David J. Wilks

David is a Partner in the Immigration Practice, where he concentrates on business immigration. He guides companies, nonprofit organizations, universities and entrepreneurs in preparing and submitting non-immigrant (temporary) and immigrant (permanent residence) petitions. David also assists foreign medical graduates in obtaining waivers and lawful status, as well as individuals in obtaining marriage-based permanent residence and U.S. citizenship.

David is an Elected Director for the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Board of Governors. AILA is the leading global professional organization for attorneys practicing American immigration law. He has regularly served on national committees for AILA.  

David is often a featured speaker at immigration conferences and has appeared on webinars, podcasts and radio shows where he discusses relevant issues in immigration law. He has also written various articles on assorted topics in immigration law. These articles have appeared in Benders’ Immigration Bulletin, ILW.com, the National Law Review and in various publications of AILA.

Prior to joining Hodgson Russ, David was Senior Counsel at Miller Mayer LLP in Ithaca, New York.

• Listed, Best Lawyers in America (Immigration) 2023
• Listed, Whos Who Legal Future Leaders, (Corporate Immigration) 2022

• Listed, Upstate New York Super Lawyers Rising Stars, (Immigration:Business) 2017 - 2021

• Joseph Minsky Young Lawyer Award, American Immigration Lawyers Association (2019)
•  Mark T. Kenmore, Mentor of the Year Award, American Immigration Lawyers Association, Upstate New York Chapter (2018)
•  William E. McKnight Volunteer Service Award, Volunteer Legal Services Project of Monroe County, Inc. (2012)

• Elected Director, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Board of Governors
• AILA National Bylaws Committee
• Monroe County Bar Association
• AILA Innovation and Technology Committee