I met Austin Fragomen in 2000 when I interviewed to join the firm. I was eager to work there, and more than a little bit intimidated—even then, we were the world’s top immigration firm, and Austin’s name was on the building.

The interview was terrific. Austin invented modern immigration practice; he’s introduced the industry to a number of innovations that are part of today’s standard practice. He’s a giant. But he’s also a surprisingly soft-spoken, thoroughly engaging genius. He listened to me talk about myself: my life, my cases, what I was looking for in a firm.