David J. Wilks Elected Secretary of American Immigration Lawyers Association, Honored with President’s Commendation Award

Hodgson Russ is pleased to announce that David J. Wilks, a partner at the firm and co-leader of its Immigration Practice, has been elected Secretary of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). He is now a member of the organization’s Executive Committee.

Of his election Wilks said, "In my experience, AILA attorneys exemplify an extraordinary commitment to justice, marked by an unwavering dedication, deep compassion, and profound passion for their work. I hope to channel that spirit to foster a sense of true belonging among our members, and to ensure they have the support and resilience needed to thrive amid today’s challenging legal landscape."

In addition, for the second consecutive year, Wilks is a recipient of the AILA President’s Commendation Award. The award is, according to AILA, presented at the discretion of the outgoing AILA president to individuals who have contributed to the success of their presidential year.

Wilks has been involved with AILA for well over a decade, having just completed his second term as Elected Director for its Board of Governors. He regularly serves on national committees for the organization. In addition to twice receiving AILA’s Presidential Commendation (2024, 2025), Wilks was honored with the organization’s Joseph Minsky Young Lawyer Award (2019) and the Upstate New York Chapter’s Mark T. Kenmore Mentor of the Year Award (2018).

As part of his practice with Hodgson Russ, Wilks guides companies, nonprofit organizations, universities, and entrepreneurs in preparing and submitting non-immigrant (temporary) and immigrant (permanent residence) petitions. He has extensive experience with cross-border transfers into the U.S., assisting foreign medical graduates in obtaining waivers and lawful status, and individuals in obtaining marriage-based permanent residence and U.S. citizenship.

Further, Wilks is regularly honored for his work in Immigration Law by Lexology (Formerly Who’s Who Legal), Best Lawyers, and Upstate New York Super Lawyers.

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About Hodgson Russ LLP:

Hodgson Russ LLP is an Am Law 200, New York-based full-service law firm with more than 220 attorneys serving individuals, public companies, privately held businesses, governmental entities, and nonprofit institutions from its offices strategically placed in key markets along the east coast of the United States and Canada, from Toronto to Palm Beach, Florida. To learn more, visit www.hodgsonruss.com.

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