• Bringing “Experience Gifting” to the U.S.: The Story of Giftory with COO and Founding Team Member, Agathe Benoit
    Jul 15 2025
    In this episode of French Insider, Agathe Benoit, Chief Operating Officer and founding team member of Giftory, joins Sheppard Mullin attorneys Karl Buhler and Inès Briand to discuss the company’s business model and the challenges of launching the “experience gifting” concept in the United States. What We Discussed in This Episode: What is Giftory, what are its core offerings, and where does it operate? What motivated the company to expand into the corporate gifting and B2B market? What challenges have been faced in bringing the experience gifting concept to the U.S.? Given the concept of experience gifting is relatively unfamiliar in the U.S., how did you initially connect with providers, engage customers, and assemble a team? Does Giftory offer the same experiences across all locations, or do offerings vary by city and state? What criteria does the company use when deciding to partner with a provider? How does Giftory ensure a premium experience for both the gift giver and the recipient? What are the advantages of purchasing through Giftory, rather than directly from the provider? What key achievements and challenges stand out in the process of building and expanding the business? What advice would you offer others looking to launch a business in the United States? About Agathe Benoit Before co-founding Giftory, Agathe Benoit served as Head of Seller Operations at Back Market, the global leader in refurbished technology. There, she led a team of 20, overseeing critical areas such as sales, seller engagement, support, communications, and partnerships. Her leadership was instrumental in strengthening seller relations and achieving operational success. Previously, she spent six years as a Senior Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company, advising clients on complex business challenges and strategic initiatives across multiple industries. Earlier in her career, Agathe served as Product/Marketing Manager at OMB Labs, Teaching Assistant at Columbia University, Part-time Consultant at PRODIGY NETWORK, and Visiting Student Researcher at the University of California. She also volunteered at ASS INDE ESPOIR. Agathe was educated at the Lycée Louis-le-Grand, specializing in Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science, before earning an International Baccalaureate from the Centre International de Valbonne. She later attended École Polytechnique, where she earned an Engineering degree in Applied Mathematics. In 2012, she completed a Master of Science in Management Science and Engineering at Columbia University, in collaboration with Columbia Business School. About Karl Buhler As an associate with the Corporate and Securities Practice Group and French Desk in Sheppard Mullin’s New York Office, Karl Buhler focuses on domestic and cross-border transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and complex commercial agreements in industries such as technology, communications, life sciences, energy, defense and aerospace. In particular, he advises foreign companies with the installation and development of their operations in the United States. Born and educated in France, Karl began his legal career in China, practicing corporate law in both Beijing and Hong Kong, with a focus on mergers, acquisitions, and project finance in the energy and infrastructure sectors. He then relocated to Paris, where he continued to focus on corporate transactions, but also expanded his expertise to international arbitrations and litigations arising from contracts and transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, joint venture, and infrastructure agreements. Karl moved to New York to further build his corporate experience in cross-border transactions and disputes at a U.S.-based firm, where he worked closely with French companies implanted in the United States. About Inès Briand Inès Briand is an associate in Sheppard Mullin’s Corporate Practice Group and French Desk Team in the firm’s Brussels office, where her practice primarily focuses on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisition transactions (with special emphasis on operations involving French companies). She also has significant experience in general corporate matters and compliance for foreign companies settled in the United States. As a member of the firm’s French Desk, Inès has advised companies and private equity funds in both the United States and Europe on mergers, acquisitions, commercial contracts and general corporate matters, including expansion of French companies in the United States. Contact Information Agathe Benoit Karl Buhler Inès Briand Additional Resources Giftory Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, or Spotify. It helps other ...
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    31 mins
  • Crossing the Atlantic: Resources and Tips for Entrepreneurial Success with Anne-Emmanuelle de Boysson and Polina Bogdanovitch of the FACC
    May 1 2025
    In this episode of French Insider, Anne-Emmanuelle de Boysson, Executive Director of the French-American Chamber of Commerce California and Polina Bogdanovitch, Managing Director of the French-American Chamber of Commerce New York, join host Melissa Hughes to discuss the trends, challenges, and opportunities for French companies looking to expand into the U.S. market. What We Discussed in This Episode: What are the objectives and recent developments pertaining to both East and West Coast French-American Chambers of Commerce (FACC)? How do industry focuses differ between the East and West Coasts? What considerations and growing opportunities should French companies looking to expand into the U.S. focus their attention on? What practical tips or advice can help French companies successfully market themselves and thrive after entering the U.S. market? Given the diversity of the United States, how crucial are tailored, region-specific business strategies? Which U.S. visas are most relevant for French businesses