Kelly D. Cobb
Experience
- International
“Kelly Cobb is recognized for her ability to advise blue-chip companies on their global mobility issues. She is notably adept at advising clients on issues arising from M&A and joint ventures. One source noted, 'Kelly gives us the attention we need and provides the best advice.'”
— Chambers USA Guide, 2023
Biography
Kelly D. Cobb is a partner in the Business Immigration & Compliance section of Jackson Walker’s Houston office. Kelly primarily focuses on U.S. corporate immigration law, including applications/petitions for all visa categories and paths to U.S. permanent residence and naturalization. She offers experienced counsel related to navigating the intricacies of ever-changing laws, regulations, and government processes in Immigration law.
She has more than 20 years of experience counseling clients in the development and implementation of strategic immigration policies and advising U.S. and international clients on immigration issues related to corporate restructuring, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and start-ups.
Kelly has in-depth experience working within Houston’s international energy sector, primarily focusing on large-volume corporate immigration, including management of both U.S. immigration and global migration. She has more than 20 years of experience counseling clients in U.S. Outer Continental Shelf compliance, particularly focusing on assisting international corporations in vessel exemptions, specialist work authorizations, crew member exemptions, and crew and specialist mobilization.
Education
B.A., Texas State University
J.D., South Texas College of Law Houston
Bar Admissions
Texas
Court Admissions
Supreme Court of Texas
- Representing U.S. and global corporations in obtaining work authorizations for entire vessel crew and specialists assigned to the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf
- Managing PERM labor certification programs for large engineering and information technology companies sponsoring their employees for permanent residence
- Advising U.S. and international clients on immigration implications for complex corporate restructuring
- Partnering with clients to proactively address the issues related to maintaining and deploying an international workforce
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Ranked for Immigration – Texas, 2006-2008, 2017-2024
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), Immigration Law, 2010-2021, 2025
- Recommended Attorney, Who’s Who Legal Corporate Immigration – USA Report, 2024
- Recommended Attorney, The Legal 500: United States (Legalese Ltd.), 2013
- “Texas Super Lawyer,” Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2009-2013
- Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers – Rising Stars by Thomson Reuters, 2005-2007
- Speaker, “Let’s Talk… Immigration, Employment, and Tax,” BABC Seminar (May 2024)
- Speaker, “H2-As & H2-Bs,” TexasBarCLE Course for Advanced Immigration Law (February 2024)
- Mentions, “New H-1B visa rule promises fairer play, but higher stakes,” TechTarget (February 2024)
- Author, “Employers Navigate Post-Pandemic Compliance and Regulatory Changes in a Shifting Immigration Landscape,” Texas Lawyer (September 2023)
- Author, “Hiring Foreign Professionals Could Help Alleviate U.S. Labor Shortage,” Texas Lawyer (September 2022)
- Panelist, “U.S. Business Immigration Virtual Roundtable,” Jackson Walker Webinar (September 2022)
- Speaker, “US Immigration & Global Migration: Managing a Global Workforce in a Post-Pandemic World,” Austin SHRM Annual Conference (August 2022)
- Speaker, “Redefining Success: Knowing What You Want, Why You Deserve It, and How to Get It”, The Women in Legal & Corporate Leadership Summit: Houston (March 2020)
- American Bar Association
- Houston Bar Association
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
- Texas Women Lawyers
- United Way Women’s Initiative
- United Way Young Leaders
- Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
- Tahirih Justice Center
- Women’s Business Alliance (WBA), Greater Houston Partnership
- Greater Houston Partnership, Business Resource Group–Business Beyond Borders
- The Women’s Resource of Greater Houston, Advisory Council
December 16, 2024
Newsletters
JW Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter – December 2024
View Jackson Walker’s December 2024 Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter, Perspectives.
August 23, 2024
Newsletters
JW Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter – August 2024
View Jackson Walker’s August 2024 Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter, Perspectives.
August 15, 2024
Attorney News
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Features 306 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2025 Edition, Including 9 “Lawyers of the Year” and 75 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 306 Jackson Walker attorneys across 81 specialty practice areas in its 2025 edition, including 9 Lawyers of the Year and 75 Ones to Watch. In this year’s guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (75 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (55 attorneys) and the addition of 27 attorneys as Best Lawyers.
June 6, 2024
Spotlight
Business Immigration & Compliance Partners Kelly Cobb and Sang Shin Recognized in Chambers USA Guide
Jackson Walker proudly announces the first-time ranking of the Business Immigration & Compliance practice in the Chambers USA Guide for 2024. In addition, Kelly Cobb and Sang Shin were recognized among the top attorneys in Texas in this area.
