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Firm Profile

Eric K. Copland and Barbara C. Brenner formed their law partnership in 1994, and limited its practice to U.S. immigration and nationality matters. Eric had limited his legal practice to U.S. immigration and nationality matters since 1980. Barbara had been associated with Eric since 1990. See Partner Profiles for further details concerning their education, training and experience.

In 1994, the firm adopted the "Declaration of Commitment to Clients" issued by the New York State Bar Association.

  • To treat clients with respect and courtesy.
  • To handle clients' legal matters competently and diligently, in accordance with the highest standards of the profession.
  • To exercise independent professional judgment on behalf of clients.
  • To charge a reasonable fee and to explain in advance how that fee will be computed and billed.
  • To return telephone calls promptly.
  • To keep clients informed and provide clients with copies of important papers.
  • To respect a client's decision on the objectives to be pursued in his or her case, as permitted by law and the rules of professional conduct, including whether or not to settle the case.
  • To work with other participants in the legal system to make the legal system more accessible and responsive.
  • To preserve the client confidences learned during the lawyer-client relationship.
  • To exhibit the highest degree of ethical conduct in accordance with the Code of Professional Responsibility.

In March 1995, the firm began publishing Immigration News, a monthly newsletter reporting on developments concerning U.S. immigration and nationality laws. The newsletter is distributed to clients and community leaders in the U.S. and overseas. See Immigration News for a current issue of the newsletter. If you would like to receive Immigration News, please complete our Subscriber Registration form.

The firm focuses its energies on mastering the ever changing complexities of U.S. Immigration laws. Armed with this knowledge, the firm provides unique solutions to each client's problem. Because of its ability to provide quality services at reasonable cost, the firm has been retained by businesses, organizations and individuals to assist them in solving their immigration-related problems.

The firm provides professional services concerning all areas of immigration law, such as temporary work permits (including NAFTA), investor's visas, permanent resident visas based on employment skills or family relationships, naturalization and citizenship applications, asylum and refugee applications, and nonimmigrant visa applications. The firm represents clients in proceedings concerning unauthorized employment, vehicle seizure, and immigration-related discrimination cases, and in appeals involving removal, deportation, and exclusion.

Because visa petitions and applications are adjudicated in the U.S.and overseas, the firm's clients are located in numerous states and countries around the world. The firm utilizes the latest technology to facilitate communication with its clients and government agencies, maintains computerized databases of client-related activities, and uses state-of-the-art technology to conduct legal and data research.

Underlying the firm's use of technology is its recognition that the essence of good lawyering is still a personal one-on-one relationship with the client. That relationship commences during the client's first contact with Eric or Barbara and continues unabated until the conclusion of the client's case.

Initially, a prospective client is scheduled for an interview with either Eric or Barbara. During the interview, the client is expected to fully disclose the entire truth (in confidence) about his or her case. At the conclusion of the interview, Eric or Barbara explains what professional services, if any, can be undertaken on the client's behalf and what fees will be incurred. If the proposal is acceptable to the client, the firm enters into a written retainer agreement with the client. Payments are made by the client upon signing the retainer agreement and as legal services are provided by the firm. The firm accepts payment by major credit cards. As part of their professional responsibilities, the firm represents indigent clients, including those who are incarcerated, on a pro bono basis. Whether as a paying or pro bono client, Eric and Barbara fully recognize their obligations to their clients under the Code of Professional Responsibility.

If you are interested in obtaining more information about the firm or its professional services, you may telephone or email them, or subscribe to Immigration News.