seeking to expand, and how do they differ? What challenges do local employment laws and immigration requirements pose, and how can businesses mitigate these obstacles? What advantages do local networks and regional resources offer when establishing connections in the U.S. market? What networking events are available through and provided by the FACC? About Anne-Emmanuelle de Boysson Based in San Francisco, Anne-Emmanuelle de Boysson is the Executive Director of the French-American Chamber of Commerce California, a non-profit, non-governmental, member-driven organization seeking to improve the commercial and industrial relationships between France and California. As Executive Director, Anne-Emmanuelle oversees the FACC California’s dynamic business platform of over 200 companies and network of 5,000 plus contacts. Originally from Paris, she is a dynamic, seasoned professional with over 15 years of expertise spanning marketing and procurement. Before joining the FACC, Anne-Emmanuelle held the role of Director of Indirect Procurement at the Estée Lauder Companies, where she spearheaded the EMEA procurement strategy for store design and construction. Prior to that, she served as the European Marketing Manager at Dyson, overseeing the launch of multiple products and driving regional marketing initiatives. About Polina Bogdanovitch Possessing a rich background in business development across New York and London, Polina Bogdanovitch is the Managing Director of the French-American Chamber of Commerce New York, where she fosters connections that empower French entrepreneurs to grow and prosper in the U.S and is a primary contributor to the FACC-NY’s Committees’ composition and programs. Before stepping into her current role, Polina served as the Associate Director of Development at FACC-NY, where she led efforts in member recruitment and engagement. During her tenure, which spanned the challenges of the COVID era, Polina collaborated closely with members to enhance their U.S. commercial growth by identifying synergies within the network and fostering meaningful connections. Prior to her time at FACC-NY, Polina held business development roles, working with technology and startup clients. Born and raised in France, she has spent over a decade living and working in the United States. About Melissa Hughes Based in the firm’s San Francisco office, Melissa Hughes is a senior associate in Sheppard Mullin’s Labor and Employment Practice Group, where she defends and counsels employers in a range of employment disputes. As a litigator, Melissa represents businesses of all sizes, from pre-litigation through post-trial motion practice before state and federal courts, as well as representing employers in connection with administrative proceedings. Additionally, Melissa serves as a trusted advisor to employers, helping to manage a broad range of employer issues such as disability accommodation, workplace investigations, California wage and hour laws, and employee leaves of absence. Melissa is a member of the Sheppard Mullin French Desk, where she is a trusted advisor to several French groups and companies operating in or seeking to expand to the U.S. with respect to employment and personnel matters. Contact Info: Anne-Emmanuelle de Boysson Polina Bogdanovitch Melissa Hughes Resources: FACC California FACC New York Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding ...
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    37 mins
  • Securing the Future: Cybersecurity & Data Privacy in the Trump Era
    Jan 15 2025
    In this episode of French Insider, Sheppard Mullin partners Jonathan Meyer, Liisa Thomas and Carolyn Metnick join host and French Desk Co-Chair, Valérie Demont, to explore the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and privacy under a new Trump administration. What We Discussed in This Episode: What is CISA and what is its role in cybersecurity? What can we expect from the Trump administration regarding cybersecurity? Could we see less regulation but greater enforcement? Might there be more stringent regulation with respect to cyber attacks and private ransomware? Where does the United States currently stand in terms of privacy law? What is the current status of state and federal privacy laws in relation to the healthcare industry? In terms of privacy, where could enforcement be headed under the incoming administration? How do the various state attorneys general and federal agencies coordinate on enforcement? What enforcement trends should businesses be aware of, and what do they need to focus on? What specific enforcement trends are we seeing in the healthcare space? Generally speaking, what types of penalties could result from enforcement actions? Could a company’s officers and directors face personal liability, either criminal or civil? How might class action litigation originate from a cybersecurity or privacy incident? What should businesses prioritize in terms of cybersecurity and privacy compliance? About Jonathan Meyer As a partner in Sheppard Mullin’s Governmental Practice Group and leader of the firm’s National Security team, Jonathan E. Meyer counsels clients on their interactions with federal and state government, as well as national and homeland security, Congressional oversight, cybersecurity, AI, high tech, and transportation security, among other issues. Prior to returning to Sheppard Mullin, Jon served as the Sixth General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from 2021 to 2024. His decades of experience in Congress, the Justice Department and DHS position him to bring an insider’s perspective to interactions between private companies and the government. He has defended scores of Congressional investigations and has prepared witnesses for over 100 hearings, including Supreme Court nomination hearings, impeachment hearings, oversight hearings, high tech and antitrust investigations, and civil rights investigations, among others. He has also represented defendants and witnesses in high-stakes Justice Department criminal investigations. The media – including CBS