Lauren Aucoin is a Special Counsel in the Immigration Group, advising U.S. and multinational employers on complex employment-based immigration matters. With over 20 years of experience in immigration law, including 13 years in senior leadership roles at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), she brings clients unmatched insight into the inner workings of federal immigration law, policy, adjudications and agency operations.
During her tenure at USCIS, Lauren held several national leadership positions, overseeing key areas such as policy development, administrative appeals, and service center operations. She played a critical role in shaping policies and adjudication guidance across high-skilled visa categories, including H-1B, E-1/2, L-1, O-1, TN, EB-1, and EB-2/NIW, EB-3, and led teams responsible for ensuring consistency in decision-making across service centers and field offices. Lauren also oversaw case review and quality assurance functions, advised on regulatory implementation, and coordinated with other federal agencies on immigration integrity and compliance initiatives.
This government experience allows Lauren to provide clients with strategic counsel informed by a deep understanding of how immigration laws and policies are interpreted and applied in practice. She works closely with in-house legal and HR teams to design nonimmigrant visa and green card strategies, respond to complex agency inquiries, and maintain compliance in an evolving regulatory landscape. Lauren views clear, consistent and timely communication as the foundation of strong client partnerships and effective advocacy, prioritizing proactive updates, realistic timelines, and accessible guidance to keep clients aligned at every stage of the process.
Lauren advises clients across industries, including nonprofit organizations, technology, life sciences, higher education, and financial services, and is recognized for translating regulatory complexity into clear, actionable guidance.
Admissions
- Maryland
- Washington, D.C.
- Maryland Court of Appeals
Areas of Practice
- Immigration Law
Experience
- Duane Morris LLP
- Special Counsel, 2025-present - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Branch Chief, Office of Policy & Strategy, 2019-2025
- Branch Chief, Administrative Appeals Office, 2017-2019
- Supervisor, Administrative Appeals Office, 2014-2017
- Branch Chief, Service Center Operations Directorate, 2013-2014
- Adjudications Officer, Service Center Operations Directorate, 20212-2013
- Appeals Officer/Editor, Administrative Appeals Office, 2011-2012 - Duane Morris LLP
- Special Counsel, 2010-2011 - Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
- Associate, 2006-2010
Education
- University of Baltimore School of Law, J.D., 2005
Honors and Awards
- Pro Bono Attorney of the Year, Capital Area Immigrant Rights Coalition, 2007
Professional Activities
- American Immigration Lawyers Association
- U.S. Department of Labor Liaison Committee, 2008-2009
Selected Speaking Engagements
- Speaker, "H-1B Updates & Alternative Routes," Northbridge Webinar, October 23, 2025
- Speaker, "Navigating the H-1B Lottery: Understanding Exemptions for Employers Under the New H-1B Modernization Rule," Duane Morris LLP, Zoom Event, September 10, 2025
- Panel Presenter, "The DOL is Coming! The DOL is Coming!: No, It's Just the PERM Process, Part III," American Immigration Lawyers Association Annual Conference, National Harbor, Maryland, July 2010
- Panel Presenter, "PERM Basics," Washington, D.C. Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, 2008
Selected Publications
- Co-author, "How a Potential Government Shutdown Would Impact the U.S. Immigration Processes," Duane Morris Alert, September 30, 2025
- Co-author, "DHS Proposes Changes to H-1B Cap Registration Selection and H-1B Cap-Subject Petition Filing Process," Duane Morris Alert, September 25, 2025
- Co-author, "DHS Final Rule Significantly Expands USCIS Immigration Enforcement Authority," Duane Morris Alert, September 5, 2025
- Co-author, "Navigating the H-1B Cap: Understanding Exemptions for Nonprofit Organizations Under the 2025 H-1B Modernization Rule," Duane Morris Alert, August 29, 2025



