Selected Speaking Engagements

  • 2025 Legal Education Seminar, Bergen Community College, NJ

  • 2025 Legal Education Seminar for Foreign Students, hosted by the Korean Consulate General New York, NY

  • 2024 Korean in Silicon Valley 2024 Conference, hosted by Startup Alliance, Seoul, Korea

  • 2024 Asan Nanum Foundation Voyager Program Startup Legal Seminar, Seoul, Korea

  • 2023 Radio Korea NY Immigration Law Corner (https://youtube.com/live/tKkMOnpqYrI)

  • 2022 American Immigration Lawyers Association Continuing Education Seminar, New York

  • 2022 Women's Forum, hosted by AFCF-KOWIN France, Paris, France

  • 2022 Start-up Immigration Law Strategy Seminar, hosted by Korea Innovation Center Silicon Valley, San Jose, CA

  • 2021 Simple Steps 4th Anniversary Webinar <RISE>, Silicon Valley, CA

  • 2019 Sanctuary Church Network Conference on Public Charge, New Jersey

  • 2018 Korean Financial Society Speaker Series, New York City

  • 2018 D2SF Tech Talk, Seoul, South Korea

  • 2016 KASCON27, New York University, New York City

  • 2015 Korean StartUp Showcase NYC Seminar, New York City

  • 2014 Start-Up Strategy Conference, San Jose State University, CA

  • 2014 K-Move hosted by KOTRA Silicon valley, San Jose, CA Q&A

  • 2013 K Start UP Silicon Valley Immigration Seminar, San Jose, CA

  • 2012 K Group Immigration Seminar hosted by KOTRA Silicon Valley, San Jose, CA

  • 2004 International Association of Korean Lawyers Conference, San Francisco, CA

  • 2003 Community Awareness Seminar on Unlawful Presence, hosted by Korean Consulate General, San Francisco, CA

In the Media