News, NPR, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post and Politico – regularly turn to Jon for insight into issues regarding national security, homeland security, government investigations, cybersecurity, immigration, politics and Congress. He has twice been honored with the Secretary of Homeland Security’s Outstanding Service Medal, the highest civilian award bestowed by DHS, among numerous other prestigious accolades recognizing his exceptional service. About Liisa Thomas Liisa M. Thomas, a partner in Sheppard Mullin's Chicago and London offices, serves as the Leader of the firm's Privacy and Cybersecurity Team and as the Office Managing Partner for Chicago. As a member of the Intellectual Property Practice, she focuses on privacy, advertising, and unfair competition law. Liisa frequently coordinates global privacy, data security and digital advertising matters for her clients. They value her global insights and familiarity with business systems outside the U.S. With Liisa’s assistance, her clients – including major consumer brands, advertising agencies and consumer research companies – are able to navigate thorny data breach disclosure issues, use emerging interactive advertising techniques and create compliant security programs, all while effectively managing their legal risks. Clients praise Liisa’s ability to add real value to their businesses, and describe her as "keeping [clients] one step ahead of where [they] need to be." Liisa is the author of two treatises: Thomas on Data Breach: A Practical Guide to Handling Worldwide Data Breach Notification, which has been described as "a no-nonsense roadmap for in-house and external practitioners alike;" and Thomas on Big Data, praised for being a "comprehensive and detailed analysis of the complex and rapidly changing world of privacy law." Recognized as an industry leader in privacy, data security and advertising law, she has been honored by Best Lawyers in America, Leading Lawyers Network, Chambers, Super Lawyers, and The Legal 500, for her "broad depth of privacy knowledge." About Carolyn Metnick Carolyn V. Metnick is a partner in Sheppard Mullin’s Corporate Practice Group in the firm's Chicago office and a member of the Healthcare and Privacy & Cybersecurity Teams. She represents a range of healthcare industry clients, including hospitals and health systems, physician organizations and ...
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    40 mins
  • Trump's Trade War: Tariffs and Their Impact on the Global Economy with Reid Whitten of Sheppard Mullin
    Dec 9 2024
    In this episode of French Insider, Reid Whitten, Managing Partner of Sheppard Mullin’s London office and leader of the firm’s CFIUS team, joins host and Sheppard Mullin’s French Desk Co-Chair, Valérie Demont, to discuss the incoming Trump Administration’s proposed tariffs and their potential impact on international trade. What We Discussed in This Episode: President-Elect Trump has signaled his intention to actively use tariffs as a key tool in trade policy. What has he said on the subject so far, and what can we expect on a general level? Where does Europe stand in terms of these tariffs, and will French products be impacted? Can we expect a process for tariff exemption under the incoming administration? What do we know about the pick for Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, and his views on tariffs? If these tariff policies are implemented and enforced as planned, what effects could they have on existing multilateral or bilateral agreements, and what global response might we see? What should businesses consider as they prepare for these tariffs, and are there any immediate steps they can take to better position themselves? Are there any developments within the United States that could make relocating production domestically more cost-effective for businesses? What was the outcome of the previous Trump Administration’s tariff policy, and did they accomplish President Trump’s goals? About Reid Whitten As Managing Partner of Sheppard Mullin’s London office and leader of the firm’s CFIUS Team, Reid Whitten’s practice centers on international trade regulations and investigations. Reid is a member of Chatham House, the UK's Royal Institute of International Affair, as well as an adjunct lecturer at the New College of the Humanities in London, at the Université Catholique de Lille in France, and at Wake Forest University in the U.S. He also conducts seminars on regulatory updates for industry groups in the U.S., France, Belgium, Spain and the UK. As a thought leader in cross-border business regulation, Reid is frequently called upon to provide commentary and analysis for television news channels, international newspapers and trade publications. He is also the lead author and editor of The CFIUS Book. About Valérie Demont Based in the firm’s New York office, Valérie Demont is a partner in Sheppard Mullin’s Corporate Practice Group, where she focuses primarily on U.S. and cross-border mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance matters. As a leader of the firm’s French Desk team, she advises foreign companies on the establishment and growth of their operations in the United States, acting as de facto "outside general counsel" for non-U.S. companies in the United States. Valérie has been involved in numerous mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and dispositions for corporations and private equity funds in the U.S., Europe (including France) and Asia (including India). Not only is she a frequent speaker at events focused on cross-border trade, but she is also an outside pro bono counsel to Girls Who Invest, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the number of women in portfolio management and executive leadership in the asset management industry. Contact Information Reid Whitten Valérie Demont Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.
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    32 mins
  • Back to the White House: The Next Trump Administration with Jonathan Meyer of Sheppard Mullin
    Dec 3 2024

