After 30 years we shine bright.
March 20, 2025 / Kirsten Schlenger / 30th Anniversary Posts
As I reflect on WSM LLP, the firm I co-founded with my law partner 30 years ago, the diamond anniversary symbol fits. Like a diamond, our firm remains durable, sparkling, multi-faced, resilient, valuable, and when needed - hard. Coming into immigration law I pivoted from corporate tax law in New York to immigration law in San Francisco--a well-chosen path. My career in immigration law has been intellectually satisfying, rewarding as we improve the lives of our clients, full of challenges and learning, and ultimately formative to who I am. As counsel to asylees, I saw first-hand the oppression my female clients faced around the world, making me a more avid and assertive feminist and advocate. As counsel to corporations, I learned to respond to the ups and downs of industry and government and to anticipate my clients’ needs, making me a nimble lawyer. As I transition away from the Managing Partner role, I am proud of the successful business we built and to the person this firm shaped me into being. I am content.
For someone who does not naturally embrace change, the immigration field is challenging. Change is our one constant. Changes in the law, changes in government policies, changes in government officials and structure, changes in the economic environment in the tech-heavy Bay Area, changes in where and how we work during and post-COVID, changes in how immigrants are perceived in this country as well as changes in the values of our employees and team members. We have faced, accommodated, and weathered these constant changes over our 30-year history. We are resilient and I feel grateful for the many opportunities I have had to continuously learn and grow.
In the end, it is all about connecting and valuing the people on this 30-year journey. We sparkle most when we win for our clients, work effectively as a team, play heartily with our colleagues, mentor new paralegals, administrative staff, attorneys, work collegially with our government contacts, set our corporate clients up for success, and develop deep friendships and love for those with whom we work every day. I have been enriched and uplifted by these relationships over the course of 30 years. We shine bright.
