Shane F.T. Black, Nelson Xu, and Julia Johnson of Baumann, Xu & Black, LLC
Baumann, Xu & Black, LLC, a distinguished law firm situated in Hagatna, Guam, and an expert of U.S. Immigration Law and associated business matters. The firm, founded by Ladd A. Baumann, has been a pillar of the legal community in Guam since 1974, specializing in immigration and business law.
The legal team
Nelson J. Xu, partner, focuses on both business and family immigration practice. With over 20 years of legal experience and bilingual proficiency in English and Chinese, Mr. Xu has been a crucial asset in navigating the intricate landscape of U.S. Immigration Law. Admitted to practice law in both Guam and in the CNMI, Mr. Xu travels to the CNMI regularly to meet with our clients in the CNMI.
Shane F.T. Black, partner, joined in Fall 2010, contributing a diverse skill set extending beyond immigration and business matters to criminal law, family law, real property, and probate. A Guam native, Mr. Black had served as an Assistant Attorney General for the U.S. Territory of Guam before joining the firm in 2010.
Julia K. Johnson, associate attorney, focuses her practice in the areas of business, family, and particularly removal immigration law, with a minor focus on transactional and uncontested local court matters, including probate, uncontested divorce, and drafting of legal documents. Ms. Johnson worked as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Dana A. Gutierrez in the Superior Court of Guam before joining the firm in 2022.
Firm overview
The firm offers a comprehensive range of services covering U.S. immigration matters for individuals, families, and employers. From citizenship and naturalization to business entity formation, Baumann, Xu & Black, LLC caters to a diverse clientele that includes hotels, banks, construction companies, airlines and more.
Strategically located in Hagatna, Guam, the firm operates within the U.S. Territory, covering Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Their deep understanding of local regulations, policies, and procedures uniquely positions them to provide timely and accurate advice to clients navigating the U.S. immigration system.
Baumann, Xu & Black specializes in a wide array of immigration matters, covering employment-based and family-based immigration, removal or asylum cases, and business-immigration practices. The firm’s expertise extends to acquiring H-1b, H-2, and L-visa multinational intracompany transfers, among others. With a robust team of attorneys and experienced support staff, the firm ensures precise attention to detail and well-organized processing of cases, navigating the complex U.S. immigration system.
Partner Nelson Xu emphasizes the firm’s commitment to providing tailored services for clients seeking visas for spouses and green cards for family members. The firm offers a meticulous process, including a free consultation, document compilation with the help of experienced paralegals, thorough attorney review, and comprehensive one-on-one preparation meetings for client interviews. This hands-on approach ensures a smooth process for clients navigating their immigration cases.
Guam, being part of the Mariana Islands, presents unique challenges in immigration and business law. Mr. Xu sheds light on the region-specific rules and laws that necessitate consulting with a law firm familiar with the nuances of the area. Baumann, Xu & Black is actively expanding its presence in the CNMI to better serve clients, aiming to have more attorneys licensed and support staff located in the CNMI for enhanced client support.
In highlighting the firm’s effectiveness, Mr. Xu shares a recent success story related to the aftermath of Super Typhoon Mawar. The firm navigated time-sensitive immigration issues caused by the typhoon, successfully appealing adverse decisions despite the lack of guidance from the U.S. government regarding deadline extensions. The firm’s legal expertise combined with attorneys’ first-hand experiences played a crucial role in achieving positive outcomes for their clients.
What sets Baumann, Xu & Black apart is not only their legal prowess but also the diversity within their staff. With a mix of seasoned professionals and eager learners, the firm operates as a cohesive team, addressing nuanced immigration issues collectively. The attorneys’ unique backgrounds and experiences from the mainland U.S. provide a valuable perspective on U.S. law in the region.
Regarding legal strategies, Mr. Xu emphasizes the dynamic nature of immigration law and the firm’s advantage in operating as a collaborative entity. The constant discussion, information sharing, and input from multiple attorneys contribute to a more robust approach in developing legal strategies for new challenges. The firm’s accessibility, both via phone and email, along with regular in-person visits to the CNMI, ensures clients receive personalized attention and guidance throughout the legal process.
To avail their expert legal services, individuals can contact Baumann, Xu, and Black at 1-(671)-477-9084 or through their website. The team is dedicated to putting clients’ interests first, employing a collaborative approach to achieve the best possible outcomes in immigration cases.