    In this episode of French Insider, Jonathan Meyer, a partner in Sheppard Mullin’s Governmental Practice Group, former General Counsel of DHS, and leader of the firm’s National Security team, joins host Valérie Demont, Sheppard Mullin’s French Desk Co-Chair, to discuss anticipated changes under the incoming Trump Administration and its potential impact on business, national security, and other key areas.

    What We Discussed in This Episode:

    • What is the Trump Administration’s cabinet going to look like?

    • Why has President-Elect Trump selected the individuals he has named to lead departments such as the DOJ and DHS, and what might we expect from them?

    • What will be the priorities which the new Administration will be focused on in respect of enforcement?

    • Will the Trump Administration’s stance on immigration impact the growth of businesses within the country?

    • What might CFIUS look like under the incoming administration, and how might the focus on foreign investments change, especially for countries like China?

    • Under a Republican-controlled Congress, what can we expect to see from congressional investigations?



    About Jonathan Meyer

    Jonathan Meyer is a partner in Sheppard Mullin’s Governmental Practice Group and leader of the firm’s National Security team. Jonathan counsels clients on their interactions with federal and state government, as well as national and homeland security, Congressional oversight, cybersecurity, AI, high tech, transportation security, and more.

    Jonathan served as General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from 2021 to 2024, where he led legal teams, handled Supreme Court cases, and advised on sensitive national security issues. With extensive experience in Congress and the Justice Department, Jon offers an insider perspective on government and private sector interactions.

    Jon is a two-time recipient of the Secretary of Homeland Security’s Outstanding Service Medal, along with the U.S. Secret Service Director’s Honor Award, the Customs and Border Protection Commissioner’s Ensign Award, and the U.S. Coast Guard Commandant’s Distinguished Service Medal, among numerous other awards and honors.



    About Valérie Demont

    In the firm’s New York office, Valérie Demont is a partner in Sheppard Mullin’s Corporate Practice Group, where she focuses primarily on U.S. and cross-border mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance matters. As a leader of the firm’s French Desk team, she advises foreign companies on the establishment and growth of their operations in the United States, acting as de facto "outside general counsel" for non-U.S. companies in the United States.

    Valérie has been involved in numerous mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and dispositions for corporations and private equity funds in the U.S., Europe (including France) and Asia (including India).

