Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

M. Katharine Brunson

Dallas,TX

Summary

Strategic Immigration Operations Leader with 15+ years experience architecting and scaling US immigration programs for global enterprises. Expertise in streamlining complex processes and fortifying compliance by leveraging data-driven process improvements, cross-functional policy alignment, and technology-first solutions to accelerate talent mobility.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Senior Manager, Legal Operations

Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP
Dallas, TX
01.2024 - Current
  • Pioneered the Legal Operations Management Office as its founding employee to orchestrate the strategic oversight and advancement of all legal support operations.
  • Spearhead high-impact projects, implement innovative solutions utilizing Jira and Smartsheets, and serve as the principal advisor on operational excellence to executive leadership.
  • Scale successful operational models and best practices across diverse client portfolios, functioning as a PMO equivalent to optimize workforce engagement and resource allocation while consistently delivering projects under budget.
  • Analyze client-specific processes and trends to benchmark and implement firm-wide process standardizations, driving measurable efficiencies.
  • Drive monthly strategic reviews utilizing Power BI with Finance and Partners to optimize KPIs, refine forecasting models, and strategically align team composition with organizational objectives.
  • As the firm’s sole dedicated Senior Manager overseeing Legal Operations, direct and optimize all facets of legal operations, driving significant cost savings through strategic workforce planning and vendor management initiatives, directly contributing to the firm’s bottom line and operational efficiency.

Client Immigration Manager

Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP
Nashville, TN
12.2018 - 01.2024
  • Led a dedicated client team for Google, serving as expert consultants on US immigration requirements and best practices for their 19,000+ US visa holders.
  • Oversaw 33,000+ annual immigration queries via Salesforce, consistently exceeding resolution and CSAT targets.
  • Realized 40% efficiency improvements in query resolutions through strategic process standardization and template optimization.
  • Pioneered and implemented cross-border SOPs for expanded services including geoflex/remote work, split start, travel readiness, and FOW assessments, thereby establishing new operational standards during COVID-19.
  • Designed an impactful Salesforce taxonomy and reporting framework for the immigration program; tapped by Google’s VMO to drive UAT for People Ops dashboards and critical organizational taxonomy transitions.
  • Assumed global leadership role for BAL and Deloitte, managing all Salesforce feature requests to enhance front and back-end user experiences. Received specialized training and subsequently led training efforts for Google, BAL, and Deloitte teams, ensuring seamless operational continuity and robust data integrity.
  • Honored with BAL’s Exceptional Achievement Award for pivotal contributions in Google’s Salesforce migration.

Immigration Program Manager

Fragomen Del Rey Bernsen & Loewy LLP
Dallas, Texas
07.2016 - 12.2017
  • Led the design, implementation, and scaling of US immigration programs for diverse client portfolios, ensuring regulatory compliance and firm best practices.
  • Created and maintained comprehensive reporting systems to provide data-driven insights and inform strategic decision-making.

Supervising Paralegal

Fragomen Del Rey Bernsen & Loewy LLP
Dallas, TX
01.2014 - 07.2016
  • Oversaw daily US immigration service delivery, serving as the primary liaison and developing SOPs for streamlined workflows.
  • Implemented robust compliance reporting and benchmarking for 125+ clients in key sectors, ensuring operational excellence.

Team Manager

Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP
Dallas, TX
10.2013 - 01.2014
  • Led US immigration practice strategy as PERM subject matter expert, directing case workflows for 20+ paralegals and attorneys across Texas offices.
  • Designed and implemented robust reporting systems to ensure timely case initiation and client compliance by tracking case status, expirations, and eligibility.

Lead Paralegal

Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP
Dallas, TX
03.2011 - 10.2013
  • Managed caseload of non-immigrant and immigrant visa petitions, including H-1B, L-1, TN, E-2, PERM, I-140 (EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3), and I-485 applications.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX

Skills

  • Strategic Workforce Planning
  • Legal Operations & Optimization
  • Cross-Functional Partnership
  • Client-Centric Communication
  • Project & Program Management
  • Scaling Process Improvements
  • Risk Mitigation & Compliance
  • Strategic Thinking & Planning
  • Data Analytics
  • Salesforce
  • Google Suite
  • Microsoft Office

Certification

  • Global Mobility Specialist, Talent Management (Worldwide ERC)

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Senior Manager, Legal Operations

Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP
01.2024 - Current

Client Immigration Manager

Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP
12.2018 - 01.2024

Immigration Program Manager

Fragomen Del Rey Bernsen & Loewy LLP
07.2016 - 12.2017

Supervising Paralegal

Fragomen Del Rey Bernsen & Loewy LLP
01.2014 - 07.2016

Team Manager

Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP
10.2013 - 01.2014

Lead Paralegal

Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP
03.2011 - 10.2013

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Southern Methodist University

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