• Locations in Columbia, Charleston & Myrtle Beach

803-376-1203

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803-376-1203

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OUR TEAM

Who We Are

Immigration Law Firm Located In South Carolina

Lawrence J. Needle, P.A., is an immigration law firm with national and international expertise. The firm has three offices to better serve the many clients throughout the state, nation, and in foreign countries. The headquarters for the firm is located in Columbia, South Carolina with extension offices in Charleston and Myrtle Beach. Mr. Needle processes immigration matters at all U.S. immigration service centers as well as district and local immigration sub-offices.

Lawrence J. Needle, a graduate of both the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and Law Center, has more than twenty-five years of professional experience in immigration law, nationality law and employment law. Mr. Needle is an active member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and of the South Carolina State Bar Association. Mr. Needle has chaired the Immigration Law subsection of the Employment and Labor Law section of the South Carolina Bar Association, has served as Treasurer of the Carolinas Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, and speaks and writes extensively on immigration and employment issues.

Our Team

Lawrence J. Needle
IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY
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Stephanie Torrado
EMPLOYMENT PARALEGAL
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Stephanie Walrath
EMPLOYMENT PARALEGAL
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Alex Gaffud
LEGAL SECRETARY
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Elsy Mercado
IMMIGRATION PARALEGAL
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What Clients Are Saying
Simon M.
Simon M.
"It is really refreshing when you find an attorney that doesn't waste your time and money. I have worked with other immigration attorneys, but none of them have been as tentative and on top of the whole process. Mr. Needle and his assistant Rosemary eliminated all fears during my Citizenship process and gave me honest advice on when to file, very respectful and honest attorney."
Danko T.
Danko T.
"I've had the pleasure of working with Lawrence Needle's office on my immigration case. He and his staff are highly skilled, friendly, and dedicated to their clients. My case was handled competently and quickly. Highly recommended."
Melissa D.
Melissa D.
"It was a pleasure working with Lawrence J Needle PA, always there when we needed them . Staff was awesome and great to work with. They are the best in town. Highly recommend."
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Lawrence J. Needle, a graduate of both the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and Law Center, has more than twenty-five years of professional experience in immigration law, nationality law and employment law. Mr. Needle is an active member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and of the South Carolina State Bar Association. Mr. Needle has chaired the Immigration Law subsection of the Employment and Labor Law section of the South Carolina Bar Association, has served as Treasurer of the Carolinas Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, and speaks and writes extensively on immigration and employment issues. He represents a number of state agencies, hospitals and other medical facilities, universities, school districts, as well as private employers seeking to transfer employees from abroad or hire professional or skilled foreign nationals as employees here in the USA. Such representation includes all type of working visas, as well as green card sponsorship  (i.e., permanent residence).  In addition, he also provides immigration services for those seeking U.S. citizenship and those seeking to sponsor family members from abroad or within the United States.

Stephanie is a bilingual paralegal specializing in employment-based H-1B petitions. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Arizona Global Campus and has earned an immigration certification from the National Notary Association, which deepened her understanding of the immigration process. Originally from Puerto Rico, Stephanie became passionate about immigration law after recognizing the significant demand and the positive impact she could have on her community. In her free time, she enjoys arts and crafts and taking trips with her family.

Stephanie Walrath is our Paralegal Team Lead, responsible for the firm’s professional and employment-based immigration petitions, including H-1B Specialty Workers, Religious Workers, National Interest Waivers, Outstanding Researchers, International Company
Transfers. She also works with individual clients on sponsorship for permanent
residence, hardship waivers, and consular processing. She possesses a B.A. in Sociology
and History from Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC and an M.A. in Public
History from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. She has worked on behalf of
Lawrence J. Needle, PA since 2012 and enjoys the fulfilling work of helping
immigrant families achieve a sense of security and belonging in the United
States. She remains active with the Pittsburgh refugee community and is an advocate
for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers. 
Sarah joined our team as Legal Secretary in 2022, and is the firm’s administrative extraordinaire. Sarah obtained a B.A. in Creative Writing and a minor in Business Administration from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana and holds 5 years’ experience in administrative work and marketing. She has experience working with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities in various capacities and is actively learning American Sign Language. Sarah works closely with our clients, answering general immigration questions and maintaining open communication by providing case status updates and immigration documentation. On her free time, Sarah enjoys creative writing, learning about Psychology, and cooking.
Elsy Mercado joined our firm as the primary paralegal for the firm’s family-based immigration petitions and applications, to include marriage and fiancé petitions, visa and green card applications for parents and children, Deferred Action (DACA), naturalization, amongst other cases. She comes to us with over 6 years of legal experience, nearly all in immigration. Here at Lawrence J. Needle, PA., she works with clients closely throughout their immigration case. In addition to immigration, she also has experience with various other laws such as family and litigation. Native from Honduras, and brought to the United States as a child, she herself is a DACA recipient and advocate, fluent in Spanish, and a wonderful communicator with our clients who are primary Spanish speakers. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and traveling with her family.