    Not only is she a frequent speaker at events focused on cross-border trade, but she is also an outside pro bono counsel to Girls Who Invest, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the number of women in portfolio management and executive leadership in the asset management industry.

    Contact Information:

    Jonathan Meyer

    Valérie Demont

    Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week.

    If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show.

    This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

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    33 mins
  • Antitrust in Focus: How the 2024 Election Could Impact the U.S. Antitrust Landscape with Jared Nagley of Sheppard Mullin
    Nov 4 2024

    In this episode of French Insider, Jared Nagley, a partner in Sheppard Mullin’s Antitrust and Competition Group formerly with the FTC’s Bureau of Competition, joins host Inès Briand to discuss the impact of the upcoming 2024 election on the U.S. antitrust landscape, and potential impacts from both a Democratic and Republican outcome.

    What We Discussed in This Episode:

    • Will the outcome of the upcoming Presidential election have a major impact on antitrust enforcement?

    • How do Democrats and Republicans view antitrust enforcement, and what are the similarities and differences between their perspectives?

    • How have both parties become more aggressive in their view of enforcement, and which industry sectors are they targeting?

    • Given healthcare's significant and public role in the US economy, how does enforcement differ under both political parties, particularly in relation to industry consolidation and drug costs?

    • Which party has a more aggressive stance on antitrust challenges and investigations in the Big Tech space, and how will this industry be impacted?

    • Which party has adopted a more assertive approach toward antitrust challenges and investigations in Big Tech and what might this industry look like post-election?

    • What has been proposed to address serial acquisitions or roll-ups?



    About Jared Nagley

    Jared Nagley is a partner in Sheppard Mullin’s New York office, where he is a partner in the Antitrust and Competition Group. Jared’s practice focuses on complex antitrust matters, including defending clients in litigations and government investigations brought by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Department of Justice's Antitrust Division, and state and international enforcement authorities, in addition to advising clients in their mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and other strategic business issues. He is a member of the firm’s French Desk and Canada Desk Teams.

    Prior to joining Sheppard, Mullin, Jared spent eight years at the FTC’s Bureau of Competition, where he served as the lead attorney in several significant public matters and was the recipient of the Janet D. Steiger Award.



    About Inès Briand

    Inès Briand is an associate in Sheppard Mullin’s Corporate Practice Group and French Desk Team in the firm’s Brussels office, where her practice primarily focuses on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisition transactions (with special emphasis on operations involving French companies). She also has significant experience in general corporate matters and compliance for foreign companies settled in the United States.

    As a member of the firm’s French Desk, Inès has advised companies and private equity funds in both the United States and Europe on mergers, acquisitions, commercial contracts and general corporate matters, including expansion of French companies in the United States.

    Contact Information

    Jared Nagley

    Inès Briand

    Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week.


    If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show.

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    40 mins
  • Cosmic Collaborations: Financing, Innovation, and Franco-American Partnerships in Space
    Sep 3 2024

    In this episode of French Insider, Noel Rimalovski, Managing Director of GH Partners LLC joins host Brian Weimer, Telecom Team Leader of Sheppard Mullin, to discuss cross-border initiatives in the satellite and space industry. These initiatives include France’s CoFace compared to The EXIM Bank in the United States, the emerging small launch industry, and the potential for commercial opportunities on the moon.

    What We Discussed in This Episode:

    • How does working with France's CoFace differ from working with The EXIM Bank in the United States?

    • How does The EXIM Bank compare to the way France approaches export credit agency financing?

    • Who can access financing from an export credit agency? Can a French company approach The EXIM Bank?

    • Aside from SpaceX, who are some of the players in the nascent industry of small launch providers?

    • Are the small launch providers that have proliferated in recent years targeting SpaceX's market?

    • Is the recent multi-orbit trend lately likely to continue?

    • Why is it essential for space and satellite companies to ensure alignment with their government?

    • Is there any real potential for large-scale commercial opportunities on the moon?

    • Is the space industry transitioning into a more commercial chapter of financing?