June 6, 2024
Spotlight
Chambers and Partners Releases 2024 USA Guide Featuring 67 Jackson Walker Attorneys and 23 Ranked Departments
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 67 attorneys and 23 departments for inclusion in the 2024 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys were ranked across 27 departments, with 3 attorneys listed among multiple areas, 8 ranked nationwide in their respective areas, and 15 recognized for the first time.
April 22, 2024
Attorney News
Who’s Who Legal Features Kelly Cobb in Corporate Immigration Report
Kelly Cobb was named among the highest-ranked lawyers in Who’s Who Legal’s Corporate Immigration – USA report. Notably, fewer than 50% of practitioners are listed as “Recommended” in the WWL: Corporate Immigration Report.
April 4, 2024
Speaking Engagements
Kelly Cobb and Scott Fiddler to Join Panel Discussing Updates in Immigration, Employment, and Tax
Jackson Walker Houston partners Kelly D. Cobb and G. Scott Fiddler are set to participate in a panel discussion titled “Empower your Business: Navigating Updates in Immigration, Employment, and Tax” on Wednesday, April 24, at the Jackson Walker Houston office.
January 30, 2024
Speaking Engagements
Kelly Cobb and Sang Shin to Present at 22nd Annual Advanced Immigration Law Course Hosted by TexasBarCLE
Jackson Walker partners Kelly Cobb and Sang Shin will present at the 22nd Annual Course for Advanced Immigration Law hosted by the TexasBarCLE.
January 25, 2024
Podcasts
Requirements for H1B Visa Renewal Pilot Program
JW Fast Takes Podcast | ~5 minutes
Kelly Cobb joins host Courtney White to discuss the newly established H1B Visa renewal pilot program by the U.S. Department of State. Kelly provides insights into the program, which aims to streamline the visa renewal process.
December 4, 2023
Newsletters
JW Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter – December 2023
View Jackson Walker’s December 2023 Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter, Perspectives.
Practice Experience
- Representing U.S. and global corporations in obtaining work authorizations for entire vessel crew and specialists assigned to the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf
- Managing PERM labor certification programs for large engineering and information technology companies sponsoring their employees for permanent residence
- Advising U.S. and international clients on immigration implications for complex corporate restructuring
- Partnering with clients to proactively address the issues related to maintaining and deploying an international workforce
Recognition & Accolades
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Ranked for Immigration – Texas, 2006-2008, 2017-2024
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), Immigration Law, 2010-2021, 2025
- Recommended Attorney, Who’s Who Legal Corporate Immigration – USA Report, 2024
- Recommended Attorney, The Legal 500: United States (Legalese Ltd.), 2013
- “Texas Super Lawyer,” Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2009-2013
- Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers – Rising Stars by Thomson Reuters, 2005-2007
Publications & Speeches
- Speaker, “Let’s Talk… Immigration, Employment, and Tax,” BABC Seminar (May 2024)
- Speaker, “H2-As & H2-Bs,” TexasBarCLE Course for Advanced Immigration Law (February 2024)
- Mentions, “New H-1B visa rule promises fairer play, but higher stakes,” TechTarget (February 2024)
- Author, “Employers Navigate Post-Pandemic Compliance and Regulatory Changes in a Shifting Immigration Landscape,” Texas Lawyer (September 2023)
- Author, “Hiring Foreign Professionals Could Help Alleviate U.S. Labor Shortage,” Texas Lawyer (September 2022)
- Panelist, “U.S. Business Immigration Virtual Roundtable,” Jackson Walker Webinar (September 2022)
- Speaker, “US Immigration & Global Migration: Managing a Global Workforce in a Post-Pandemic World,” Austin SHRM Annual Conference (August 2022)
- Speaker, “Redefining Success: Knowing What You Want, Why You Deserve It, and How to Get It”, The Women in Legal & Corporate Leadership Summit: Houston (March 2020)
Community Involvement
- American Bar Association
- Houston Bar Association
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
- Texas Women Lawyers
- United Way Women’s Initiative
- United Way Young Leaders
- Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
- Tahirih Justice Center
- Women’s Business Alliance (WBA), Greater Houston Partnership
- Greater Houston Partnership, Business Resource Group–Business Beyond Borders
- The Women’s Resource of Greater Houston, Advisory Council