    • Is there a push for more sustainable projects in the space industry?

    About Brian Weimer

    Brian Weimer is a partner in Sheppard Mullin’s Washington, D.C. office, where he also serves as Leader of the firm's Telecom Team and Co-Leader of the CFIUS Team. Brian provides regulatory and transactional advice across the entire telecommunications ecosystem. As leader of the firm’s Space & Satellite practice, he is perhaps best known as a leading lawyer for the satellite industry.

    About Noel Rimalovski

    Noel Rimalovski brings a deep background in M&A and corporate finance to GH Partners. Throughout his 20-year career, he has provided advisory services to clients, including sales and acquisitions, restructurings, capital raisings, valuations and fairness opinions to domestic and international clients in the Telecommunications, Media, Technology, Industrial and Consumer sectors.

    Before joining GH Partners, Noel served as Senior Vice President at Macquarie Capital (USA), 2007-08, in the Telecommunications, Media, Entertainment and Technology Group. While at Macquarie, he completed $1.8bn of investments in the telecommunications sector. Prior to Macquarie, he was Director in the Mergers & Acquisition Group of Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein and its predecessor Wasserstein Perella, where he completed over $20 billion in transactions in the Industrial, Consumer, Technology, Telecommunications and Media sectors. Prior to joining WP, Noel gained experience as a banker on structured financings, securitizations and proprietary investments at Millennium Capital Markets and Lazard Frères.

    Contact Information

    Brian Weimer

    Noel Rimalovski

    Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week.

    If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show.

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    33 mins
  • Business Travel to the U.S., ESTA, Visas, and More [Replay]
    Aug 7 2024

    This episode is a replay of Episode 30 which originally aired on March 18, 2024.

    In this episode of French Insider, Greg Berk, a partner at Sheppard Mullin, joins host Inès Briand to discuss immigration and business travel to the United States, including the particulars of the ESTA visa waiver program, obtaining an O-1 visa, H-1B visa, or green card, and what travelers can expect from the CPB upon entry.

    What We Discussed in This Episode:

    • What is an ESTA visa waiver?

    • How long can you stay in the U.S. on an ESTA waiver?

    • How soon can someone come back to the U.S. with an ESTA waiver?

    • Who needs a work visa, and what types of work visas are available?

    • How specialized must an individual be to qualify for a special talent (0-1) visa?

    • What is an H-1B visa?

    • When should French entities start planning to send individuals to the U.S.?

    • When does someone need a green card? How do they obtain one?

    • Are there tax implications when obtaining a green card?

    • Can a green card be relinquished if the holder leaves the U.S.?

    • Why does the CPB occasionally check social media accounts?

    • Can the CPB deny a visa holder entry?

    • Why might someone be called in for a secondary inspection? How should they deal with this?

    • How can travel to Cuba or another restricted country impact an ESTA? Would it affect other types of visas?

    About Greg Berk

    Greg Berk, a partner in Sheppard Mullin’s Labor and Employment Practice Group, is based in Orange County, California. He heads the firm’s immigration practice and is a Certified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.

    With more than 25 years of experience advising on various U.S. immigration issues, Greg is a trusted resource for global employers seeking guidance on recruiting and retaining foreign executives and top talent for their U.S. operations. He also works with investors on E-2, L-1, and EB-5 matters as well as I-9 and other immigration compliance matters. He is the author of "Immigration Checklists and Practice Pointers – A Desk Reference," a book published by the American Bar Association for General Counsel and HR managers.

    About Inès Briand

    Inès Briand is an associate in Sheppard Mullin’s Corporate Practice Group and French Desk Team in the firm’s Brussels office, where her practice primarily focuses on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisition transactions (with special emphasis on operations involving French companies). She also has significant experience in general corporate matters and compliance for foreign companies settled in the United States.

    As a member of the firm’s French Desk, Inès has advised companies and private equity funds in both the United States and Europe on mergers, acquisitions, commercial contracts and general corporate matters, including expansion of French companies in the United States.

    Contact Information

    Inès Briand

    Greg Berk

    Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week.

    If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show.

    Show More Show Less
    22 mins